Updated September 20, 2024, by Christopher Norman Worcester: Romance options in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt continue to be some of the most searched topics. Because of this, it is important that we keep these guides up-to-date, especially when The Witcher 3 has important events, such as being added to PS Plus. This update will ensure our Witcher 3 Shani Romance guide is continuing to offer players the best possible information.

The Hearts of Stone expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers Geralt of Rivia a considerable amount of new content to experience, including the opportunity for consequence-free romance. Players may remember that Geralt was forced to commit to only one formal relationship in the base game lest he ends up alone.

Romance in the Hearts of Stone expansion is treated as separate from the main story, giving Geralt the opportunity to have a bit of fun on his new mission without being scared that Yennefer or Triss may find out. With no chance of romancing Anna Henrietta in Blood & Wine, this expansion marks the only time this is possible.

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Witcher 3 Shani Romance Guide: A New Option

Shani's Necklace in The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Hearts of Stone Expansion
Shani’s Necklace in The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt – Hearts of Stone Expansion

Hearts of Stone introduces Shani, a surgeon who has ties to Geralt's past, into The Witcher 3. She serves as Geralt's steadfast companion for a large portion of the main narrative, planting several hints that the coals from the past are still burning. From the moment that you meet Shani, it is apparent she and Geralt have history, but turning that history into a current-day romance for Geralt takes a bit of magic, and the help of a seriously suave ghost.

To romance Shani in The Witcher 3, Geralt should follow these steps:

  • Complete the main Hearts of Stone narrative up to "Dead Man's Party."
  • Attend the wedding as Volodimir.
  • Near the end of the wedding, complete "A Midnight Clear."

Shani's romance options are limited to a one-night only tryst. However, this is one instance where Yennefer or Triss will not find out about Geralt's indescretion, so feel free to pursue the fleeting romance with Shani.

Shani And The Dead Man's Party

Shani and Geralt in boat in The Witcher 3 - Hearts of Stone Expansion
Shani and Geralt in boat in The Witcher 3 – Hearts of Stone Expansion

To set Geralt down the path toward romancing Shani, he must be ready to accept the "Dead Man's Party" mission. Unlike the two main relationships in the base game, this romance will take place during a main mission. The party being referenced in the title of the mission is the wedding of a close friend of Shani's. This coincides perfectly with Geralt's goal of showing the ghost of Volodimir Von Everic a good time.

Geralt attends the wedding while being inhabited by the spirit of Volodimir, and it is in this form that the first steps toward romance are taken. Though Shani is aware of the arrangement, she spends the entire party expressing her desire to know Geralt's feelings, often showing concern that any affection is coming solely from Volodimir. While no actions as Volodimir will affect the outcome of the romance, there are several choices that can enhance the experience. As the evening draws to a close, the opportunity for romance becomes available.

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Romance Shani: A Midnight Clear

Witcher 3 - Geralt and Shani at the wedding

Eventually, Volodimir is banished from Geralt's body, though Volodimir's constant harassment and Geralt's seeming indifference have left Shani in a sad state. When "A Midnight Clear" begins, Geralt is tasked with finding something to cheer her up. Earlier in the evening, Shani tells Geralt how much she enjoys Rowan trees. This information is also available in Shani's character entry.

Complete A Midnight Clear:

  • Using Geralt's witcher senses, look for the Rowan tree in the courtyard.
  • There are several items to find, though the Rowan seems best.
  • Bring the item to Shani.
  • A dialogue will begin; choose "You've got me" and "Kiss sure didn't sate me."

This will lead to Shani inviting Geralt for a walk. There is one further dialogue choice here, but its outcome does not affect the romance and is better left unspoiled! Geralt and Shani spend the evening together, a single night away from the rest of the world. They will speak again in the morning, but Shani explains that she is needed at the front. The romance ends as quickly as it began. While the romance seems to have more depth than some of the other one-night stands, this relationship is similar to Kiera's in that it will not affect your outcome with Yennefer or Triss. Though it seems that even TV Geralt prefers Yennefer, Shani's romance is a well-deserved distraction for a world-weary witcher.

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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Tag Page Cover Art
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Top Critic Avg: 93 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
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Released
May 19, 2015
ESRB
M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content
Developer(s)
CD Projekt Red
Publisher(s)
CD Projekt Red
Engine
REDengine 3
Cross-Platform Play
yes
Cross Save
yes
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Franchise
The Witcher
Steam Deck Compatibility
verified
Genre(s)
RPG, Action, Adventure
How Long To Beat
52 Hours
X|S Optimized
yes
PS Plus Availability
N/A