Witcher 3 Now Or Never Quest Walkthrough And Consequences

9 August 2026 | 63

The secondary quest Now or Never in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands as a pivotal moment for Geralt of Rivia within the city of Novigrad. This mission challenges players to aid Triss Merigold in smuggling the remaining mages out of the metropolis before the Witch Hunters capture them. Navigating this dangerous escape requires careful combat preparation and leaves a lasting impact on the game's overall narrative trajectory.

Navigating the Treacherous Novigrad Underground

To initiate the quest, Geralt must visit Triss at her hideout after completing the prior assignment titled A Matter of Life and Death. The duo quickly discovers that the local landlords are attempting to extort the fleeing mages, forcing an immediate confrontation to secure their path forward. From there, players must guide the vulnerable group down into the dangerous sewer network beneath the city streets.

The underground corridors are filled with aggressive monsters, including numerous Drowners and a formidable Katakan lurking in the dark tunnels. Geralt must utilize his silver sword, defensive Quen signs, and vampire oils to protect Triss and clear the exit route efficiently. Maintaining situational awareness during these tight underground skirmishes ensures the survival of the fleeing spellcasters.

The Dramatic Confrontation at the Docks

Upon successfully navigating the treacherous sewers, the group finally arrives at the Novigrad harbor where a rescue ship awaits their arrival. However, the relief is short-lived as a squad of Witch Hunters ambushes the party right outside the vessel. Players must defeat these fanatical soldiers quickly to ensure the evacuation proceeds without any further casualties.

Once the combat concludes, Sigismund Dijkstra appears to facilitate the final departure of the mages from the war-torn region. This moment forces a deeply emotional interaction between Geralt and Triss as she prepares to board the vessel. The choices made during this urgent conversation will permanently alter the nature of their relationship moving forward.

Romance Consequences and Global Aftermath

The most immediate consequence of this quest involves the romantic destiny of the legendary witcher. If players choose to confess their love and ask Triss to stay, she will step off the ship and commit to a future with Geralt. Conversely, letting her leave closes off her romance path completely, steering the narrative toward alternative companion options later in the story.

Beyond personal relationships, completing this mission triggers significant geopolitical changes across the Northern Realms. With the mages successfully evacuated, King Radovid turns his fanatical wrath toward other vulnerable populations remaining in Novigrad. This shifts the atmospheric tension in the city, making the streets even more dangerous for elves and dwarves alike.