The Witcher 4: New Saga, New Witcher, New School? Ciri's Story Takes a Backseat

With The Witcher 4, CD Projekt Red is breaking new ground by eschewing the story of Geralt and Ciri. What implications does this have for the franchise’s future?

The Start of a New Chapter

After Geralt of Rivia’s journey came to a satisfactory end in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, many fans were left wondering where the franchise might next. Although CD Projekt Red has acknowledged that The Witcher 4 (codenamed Project Polaris) is being developed, Geralt and Ciri will no longer be present. This audacious decision creates intriguing opportunities for novel gameplay and storylines.

Why Discard Ciri?

In The Witcher 3, Ciri’s and Geralt’s journeys provide a gripping storyline. Players were moved by her strong skills and nuanced storyline. However, continuing her story as the main protagonist in The Witcher 4 presents several challenges:

Narrative Constraints: Ciri’s ending in The Witcher 3, while open-ended, provides limited avenues for a direct continuation without retconning significant plot points.
Gameplay Challenges: Ciri’s unique powers, including teleportation and time manipulation, could be difficult to translate into balanced and engaging gameplay mechanics.
New Beginnings: CD Projekt Red has expressed a desire to explore new stories and characters within the rich Witcher universe, offering fresh perspectives and experiences.

A New Witcher’s School?

A lynx medallion appears in the teaser image for The Witcher 4, suggesting a previously unidentified School of the Lynx. This implies that players may assume the role of an entirely new Witcher with special talents and abilities who was trained in a distinct tradition. This creates fascinating opportunities to investigate various fighting techniques, Witcher mythology, and ethical quandaries.

Studying the V in Cyberpunk 2077

The character creation of The Witcher 4 may be influenced by CD Projekt Red’s experience with Cyberpunk 2077, namely in creating the customisable protagonist V. They may give players more control over the appearance, upbringing, and skills of their Witcher, creating a more unique and engaging experience.

The Legacy of Ciri

Even though Ciri isn’t the primary character, The Witcher 4 will probably feel her impact on the Witcher world. Her choices in The Witcher 3 had far-reaching repercussions, and the forthcoming game might examine how they affected both the political climate and the daily lives of regular people.

What to Expect from The Witcher 4

A New Protagonist: A fresh face, possibly from the School of the Lynx, with unique abilities and a distinct personality.
Expanded World: Explore new regions of the Witcher world, with diverse environments and cultures.
Enhanced Gameplay: Refined combat mechanics, deeper RPG systems, and innovative gameplay features.
Engaging Narrative: A compelling story that honors the Witcher lore while forging a new path.

The Witcher Franchise’s Prospects

With its embrace of change and exploration of new possibilities, The Witcher 4 represents a new chapter in the franchise. Even though Ciri’s tale isn’t being as prominent, her legacy will surely influence the individuals and world we see. With an emphasis on creativity and narrative, CD Projekt Red is ready to provide yet another remarkable Witcher experience.