CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has confirmed that The Witcher 4 will be the most immersive and ambitious entry in the series yet, with Ciri taking center stage as the next Witcher. This decision, according to CDPR, was planned from the outset. Read on for details on Ciri's evolution and Geralt's well-deserved retirement.
A New Era for Witchers
Ciri's Inevitable Destiny
Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga and game director Sebastian Kalemba emphasized CDPR's commitment to exceeding expectations with each game. Building on the successes of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Witcher 4 aims to deliver an unparalleled open-world experience. Story director Tomasz Marchewka explained that choosing Ciri as the protagonist was a natural progression, stating, "From the very beginning we knew it had to be Ciri – she's a very complex character, and there is so much to be told about her."
While fans adore Ciri's formidable abilities in previous games, Mitręga hints at a shift in her powers. The cinematic trailer showcases a slightly less "overpowered" Ciri, suggesting significant events transpired between The Witcher 3 and the new installment. Both Mitręga and Kalemba assure players that these changes will be fully explained within the game's narrative. Mitręga adds, "She's faster, more agile—but you can still tell that she was raised by Geralt, right?"
Geralt's Well-Earned Rest
With Ciri assuming the Witcher mantle, Geralt's days of monster hunting are over. According to author Andrzej Sapkowski, Geralt was 61 in The Witcher 3. Sapkowski's latest novel, Rozdroże kruków, confirms Geralt's birth year, placing him in his seventies or nearing eighty by the time of The Witcher 4. While Witcher lifespan can reach 100 years, this revelation surprised many fans who previously estimated Geralt to be much older.
This age is not unusual within Witcher lore, but it sets the stage for a new chapter, one where Geralt can finally enjoy a peaceful retirement. The passing of the torch to Ciri promises an exciting new era for the Witcher saga.
