The Witcher 3 released almost five years back, but its impact can still be felt to this day — although due credit must be given to the Netflix series for bolstering the sales of the game even further and making it relevant once again. Regardless of the circumstances, only a game of the utmost quality would still be played frequently to this very day, and The Witcher 3 oozes quality out of every pore. The combat, graphics, story, lore — there's no element in the game that isn't excellent.
One major aspect of the game that contributes to its quality is the characters, all of whom have carved their way into our hearts in some way or other. Ciri is a major standout in this regard, with her solitary appearance in the games also somehow being the most memorable ones of the lot. In fact, there are moments in the game when she overshadows Geralt in terms of sheer badassery. Here are ten such moments that go to show just how much of a trooper Ciri actually is.
10 Teleporting Around Like It's No One's Business
For someone who is still somewhat clueless when it comes to her powers, it's incredible to see how Ciri comes into her own and slowly masters the power afforded to her by the Elder Blood.
This makes controlling her an absolute blast. Teleporting around like no one's business and slashing enemies left and right is easily one of the most satisfying moments in video games.
9 Evading The Clutches Of The Wild Hunt Time And Time Again
For someone who has never been on her own for extended periods of time, it must be said that Ciri has done an admirable job of holding her own against a seemingly insurmountable force like the Wild Hunt.
This must've been extremely challenging, especially given the fact that the Wild Hunt could sense her if she teleported — something that had become almost second nature for her. To survive without falling into the clutches of this foe is no easy task, and Ciri should be commended for accomplishing the same.
8 Risking Her Own Life To Rescue Dudu
Ciri is so stranger to putting her own life down to rescue others. A prime example of this can be seen in Whoreson Junior's house, where she risks life and limb to help Dudu escape... and almost eats a crossbow bolt in the face as a result.
Thankfully, Dandelion provided enough of a distraction for Ciri to teleport to safety, although this did come at the cost of the Wild Hunt sensing her presence — something we've already discussed above.
7 Ciri And Triss' Double Team Attack
The Battle of Kaer Morhen is one of the most epic moments in the entirety of The Witcher 3, serving as a cumulation of everything Geralt had done over the course of the three games as both new and old characters came together for what they assumed would be a final stand.
One of the coolest moments during this battle came when Ciri was disarmed by a soldier of the Wild Hunt, only for Triss to grab the sword in midair, turn it white-hot, and send it through the soldier. Ciri decided to settle for some sweet payback by grabbing the embedded sword and showing the soldier down the cliff.
6 Coming To Eskel's Rescue And Owning Caranthir
Of course, the story of Kaer Morhen's battle doesn't end here. Another impressive moment comes when Eskel is struggling against Caranthir... only to receive some much-needed aid when Ciri uses her teleportation to gain the upper hand against the navigator.
This is made all the more epic given the fact that Eskel was actually fighting on even ground against Caranthir before the latter used his teleportation powers to gain the upper hand. When Ciri does the same, she responds by saying, "See? I can do it too." Cue goosebumps.
5 Letting Loose The Full Power Of The Elder Blood In A Fit Of Rage
The Battle of Kaer Morhen has an incredibly sad conclusion, with Vesemir falling at the hands of Imlerith. Witnessing such an important figure in her life fall in front of her sends Ciri into a rage, who lets loose the dormant power of the Elder Blood in a psychic blast that destroys the entire force of the Wild Hunt.
The only person who even tries to brave this blast to capture Ciri at all costs is Eredin, which turns out to be a foolhardy endeavor. This turns out to be a fool's errand, and Caranthir whisks him away before he permanently harms himself.
4 Taking On The Three Crones All By Herself
The events that follow the Battle Of Kaer Morhen involve both Geralt and Ciri splitting up as they fight Imlerith and The Three Crones, respectively. One might argue that the latter is more of an impressive feat since Ciri did ultimately take on Whispess, Brewess, and Weavess single-handedly.
If that wasn't badass enough as is, Ciri also manages to kill two of the Crones, and the third one would've also been added to the list had she not been crafty and faked her own death.
3 Weakening Caranthir
The final showdown against Caranthir could've ended on a poor note, since the navigator used his powers to freeze Geralt and Co. in their tracks. However, Ciri managed to break free from this state and used her powers to fight Caranthir, weaken him, and also destroy the orb that had frozen everyone.
Had it not been for Ciri's intermission, Geralt would've never been afforded the opportunity to fight against Caranthir on equal ground.
2 Defeating The White Frost
The White Frost is meant to be a cataclysmic event that lays waste to anything and everything in its path. So, to see that Ciri actually had the power to defeat this imposing force once and for all goes to show just how powerful she actually is.
While the exact details of how she managed to overpower something so powerful is quite hazy, it doesn't take away from Ciri's massive achievement at all.
1 Taking The Responsibility Of Being An Empress In Stride
While the ending where Ciri becomes an Empress might seem somewhat depressing at first glance, the fact of the matter is that it's pretty much a requirement, especially since Nilfgaard needs someone reliable in charge of the Empire.
So, while it might not seem like an overtly badass moment, the fact that Ciri decided to forsake her personal happiness for the greater good should be given due credit. Not many people in her shoes would've opted for the selfless choice.