For many gamers, the journey through The Witcher trilogy is less a sequence of isolated adventures and more an unfolding epic where choices echo across titles. One recurring question for players starting The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is how to seamlessly continue Geralt’s story if they didn’t play—or can’t import—their The Witcher 2 save. Fortunately, CD Projekt Red anticipated this situation, introducing the option to “simulate Witcher 2 save” so players can craft their backstory and influence the world of The Witcher 3.
Why Your Witcher 2 Decisions Matter in The Witcher 3
The Witcher franchise stands apart for its branching narratives and consequences that reverberate over time. The Witcher 2, released in 2011, was notable for its vastly divergent story paths and character outcomes. These decisions—from which characters live or die, to the fate of entire cities—directly impact The Witcher 3’s world state, dialogue, and even side quests.
A significant percentage of Witcher 3 players started their journey without an imported Witcher 2 save, especially after the game’s arrival on new platforms and consoles. Recognizing this, CD Projekt Red embedded a simulation system in The Witcher 3 for those playing on platforms without access to their old save files.
How the Simulated Witcher 2 Save Works
The In-Game Interview: Choices That Define Geralt’s Past
At the beginning of The Witcher 3, just before Geralt leaves White Orchard for Vizima, the player is presented with an opportunity to “simulate Witcher 2 save” if no authentic save is detected. When enabled, this triggers a special in-game conversation—an “interrogation” by Nilfgaardian agent Morvran Voorhis, who quizzes Geralt about key events from his prior adventures.
This sequence covers several pivotal Witcher 2 choices:
- Who did Geralt side with (Roche or Iorveth)?
- Did Geralt spare Aryan La Valette?
- What became of key characters like Letho, Sile de Tansarville, and Saskia?
- Did Geralt rescue Triss Merigold from Loc Muinne?
Each answer shapes The Witcher 3’s narrative landscape, toggling side quests, influencing in-game lore, and reintroducing or writing off major NPCs.
“One of the best features CD Projekt Red designed was the seamless integration of past choices—even for newcomers or those on different platforms. The simulated save means every player can tailor Geralt’s history, making each adventure feel personally unique.”
— RPG narrative analyst, Emma Hargrove
Impact of Simulated Choices
While the simulation doesn’t cover every minor side quest or subplot from The Witcher 2, it captures the branches that matter for Geralt’s relationships and the game’s political tensions. A few core impacts include:
- Encountering Letho: If you say Geralt spared Letho, he’ll appear in a Witcher 3 quest, offering a rich side storyline.
- Shaping Political Alliances: Your answers can influence support for Roche, Ves, and other returning allies.
- Personal Connections: The fate of Triss, Sile, and more can steer dialogue and certain questlines.
In essence, the simulation ensures new and returning players alike get meaningful continuity, even in a save-less environment.
Should You Simulate, Import, or Start Fresh?
Importing an Actual Save
Technically, on PC, importing a Witcher 2 save is straightforward if you played Witcher 2 on the same system. This method preserves every nuanced outcome, including side quest decisions and inventory details—but only a minority of console players have access to their old files.
Choosing Simulation for Most Flexibility
For newcomers and those on PlayStation, Xbox, or migrating systems, simulation is the best route. It provides agency and lets you customize Geralt’s backstory without needing to replay The Witcher 2. Many fans have found replaying the simulation scene on new playthroughs helps them see alternate branches of The Witcher 3, enhancing replay value.
Starting Without Simulation
Skipping the simulation defaults the world to a preset state, which may not reflect the player’s preferred version of Geralt. This “default” history has Geralt siding with Roche and sparing Letho, but may not align with fan-favorite outcomes.
Step-by-Step: How to Simulate Witcher 2 Save in The Witcher 3
- Launch The Witcher 3 and Start a New Game
- Select the Option to ‘Simulate Witcher 2 Save’ when prompted (typically after leaving White Orchard).
- During the Vizima audience scene, carefully answer Voorhis’s questions to reflect your desired past decisions.
- These choices are recorded and impact Geralt’s interactions, available quests, and references throughout the game.
Pro Tip for First-Time Players
If you’re new to the series or unfamiliar with which answers lead to specific outcomes, fan wikis and guides document each question and its consequences. Many experienced players recommend reviewing these resources if you’re aiming for particular NPC encounters or plotlines.
Real-World Example: Revisiting Witcher 3 on Next-Gen Consoles
Following the release of The Witcher 3’s next-gen update, there has been a renewed surge in new players and returning veterans. With limited ability to transfer saves from last-generation consoles or different storefronts (such as Steam to GOG), even long-time fans have found themselves using the simulation tool to recreate or slightly alter their past choices, allowing for a custom-tailored experience with enhanced graphics and DLCs.
Key Takeaways and Strategic Recommendations
Simulating a Witcher 2 save empowers players to steer the narrative in The Witcher 3 without technical complications or requiring prior gameplay. It reinforces the series’ reputation for flexible, consequence-driven storytelling while ensuring accessibility across platforms and generations. Whether you want to see how Geralt’s alliances play out differently, or you simply want to jump into Wild Hunt with a handcrafted backstory, simulation is the go-to method.
For players seeking full immersion, taking a few moments to consider your chosen answers can significantly enrich your journey through the Northern Realms.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t simulate a Witcher 2 save in The Witcher 3?
If you skip simulation, the game applies a default narrative with certain Witcher 2 outcomes pre-selected. You’ll miss out on customizing Geralt’s backstory, which could close off some quests or change character appearances later in the game.
Can I change my Witcher 2 choices after starting The Witcher 3?
Once you’ve completed the Morvran Voorhis interview, your choices are locked for that playthrough. To see different outcomes, you would need to start a new game and select alternate responses during simulation.
Are all Witcher 2 decisions reflected in the simulated save?
Only major story branches and character fates—such as sparing Letho or rescuing Triss—are included. Minor choices, side quests, or inventory details from The Witcher 2 do not carry over via simulation.
Is simulating a Witcher 2 save necessary for enjoying The Witcher 3?
No, but it enhances immersion, connection to returning characters, and can unlock additional content. Newcomers and veterans alike can enjoy Wild Hunt regardless, thanks to its robust storytelling.
Can I simulate Witcher 2 saves on all platforms?
Yes, every version of The Witcher 3 supports simulated saves, making it accessible for players on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch—even if they’ve never played The Witcher 2.
Will simulating the save affect achievements or trophies?
No, using the simulation feature won’t impact the availability of achievements or trophies in The Witcher 3. Your choices simply influence narrative and quest content.
