Nearly a decade after The Witcher 3‘s debut, choosing Yennefer or Triss is still one of the most hotly debated topics among fans.

Alongside a relentless search for Ciri, constant monster slaying, and the weight of saving the Continent, Geralt of Rivia also grapples with a chaotic love life featuring Triss Merigold and Yennefer of Vengerberg.

Those are not the only contenders for Geralt’s hearth though, as several women cross paths with the famed monster hunter throughout the base game, along with the Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone DLCs. That said, only Triss and Yennefer offer Geralt the possibility of a long-term relationship.

The Witcher 3: Romancing Yennefer Or Triss

Choosing one of these characters as Geralt’s lifelong partner will lock you out of the other’s quest line. While this choice is significant for your journey as Geralt of Rivia, selecting either Yennefer or Triss in The Witcher 3 ultimately means forgoing a few quests.

It’s worth noting that Triss Merigold’s quest line is considerably shorte r, though. Additionally, it’s impossible to complete every side quest for both characters, as deepening your relationship with one will gradually close off opportunities with the other.

This guide will walk you through the steps to romancing Triss or Yennefer in The Witcher 3, outlining the pros and cons of romancing each character and why you should not court both women simultaneously, since that ends quite badly for Geralt.

Why Should You Choose Yennefer In The Witcher 3?

Yennefer of Vengerberg might seem cold and distant at first. But she and Geralt have a long history, and their tumultuous relationship is actually interwoven into the texture of The Witcher’s lore.

According to The Witcher books, by Andrzej Sapkowski, Yennefer is Geralt’s true and destined love, making her Geralt’s canonical romantic partner in The Witcher universe.

The game opens with Geralt searching for Yennefer, and his vivid descriptions of her scent and presence suggest that our Stoic monster slayer is still missing her despite breaking up on bad terms.

When the two cross paths in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s Lilac and Gooseberries quest, their reunion is brief and business-like, perfectly reflecting their complex relationship.

Despite their strained relationship and constant ups and downs, choosing Yennefer as Geralt’s romantic partner aligns better with the overall narrative of The Witcher 3. Since she is also searching for Ciri under orders from Nilfgaard’s emperor, Emhyr, Yennefer’s efforts naturally complement Geralt’s quest throughout the game.

Although Yennefer always seems cold and intense towards Geralt, she is also deeply in love with him. It’s easy to see that she still has feelings for Geralt when the witcher takes on dangerous quests and finds himself in dire situations.

How To Romance Yennefer In The Witcher 3?

Romancing Yennefer in The Witcher 3 requires you to choose the right dialogue options at critical moments. The same applies when it comes to dictating the finale of the base game.

Two of these key moments occur during The King is Dead – Long Live the King quest where you’re prompted to choose an outfit. You need to choose the option ”black and white.”
During their laboratory search and right after a brief combat encounter against an earth elemental, the room starts to gradually fill up with poisonous gas.
That’s where you’re prompted to either kiss Yennefer or simply comment on the dire situation. Kissing her, as you would have guessed, is a good idea to improve their relationship.
Another critical moment occurs during one of the best quests in The Witcher 3, No Place Like Home, where you need to decide to accompany Yennefer when she asks you before going to her room in Kaer Morhen.
Finally, in the quest The Last Wish, which is also the name of one of the best The Witcher books, you need to say to Yennefer that you love her even after removing the spell that had bound them for years.

You must complete the Ugly Baby main quest and collect Uma if you want Geralt to end up with Yennefer.

Why Should You Choose Triss In The Witcher 3?

Triss Merigold is one of the most important characters in both The Witcher universe andGeralt’s hectic love life. This lovely sorceress is also deeply in love with the monster slayer, and she is not afraid to show that through her straightforward and highly emotional language.

Although Geralt and Triss are not the canonical couple, Triss’ supportive and compassionate approach offers an entirely different romantic journey for Geralt. It is the opposite of his complex and thunderous relationship with Yennefer.

The quests, including Triss, may be a bit shorter than her cold counterpart, but she is still a strong contender for Geralt’s heart. Unlike Yen’s elusive affection, Triss always makes her heartfelt connection to Geralt present, and she even kisses her in front of the raven-haired sorceress.

Choosing Triss in The Witcher 3 feels like a fresh start for our tired monster hunter. After searching for Ciri, meddling with politics, and slaying beasts, Geralt desperately needs a new beginning. That’s why choosing Triss serves as a new beginning for Geralt.

How To Romance Triss In The Witcher?

Choosing Triss as Geralt’s romantic partner also requires you to complete her quests and make the right decisions at critical moments.

You need to complete The Play’s the Thing quest to unlock other quests that allow Geralt to pursue Triss in The Witcher 3.

The first encounter that will cement Geralt’s relationship with the fiery sorceress occurs in the A Matter of Life and Death quest. This fun quest has Geralt and Triss attend a masquerade, where you have the option to kiss Triss during the fireworks show.
Another quest critical to romancing Triss is Now or Never, in which the sorceress asks for Geralt’s assistance to evacuate her fellow mages from the city. While Triss also plans to escape with them, you can make Geralt confess his love for her and ask her to stay, which confirms their relationship.

Can You Romance Yennefer And Triss At The Same Time?

While it’s possible to romance Yennefer and Triss simultaneously, doing this will result in both women turning their backs on Geralt. Courting both of them simultaneously also puts Geralt in a hilarious situation, where he finds himself tied to a bed and ridiculed by Dandelion the bard.

There is no definitive best option for choosing Yennefer or Triss in The Witcher 3. While Geralt and Vengerberg’s raven-haired sorceress is the canonical couple, your journey as a Geralt of Rivia does not have to align with the source material.

But, in my book, Triss is better, anyway.