Convincing Sigismund Dijkstra to support you in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the more complex steps in the game’s late stages, particularly in the Brothers in Arms questline. Unlike other allies who may join Geralt more easily, Dijkstra’s help comes with strings attached. He is a former spymaster with his own motivations and long-term plans for the future of the North. Knowing how to get Dijkstra to help you can significantly influence the political and military landscape of the game’s final acts.
Where Dijkstra Stands in the War
His Political Goals
Dijkstra, the former head of Redanian Intelligence, is a cunning strategist who aims to restore Redania’s dominance by removing Radovid from power. Unlike other leaders in The Witcher 3, he sees the war as a game of influence and strategy rather than brute strength. His willingness to cooperate with Geralt depends entirely on whether your actions align with his long-term vision.
Relation to Geralt
While not necessarily a friend, Dijkstra respects Geralt’s talents and intelligence. Their relationship is marked by mutual benefit, not loyalty. This dynamic is important when trying to secure his aid he must feel it serves his goals, not just yours.
Initiating the Brothers in Arms Quest
Quest Overview
Brothers in Arms is a multipart quest triggered during Act II of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. In this quest, you are tasked with gathering allies to help in the upcoming battle at Kaer Morhen. Dijkstra represents one of several possible supporters. However, getting him to help isn’t as simple as just asking nicely.
Finding Dijkstra
To locate Dijkstra, head to the Passiflora in Novigrad. He often meets Geralt here or in his hideout beneath the bathhouse. The conversation will eventually shift to whether he will commit Redanian support to the battle.
Requirements to Gain Dijkstra’s Support
Complete the Main Novigrad Plotline
Before Dijkstra will consider helping, you must complete several critical main quests in Novigrad. These include:
- Count Reuven’s Treasure where Geralt first meets Dijkstra
- A Matter of Life and Death advancing the story with Triss
- Now or Never where Triss leaves or stays based on your choices
- Redania’s Most Wanted important for the assassination plot
Help in the Assassination of Radovid
One of the most important quests tied to Dijkstra’s allegiance is the effort to eliminate King Radovid. This begins with the quest A Deadly Plot, which leads to Blindingly Obvious. In these quests, Dijkstra and other powerful figures (like Vernon Roche) plot to kill Radovid, who has grown dangerously erratic. Dijkstra will only help at Kaer Morhen if Geralt assists in these efforts.
Choose the Right Dialogue Options
Your conversation choices with Dijkstra carry significant weight. Always lean into options that suggest pragmatism, understanding of the bigger picture, and shared interests. If Geralt appears too idealistic or unwilling to compromise, Dijkstra might decide he’s not worth investing in.
How to Handle Blindingly Obvious
Stay Aligned With Dijkstra
In Blindingly Obvious, Dijkstra expects you to support the assassination plan. If you show signs of hesitance or moralizing too much, it can reduce his trust in you. Make sure to stay neutral or supportive until the plan is set in motion.
Accept Roche and Philippa’s Involvement
Eventually, you’ll be forced to choose sides. After Radovid’s death, Dijkstra wants to take full control, even suggesting eliminating his co-conspirators, including Vernon Roche and Philippa Eilhart. If you side with them instead of Dijkstra at this moment, you will lose his support permanently.
What Happens If You Support Roche?
If you choose to help Roche and oppose Dijkstra during his attempted power grab, it leads to a fight where Dijkstra is killed. This will lock you out of gaining his military support at Kaer Morhen, though you’ll retain other allies. It’s a moral choice, but one with clear consequences for your strength in the final battle.
Benefits of Gaining Dijkstra’s Support
Additional Forces at Kaer Morhen
With Dijkstra’s support, you receive a boost in manpower and strategy. Redanian soldiers are among the best-trained, and their presence can make the difference in certain fight outcomes during the Battle of Kaer Morhen.
Unlocks Unique Dialogues and Outcomes
Having Dijkstra on your side can also unlock extra lines of dialogue and change the tone of political developments in the game. This may not affect the ending directly, but it enriches the game’s world-building and gives weight to your political choices.
Alternate Paths and Missed Opportunities
If You Skip the Radovid Plot
If you avoid or ignore the assassination subplot, Dijkstra will never offer help. He’s laser-focused on defeating Radovid and won’t bother with Kaer Morhen’s troubles if that mission is incomplete. Players who rush through the game without finishing side content often miss this entirely.
Consequences of Killing Dijkstra
Should you oppose Dijkstra after Radovid’s death, his death is immediate and final. Not only does this remove a powerful player from the board, but it also denies you a strategic ally in later events. On the other hand, helping Roche may feel more just and emotionally satisfying.
Role of Previous Decisions
Triss Merigold’s Influence
While not directly tied to Dijkstra, your handling of Triss in Novigrad can affect the political landscape. A strong Triss storyline can give Geralt additional leverage and credibility when dealing with Redanian factions. If Triss leaves Novigrad early, you may find Dijkstra less cooperative overall.
Timing Is Crucial
The best way to ensure you gain Dijkstra’s help is to approach his subplot early and see it through before the Kaer Morhen planning begins. If you reach Act II without having advanced the Radovid plot, you may miss your window entirely.
Getting Dijkstra to help in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt requires deliberate choices and attention to detail. You must engage fully with the Novigrad storylines, assist in the assassination of Radovid, and choose to support Dijkstra in his power play against Roche and Philippa. While morally gray, this path ensures you gain one of the most strategic minds and military forces available for the battle at Kaer Morhen. Missing this opportunity can significantly impact your strength going forward, making this subplot one of the most important in the game. Choose wisely, and Dijkstra can become a valuable if dangerous ally in your fight against the Wild Hunt.