CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has announced that The Witcher 4 will be the most immersive and ambitious entry in the series yet, with Ciri taking center stage as the new Witcher. This decision, according to CDPR, was planned from the outset. Read on to learn more about Ciri's journey 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, they aim to deliver an unparalleled open-world experience in The Witcher 4. The cinematic trailer showcased Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter, inheriting his mantle as a Witcher, a narrative direction story director Tomasz Marchewka confirmed was envisioned from the game's inception. He highlighted Ciri's complex character as a rich source for storytelling.
While fans adore the powerful Ciri from The Witcher 3, Mitręga hints at a shift in her abilities, stating that Ciri was "totally overpowered" previously, but her skills in the trailer suggest a change. The details remain shrouded in mystery, with Mitręga only revealing that "something totally happened in-between." Kalemba assures players that the game will provide clear answers.
Despite the change, Ciri retains the essence of Geralt's training. Mitręga notes her increased speed and agility while still reflecting Geralt's influence.
Geralt's Well-Earned Rest
With Ciri's ascension as a Witcher, Geralt's time for peaceful retirement has arrived. Based on Andrzej Sapkowski's novels, Geralt's age in The Witcher 3 was revealed to be 61. Sapkowski's Rozdroże kruków confirms Geralt's birth year as 1211, placing him in his seventies, or even nearing eighty, by the time of The Witcher 4. This aligns with Witcher lore, which suggests a lifespan of up to 100 years, provided they survive the dangers of their profession. This revelation surprised many fans who previously estimated Geralt's age to be much higher.
