Anyone who has been a fan of The Witcher long before the video games will know that Geralt's book canon love has always been Yennefer. It's just that The Witcher games' developers kept wedging Triss between the two until she became big enough to be a main character.
The first two games prominently featured Triss and Yennefer was absent. That's why it's not hard to feel a bond with her for longtime game fans or even for book and game fans. Needless to say, navigating the Yennefer book canon romance option is like walking on eggshells. So here's a list of actions to avoid doing in order not to earn the ice queen's ire, or she'll throw Geralt into a lake.
Updated on January 15, 2022, by Ritwik Mitra: The Witcher 3 is one of the most popular and beloved video games of all time, with its characters being one of the many aspects of the game that were universally praised across the board. The introduction of Yennefer was a big deal for fans of the games who were invested in the characters from the book as well. She definitely didn't disappoint with her maiden appearance in the games, and players who want Geralt to end up with her should definitely check out the following points to ensure that they know how kissing Triss affects your interactions with Yennefer, and the consequences of each interaction with Triss.
Can You Kiss Triss And Still End Up With Yennefer?
First off, let's answer the question at hand. Yes, you can kiss Triss, and you will not spurn your chance at a relationship with Yennefer. However, there are other things you can do that will ruin your chances with Yen, so keep the following points in mind if a relationship with Yennefer is something you're truly pining for.
With the two sorceresses, the point at which you'll become romantically intertwined is basically when you say "I love you." So, you can kiss Triss, but definitely don't tell her that you love her, because you'll lose Yennefer, and vice versa. After all, Geralt might be a player in the series, but there's only so much he can do to mess around with the feelings of both women before they're finally incensed by his manipulative nature.
For some reason, Yennefer only really cares if you get involved with Triss. You can become intimate with other female characters and even make a "visit" to the local brothels as many times as you want, and neither Yen nor Triss will seemingly care, or even know. Of course, given how Yennefer has had a penchant for having men other than Geralt visit, perhaps it's understandable why the raven-haired sorceress is fine with giving Geralt a free pass, as long as no feelings are involved.
This means that you won't face the wrath of either Yen or Triss for doing any of the following actions.
- Having a romantic tryst with Keira Metz
- Spending an evening with Madame Sasha
- Getting to know Jutta more closely
- Wooing Shani in the Hearts of Stone expansion
- Having a special moment with Syanna in the Blood and Wine expansion
- Visiting and engaging with the services of a brothel
Now, here are the things you should definitely avoid if you really want to end up with Yennefer by the end of the game.
Don't Ask Triss to Stay
No matter how cute, noble, sad, or brave Triss has become in the third game, Geralt (and the players) will have to resist the temptation if he plans to stick with Yennefer. That means not actively pursuing Triss, especially during one crucial scenario at the docks.
It's that part where Geralt has the option of asking Triss to stay, instead of leaving with the mages to Kovir. This interaction will lead to a bunch of dialogue choices that won't be favorable if you want to end up with Yennefer.
Whatever you do, don't tell Triss you love her. This will initiate a romantic relationship with her, locking you out of spending your golden years with Yen. Of course, you can always try to say the golden words to Yennefer regardless, but this will lead to Geralt being a loner by the end of the game.
Don't Attempt A Fling With Triss
Back in the early stages of the game, before certain patches and updates, Geralt could actually have a casual romp with Triss at the lighthouse with no commitment. This is all thanks to the option of saying "Let's try again" instead of an explicit profession of love.
Unfortunately, this has been patched out, and the "I love you" option is all that remains. From that point on, the most casual thing that Geralt can do with Triss in a Yennefer-only romance is that drunken Hollywood-level kiss at the party. Definitely don't try anything fresh with her outside of that, because somehow Yennefer will find out, and she won't be happy. It'll be a one-way journey to the curb if you push your luck, so don't.
Don't Forget Yennefer's Favorite Colors
Being a good lover, Geralt has to remember all the little details about Yennefer's personality, from her lilac and gooseberries scent to her favorite colors. Those would be black and white - she practically wears them on her skin.
Remembering that is not just for Yennefer but also for Geralt, especially when he's choosing what outfits to wear in the "The King is Dead – Long Live the King" banquet at Skellige. In choosing to wear black and white like Yennefer, Geralt gets a special reaction from her.
Don't wear any of the other options, because (for some reason), this is enough to potentially ruin a chance at wooing Yen. It might sound like an arbitrary reason, but Yennefer is particular about these details and her needs should be respected.
Don't Postpone the Impromptu Alone Time
It's pretty obvious when the game gives the opportunities and hints when a romantic "respite" is available between Yennefer and Geralt. The first time that will happen is in the same post-burial banquet at Skellige, where the two will take a famous detour.
The game gives Geralt a chance to be a bit daring and assertive - you'll need to take it if you want to solidify the Yennefer romance path. Besides, these two haven't seen each other in years, they deserve the alone time. The fact that it also leads to one of the most iconic moments in the game is definitely a huge positive too.
Don't Drink Too Much With Lambert and Eskel
While there are several ways to strengthen the bond with Yennefer in the game, there are certain actions Geralt can take which can weaken this bond too. A great example of this is spending too much time with the witcher bros of Kaer Morhen, which can lead to Yennefer getting angry at Geralt for ignoring her.
During the drinking session with Lambert, Eskel, and Yennefer, she breaks off from the gang and invites Geralt over to join her. It's up to you which you consider more fun, just don't expect Yennefer to be a good sport about an unfavorable decision.
Don't Use Amnesia as an Excuse
The first time Yennefer arrives at Kaer Morhen after so many years away, she immediately does a rather extreme home makeover... by tossing a bed in Geralt's room that has red hair on it. Geralt can confront her about this, but if he does, you need to make sure you make the right choices.
That is, answering only what Yennefer wants to hear. She certainly doesn't want to hear Geralt blaming the amnesia for having an affair with Triss. It's a good way to end up getting thrown into a cold lake. Yen is clearly not happy about the idea of Geralt sleeping with Triss, so it's best to tread lightly here while owning up to it.
Don't Be Greedy
It's a nice fantasy to be able to romance both Triss and Yennefer at the same time, but this isn't a Bioware game. There are consequences for Geralt's indecision and womanizing schemes toward the main characters.
Professing love for both Yennefer and Triss at the same time will eventually blow up in your face. The two women will eventually find out at the Kaer Morhen reunion and Geralt will get neither of them. There can only be one.
However, it's a fairly humorous cutscene if you decide to pursue both ladies. But, it's not that funny when you're left all alone with neither of your lady loves, which can lead to a disappointing ending... especially if you care about Geralt's happiness.
Don't Tell Yennefer the Djinn's Magic is Gone
One of the biggest quandaries of Geralt and Yennefer's relationship is how it might not be authentic at all due to a Djinn's wish that bound them eternally. Yennefer will then try to pursue another Djinn to dispel that very wish so that she can test whether the relationship actually had something concrete or just existed because of this magical wish.
Once that side quest is done, Yennefer will surprisingly depend on Geralt for an answer on whether to continue the romance or not. Of course, if you want to keep the flame going on between the two, avoid the "Sorry, but..." dialogue option because Yennefer's not the type to force it.
Don't Reject Yennefer's Proposal to Settle
After all the trials, tribulations, and intricate world events these lovers went through, it's understandable that both Geralt and Yennefer now want a peaceful life. Yennefer in particular, voices this out to Geralt before the final battle with the Wild Hunt.
She wants to live somewhere far away and quiet, has already made her plans, and wants Geralt to come with her. Geralt can refuse, but it's something that huge and personal for a person like Yennefer to just give up her lifestyle for someone. That doesn't happen often, so take it. Obviously, if you reject what Yen wants here, it won't bode well for your relationship with her, romantically.
Don't Be a Bad Father to Ciri
Last but not least, being a proper mentor and surrogate father to Ciri is something that Yennefer will surely appreciate. She will display some special reactions and interactions whenever Geralt provides emotional support for Ciri, especially during that time when she finds out that Avallac'h was racist.
Yennefer is almost as much a mother to Ciri as Geralt is a father. Yen is probably the only other person besides Geralt that cares for Ciri as much as he does, and she's even on the path to finding her before the game starts and Geralt can set his own search in motion.
This is part of why it's so important to be a good father and mentor for Ciri. While being a bad one will disappoint her, it's not just Ciri who's expecting the best for you.