The continent in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is filled with challenging choices that heavily influence the lives of major characters. Among these pivotal moments is the secondary quest Now or Never, which determines the ultimate fate of the mages in Novigrad. This mission also serves as the final opportunity for players to secure a long-term relationship with the powerful sorceress Triss Merigold.

Prerequisites and Starting the Quest

Before you can initiate this critical mission, you must complete the side quest titled A Matter of Life and Death. After assisting Triss with her immediate tasks, Radovid's increasing pressure on the city's magic users triggers the next phase. Geralt will receive a message indicating that the final evacuation planning is underway at her hideout.

Upon arriving at Triss's sanctuary, you will discover that the Witch Hunters have tightened their perimeter around the area. Players must deal with these immediate threats before helping the remaining mages coordinate their escape plans. Your choices during these initial conversations will establish the tone for the dangerous journey ahead.

Navigating the Sewers of Novigrad

The primary path to safety requires guiding the group through the treacherous underground sewer network beneath the city streets. This network is populated by aggressive swamp monsters and defensive creatures that require careful tactical preparation. Geralt must lead the way, clearing out paths while ensuring that the vulnerable mages remain safe from harm.

As you descend deeper into the darkness, you will encounter a challenging battle against a powerful Katakan vampire. Utilizing the Igni sign and applying vampire oil to your silver sword will significantly reduce the difficulty of this encounter. Once the beast is defeated, the path toward the harbor docks will finally become clear for the refugees.

Crucial Dialogue Choices and Romance Outcomes

The climax of the quest takes place at the harbor, where Sigismund Dijkstra has prepared a ship for the mages. As Triss prepares to board the vessel, Geralt faces a strict time-sensitive decision regarding their personal future together. To successfully romance the sorceress, you must explicitly ask her to stay and profess your love during the conversation.

If you choose alternative dialogue paths or remain emotionally distant, she will sail away to Kovir with the other mages. Allowing her to leave permanently alters the late-game narrative and leaves Geralt free to pursue other companion paths later. However, successfully convincing her to stay unlocks a private romantic scene before she temporarily departs for safety.

Long-Term Consequences on the Ending

Completing this mission successfully provides substantial ripple effects across the political landscape of the entire game world. Securing safety for the magic users shifts the balance of power within Novigrad and alters Radovid's immediate military focus. Additionally, your decision here locks in your romantic alignment, which heavily influences the epilogue details regarding Geralt's retirement.

Failing to help or choosing to ignore the quest completely will result in tragic outcomes for the local sorcerers. The game tracks these character alignments closely, proving that personal relationships dictate the historical path of the Northern Kingdoms. Balancing tactical combat with emotional intelligence ensures the best possible outcome for all characters involved.