7 Difficult RPG Choices That Completely Broke You

5. Murder The Children Or Nah? - Witcher 3

The Witcher 3, for all its sweeping, fantasy storytelling, had a bit of sadistic streak. Namely, it seemed to really enjoy torturing the player with horrific consequences for already difficult decisions. The Whispering Hillock mission - where Geralt has to decide whether to kill or release a potentially evil tree spirit - is one such choice.

This quest plays off an ingrained instinct we all have as RPG players. It always feels more natural, if you’re trying to follow a morally good path, to try and save, help, and otherwise aid those you meet. The game further subverts this by making the quest steps to release the tree spirit far more convoluted than just battering it with your swords. Having to go the extra mile makes it feel like the naturally correct path.

Geralt’s reward for this act of mercy? Some orphans get saved, sure. But you’ll also have to deal with the murder of an entire village, plus the suicide of the Bloody Baron. Or, you could take the other option, and let the orphans get eaten by the woods hags. Either way, you’re in for some grimdark.