CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has confirmed that The Witcher 4 will be the most immersive and ambitious entry in the series, with Ciri taking center stage as the next Witcher. This decision, according to CDPR, was always part of the plan. Read on to learn more about Ciri's evolution and Geralt's well-deserved retirement.
A New Era for the Witcher
Ciri's Inevitable Destiny
Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga and game director Sebastian Kalemba emphasized CDPR's commitment to exceeding expectations with The Witcher 4. Building on the successes of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the team aims to create the most immersive open-world Witcher experience yet. The Game Awards trailer showcased Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter, inheriting his mantle. Story director Tomasz Marchewka revealed that Ciri's role was envisioned from the outset, highlighting her complex character and rich storytelling potential.
While fans adore Ciri's formidable power in previous games, Mitręga hints at a shift. Ciri's abilities, while still impressive, appear somewhat less potent in the trailer. Mitręga cryptically mentions a significant intervening event, while Kalemba assures players the game will provide clear answers. Despite this, Ciri retains Geralt's influence, showcasing speed and agility while still reflecting her upbringing.
Geralt's Well-Earned Rest
With Ciri stepping into the role of Witcher, Geralt's time for a peaceful retirement has arrived. Andrzej Sapkowski's Rozdroże kruków (Raven's Crossing) reveals Geralt's birth year as 1211, placing him in his seventies, if not nearing eighty, by the time of The Witcher 4. While Witchers can live to 100, this revelation surprised many fans who previously estimated Geralt's age to be much higher.