The Witcher 3 hides an unexpected Game of Thrones reference that perfectly captures CD Projekt Red’s attention to detail.

tyrion lannister, game of thrones and the witcher 3

When it comes to making an immersive open-world RPG, few developers can match CD Projekt Red’s attention to detail. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt isn’t just a masterclass in storytelling and world-building; it’s also a treasure trove of cleverly hidden references that would make even Dandelion’s jaw drop.

A scene from The Witcher 3 10th Anniversary video featuring various characters from the game. A true celebration of pop culture. | Image Credit: CD Projekt Red

While most players were busy chasing after Ciri or playing endless rounds of Gwent, the developers were having a field day sneaking in easter eggs that range from the obvious to the delightfully obscure. And speaking of obscure, there’s one particular reference that perfectly captures the studio’s knack for paying homage to other fantasy franchises.

Hidden away in a rather precarious location, there’s a tribute to Game of Thrones that’s so perfectly executed, it makes you wonder if Geralt somehow stumbled through a portal into Westeros.

A tale of two dwarves: When Westeros meets the Northern Realms

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the witcher 3 tavern scene

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Remember that nail-biting scene from Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 5, “The Wolf and the Lion”? The one where Tyrion Lannister finds himself unceremoniously tossed into the Eyrie’s infamous sky cells, courtesy of a rather paranoid Lysa Arryn? Well, it seems our favorite wine-loving dwarf has found his way into the world of The Witcher 3—though with significantly worse luck.

For those who need a refresher, the sky cells of the Eyrie are three-walled prison chambers carved directly into the mountainside. With sloping floors and that pesky fourth wall missing, they’re designed to torment prisoners with vertigo and exposure to the harsh mountain elements. It’s enough to make even the most stalwart prisoner consider taking a “flight” to freedom.

A scene from Game of Thrones Season 1 featuring Peter Dinklage's character Tyrion Lannister.“The most famous dwarf in the world” peeks out of his sky cell. | Image Credit: HBO

Now, picture that scene, but with a distinctly Witcher twist. Tucked away in what appears to be a rather grim recreation of these sky cells, players can stumble upon a scene that looks like it was ripped straight from HBO’s hit series. Only this time, instead of looking out over the Vale of Arryn, this particular cell offers a rather different view—one of the churning seas below.

The attention to detail is nothing short of remarkable. From the distinctive facial scars to the nobleman’s attire, this unfortunate soul bears an uncanny resemblance to Peter Dinklage‘s portrayal of Tyrion. It’s as if the Lannister Imp took a wrong turn at Casterly Rock and ended up in Skellige:

Unlike Tyrion’s eventual relief from the Eyrie, however, this particular dwarf seems to have met a far darker fate. It’s a grim reminder that in the world of The Witcher, happy endings are about as common as a sober Zoltan Chivay.

From past easter eggs to future promises

A scene from the recently unveiled The Witcher 4 trailer by CD Projekt Red.This time, the wait will be well worth it. | Image Credit: CD Projekt Red

The success of The Witcher 3 set an incredibly high bar for CD Projekt Red, though their journey hasn’t been without its share of complications. The rocky launch of Cyberpunk 2077 taught the studio some valuable lessons about managing expectations and delivering on promises—lessons they seem to have taken to heart.

Now, with the recent reveal of The Witcher 4 at The Game Awards, featuring Ciri as the protagonist, all eyes are on the studio once again. The pressure is on CD Projekt Red to deliver another masterpiece filled with the same level of detail and clever references that made its predecessor so special.

While we might have to wait a while before we can hunt for House of the Dragon references in the next installment, one thing’s for certain: CD Projekt Red‘s ability to weave pop culture references into their games without breaking immersion is second to none.

Whether it’s a dead ringer for Tyrion Lannister in a seaside cell or Geralt paying taxes and fines for in-game money glitches, these moments add an extra layer of charm to an already fantastic experience.

Have you stumbled upon any other clever Game of Thrones references in The Witcher 3? What other easter eggs would you like to see CD Projekt Red sneak into The Witcher 4? Share your discoveries and wishes in the comments below!