Witcher 4: Geralt Reportedly Not Returning as Main Character

While Geralt of Rivia will return in The Witcher 4, according to voice actor Doug Cockle, the iconic Witcher won't be the protagonist. The next installment will feature a new lead character.

Geralt's Return: A Supporting Role

A New Chapter, A New Hero

In a recent interview, Cockle hinted at a change in direction for the franchise. He couldn't reveal specifics, but confirmed Geralt's role will be secondary to the main narrative. "Witcher 4 has been announced. I can’t say anything about it. What we know is that Geralt will be part of the game," Cockle stated. "We just don’t know how much. And the game won’t focus on Geralt, so it’s not about him this time."

The identity of The Witcher 4's protagonist remains a secret. Cockle's admission that he's "excited to find out" further suggests a new character will take center stage.

Clues from the Teaser and Gwent

A Cat School medallion, visible in the Witcher 4 teaser trailer from two years ago (an Unreal Engine 5 demonstration), offers an intriguing possibility. While the School of the Cat was decimated before The Witcher 3, Gwent card game hints at surviving members: "As for those who were not present during the attack? They continue to roam the world’s ends—embittered, hungry for vengeance, with nothing left to lose…"

Another popular theory points to Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter, as the new protagonist. Supporting evidence includes her acquisition of a Cat School medallion in the books and the game's subtle use of a Cat medallion in place of Geralt's Wolf medallion during Ciri's gameplay segments in The Witcher 3.

Whether Ciri takes the lead with Geralt as a mentor figure (similar to Vesemir) or his involvement is limited to flashbacks or cameos remains to be seen.

The Witcher 4's Development: A Long-Term Project

According to Sebastian Kalemba, The Witcher 4's game director, the goal is to appeal to both newcomers and longtime fans. The game, codenamed Polaris, began development in 2023 and, as of October 2023, involved nearly half of CD Projekt Red's development team. This makes it the studio's largest project in terms of personnel.

Despite the substantial investment, a release date is still several years away. In October 2022, CEO Adam Kiciński suggested a three-year timeframe due to the project's ambitious scope and the development of new technology within Unreal Engine 5. For release date predictions, see the linked article.