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 revealed that Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter, will take center stage as the next Witcher, a destiny hinted at from the franchise's inception. This article delves into Ciri's evolution and Geralt's well-deserved retirement.
A New Era for Witchers
Ciri's Rise to Prominence
The Witcher 4 aims to redefine open-world RPGs, surpassing even the highly-regarded Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Director Sebastian Kalemba emphasized CDPR's commitment to continuous improvement, drawing lessons from both Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 to craft an unparalleled experience. The cinematic trailer showcased Ciri's ascension as a Witcher, a narrative arc meticulously planned from the series' beginning, according to story director Tomasz Marchewka. He highlighted Ciri's complex character and the wealth of untold stories surrounding her.
While fans adore Ciri's immense power in previous games, Mitręga hinted at a shift in her abilities. The trailer suggests a slight reduction in her Witcher senses, prompting speculation about significant events between Witcher 3 and the new installment. Both Mitręga and Kalemba assured fans that these narrative threads will be fully resolved within the game's storyline.
Despite the adjustments, Ciri retains the essence of Geralt's training. Mitręga described her as faster and more agile, yet undeniably bearing the mark of Geralt's tutelage.
Geralt's Well-Earned Rest
With Ciri embracing her destiny, Geralt's time for peaceful retirement has arrived. Considering his age – 61 in Witcher 3, according to author Andrzej Sapkowski's novels – Geralt would be well into his seventies by The Witcher 4's timeline. Sapkowski's latest book, Rozdroże kruków, confirmed Geralt's birth year as 1211, clarifying his age and surprising some fans who had previously overestimated it.
While Witcher lore suggests a lifespan of up to 100 years, the perilous nature of their profession often shortens their lives. Geralt's advanced age, however, is in line with established lore.
