CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has announced The Witcher 4, promising the most immersive and ambitious entry yet in the acclaimed video game series. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga confirms Ciri's ascension as the next Witcher, a destiny hinted at from the franchise's inception. This article delves into Ciri's role and Geralt's well-deserved retirement.
A New Chapter for the Witcher
Ciri's Inevitable Path
CDPR aims to surpass previous achievements with The Witcher 4, boasting an unprecedented level of immersion and ambition within an expansive open world. Director Sebastian Kalemba emphasizes the team's commitment to continuous improvement, drawing lessons from both Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
The cinematic trailer showcased Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter, inheriting his mantle as a Witcher. Story director Tomasz Marchewka reveals this was the intended narrative arc from the outset, highlighting Ciri's complex personality and rich storytelling potential.
While fans adore Ciri's formidable abilities in previous games, Mitręga hints at a subtle shift. Describing Ciri as "totally overpowered" in The Witcher 3, she suggests a change in her skillset, though specifics remain undisclosed beyond a cryptic "something totally happened in-between." Kalemba assures players that the narrative will provide clear answers within the game itself.
Despite these adjustments, Ciri retains the essence of Geralt's tutelage. Mitręga emphasizes her agility and speed, while acknowledging the enduring influence of her upbringing.
Geralt's Well-Earned Rest
With Ciri's rise, Geralt enters a new phase of life. Considering his age (61 in The Witcher 3, according to author Andrzej Sapkowski's novels), a peaceful retirement is well-deserved. Sapkowski's latest book, Rozdroże kruków, confirms Geralt's birth year as 1211, placing him in his seventies, possibly nearing eighty, by The Witcher 4's timeline.
Witcher lore allows for lifespans up to a century, but battlefield deaths are a constant risk. This revelation surprised many fans who previously estimated Geralt's age to be around ninety.
