Help Anisse And Berthold Or Not Quest Choices And Outcomes

In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the pivotal side quest titled Now or Never presents players with a crucial dilemma during the mage evacuation from Novigrad. Geralt must decide whether to help Triss Merigold rescue two trapped mages, Anisse and Berthold, or proceed directly to the hideout at the Kingfisher Inn. This decision directly impacts the lives of multiple non-player characters and shapes the narrative during this dramatic chapter of the game.

Choosing to Help Anisse and Berthold

If Geralt agrees to assist Triss in rescuing the young mage couple, you will travel to their hiding location in Novigrad. Upon arriving, you must defend them from ambient threats and witch hunter forces before guiding them back safely. While this choice saves both Anisse and Berthold, the time spent away results in the tragic death of Olivier, the innkeeper at the Kingfisher Inn.

Skipping the Rescue and Going Straight to the Inn

Alternatively, Geralt can convince Triss that there is no time to spare and head immediately to the Kingfisher Inn. By choosing this path, you secure the safety of Olivier, who remains alive to assist the group. However, choosing to bypass the rescue attempt normally leads to the deaths of Anisse and Berthold at the hands of witch hunters.

Impact on Character Romances and Future Quests

Your choice regarding the mages influences the mood of the evacuation effort, but it is not the sole factor determining Geralt's romance with Triss. Players interested in romantic storylines should focus on expressing their feelings during the final moments at the docks regardless of which rescue route they choose. For players looking for optimal story paths, examining the choice to help Anisse and Berthold or not quest choices and outcomes can clarify how each option alters NPC survival.

Long-Term Consequences for Novigrad

Completing this quest facilitates the escape of Novigrad's magical population, which permanently alters the city's atmospheric dynamic. Once the mages have fled, witch hunters direct their hostility toward non-human residents like elves and dwarves. Deciding whether to save individual lives or prioritize immediate group safety remains one of the game's classic moral tradeoffs.