The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is built around more than just monster contracts and swordplay. Its strength lies in a world populated by deeply layered characters whose choices, alliances, and betrayals shape every corner of the Northern Kingdoms. While Geralt of Rivia stands at the centre, his path is shaped by a cast of allies, enemies, and morally ambiguous figures, each with their own stake in the unfolding chaos.
Not all characters carry equal weight. Some alter the course of kingdoms, while others leave a more personal mark on Geralt and Ciri. This ranking focuses on the characters whose actions, presence, or influence ripple far beyond their screen time. Whether through politics, prophecy, or personal cost, these are the figures who shaped the outcome of The Witcher 3 the most.
15. Keira Metz
Keira’s role appears minor at first, but her questline ties directly to key threads involving the Wild Hunt and the Mage’s fate post-Lodge. Whether she dies, flees, or survives with Radovid shapes part of the political chaos unfolding in the background.
14. Lambert
Blunt and confrontational, Lambert’s presence reinforces Kaer Morhen’s brotherhood. His personal mission reveals old grudges and adds emotional weight during the defence of the keep, though his broader influence is limited.
13. Triss Merigold
Her impact depends on player choice. If Geralt sides with Triss romantically, she shapes the ending and provides deep insight into the Lodge and Nilfgaardian opposition in Novigrad. Without that, her role, while heartfelt, stays relatively confined.
12. Baron Phillip Strenger (The Bloody Baron)
The Baron is the face of Velen’s moral complexity. His tragic storyline around domestic abuse and the Crones offers one of the game’s most grounded and gut-wrenching arcs. His fate also determines stability in the region.
11. Emhyr var Emreis
As Emperor of Nilfgaard and Ciri’s father, Emhyr’s presence looms over the war and the political backdrop. His decisions influence the game’s conclusion depending on Ciri’s fate, though his screen time remains limited.
10. Eredin
As the main antagonist, Eredin should be more impactful. His presence is threatening, and his role in chasing Ciri across worlds sets the stakes. However, his character lacks the depth seen in others, and his final confrontation feels rushed.
9. Yennefer of Vengerberg
Yennefer’s strength lies in her long-standing connection to both Geralt and Ciri. Her arc explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and ambition. Her impact varies depending on Geralt’s romantic choices, but her determination and actions often steer the story forward.
8. Dijkstra
A master manipulator and former spymaster, Dijkstra plays a key role in shaping Novigrad’s political future. He challenges Geralt’s principles and offers a more pragmatic, ruthless view of power. His fate ties into the outcome of Redania’s leadership.
7. Zoltan Chivay
Zoltan offers more than comic relief. He provides shelter, resources, and critical support throughout the Novigrad arc. His loyalty and friendship often ground Geralt when other relationships become strained or uncertain.
6. Gaunter O’Dimm
In Hearts of Stone, O’Dimm is a terrifying blend of myth and menace. His manipulation of Olgierd and ability to twist fate establishes him as one of the most memorable forces in the game, though he’s confined to the expansion.
5. Olgierd von Everec
Cursed with immortality and haunted by his choices, Olgierd presents a tragic, layered character. His story in Hearts of Stone gives Geralt a rare philosophical dilemma with long-reaching consequences and moral ambiguity.
4. Avallac’h
As Ciri’s reluctant guardian and a powerful elven sage, Avallac’h provides key magical support. His intentions remain in question for much of the story, and his manipulation plays a subtle but critical role in how the narrative unfolds.
3. Ciri
The heart of the game. Ciri’s journey, power, and emotional weight shape almost every major decision. Whether she becomes Empress, a witcher, or vanishes depends heavily on how the player treats her across pivotal moments. Her influence is both personal and political.
2. Geralt of Rivia
While the player controls him, Geralt remains a fully realised character. His motivations, loyalties, and decisions drive the game’s tone. He acts as the bridge between chaos and purpose, balancing emotion with duty. His legacy is shaped by how the player honours or twists his code.
1. The Crones of Crookback Bog
As a trio, the Crones symbolise everything twisted and ancient in Velen. They affect major characters from the Baron to Ciri, influence regional outcomes, and encapsulate the tone of The Witcher 3 better than any other force. Their blend of folklore, horror, and agency cements them as the most enduring figures in the game.
The Seven Swords takeaway
The Witcher 3 succeeds not just because of Geralt’s journey, but because the characters surrounding him are unpredictable, flawed, and steeped in consequence. Some guide him, others haunt him, but all leave their mark.
