The Witcher 4: Ambitious Sequel Unveiled

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 always part of the plan. Continue reading to learn more about 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 highlighted The Witcher 4's ambition in a recent interview with GamesRadar+. They aim to surpass the achievements of both Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, incorporating lessons learned from both projects. The game's cinematic trailer showcased Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter, stepping into her father's role as a Witcher. Story director Tomasz Marchewka explained that Ciri's prominence was a deliberate choice from the outset, given her complex character and rich potential for storytelling.

While fans adore Ciri's immense power in previous games, Mitręga hinted at a shift. She acknowledges Ciri was "totally overpowered" in The Witcher 3, but the trailer suggests a change. Mitręga cryptically mentions "something totally happened in-between," while Kalemba assures fans that the game will provide clear answers within its narrative. Despite this, Mitręga emphasizes that Ciri retains Geralt's influence, stating, "She's faster, more agile—but you can still tell that she was raised by Geralt, right?"

Geralt's Well-Earned Rest

With Ciri's ascension, Geralt's time in the spotlight appears to be over. At 61 in The Witcher 3 (as confirmed by author Andrzej Sapkowski), Geralt would be well into his seventies, if not nearing eighty, by the time The Witcher 4 unfolds. This aligns with Witcher lore, which suggests Witchers can live up to a hundred years, though survival to that age is not guaranteed. The revelation surprised many fans who previously estimated Geralt's age to be much higher. This new chapter promises an exciting shift in the series' narrative focus.