The Witcher 3 could have featured a simply extraordinary quest that would have changed many aspects of the endgame. Explanations and details.
Modders continue to delve into the secrets of The Witcher 3and this time their discovery is particularly fascinating. An abandoned version of the quest “Through time and space” would have allowed Geralt and Avallac'h to visit Night City, the universe of Cyberpunk 2077. This alternative scenario was presented long before the release of Cyberpunkshows that CD Projekt Red was already exploring connections between its two flagship franchises.
A completely different version of the quest in The Witcher 3
In the final game, Across Time and Space is a quest where Geralt travels between multiple dimensions to pursue the Wild Hunt. He traverses fascinating places, such as a desert once covered by a conscious ocean, a toxic swamp, or even a world frozen by the White Frost. But in this first version, Geralt and Avallac'h found their first portal in a Redian garrison and not in Novigrad. One of their stops? Night city.
The datamined dialogue provides an overview of their reactions to this futuristic megalopolis:
Geralt: “What…what is this?” The afterlife? »
Avallac'h: “No. Just another reality traversed by the Spiral… Technologically advanced but broken. Die. »
Geralt: “It’s disgusting. This smell, this noise… How can we live here? »
Avallac'h: “You should know that. This world is inhabited by humans, not elves. »
This version of the quest dates back to 2012, before the first trailer was released Cyberpunk 2077. At this point, CD Projekt Red was already planning to connect its two universes. One of the most interesting details? A scene where Geralt gave Novigrad coins to a beggar in Night City. This character would then reappear rich and wealthy in Cyberpunk 2077. A mischievous idea that would have given fans of the two franchises a noticeable wink.
Finally, this explicit version of the connection between The Witcher et Cyberpunk was not preserved. CD Projekt Red preferred a more discreet approach. For example, puzzles in Cyberpunk 2077 relate to secrets hidden in The Witcher 3. This subtle choice allows for a shared multiverse to be created without breaking player immersion.
In retrospect, this sobriety seems wise. A scene in which Geralt loudly criticizes Night City might not fit the tone of the two games. Instead, hidden winks arouse fans' curiosity and strengthen their desire to discover.
Source: What is Invisible, Volume 1
