CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has announced The Witcher 4, promising the most immersive and ambitious entry yet in the acclaimed RPG series. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga describes it as "the most immersive and ambitious open-world Witcher game to date," emphasizing CDPR's commitment to exceeding expectations. Director Sebastian Kalemba adds that the game will leverage lessons learned from both The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077.

A New Protagonist, A Familiar Legacy

The spotlight shifts to Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter, who takes on the Witcher mantle, as revealed in the stunning cinematic trailer. Story director Tomasz Marchewka explains that Ciri's role was planned from the outset, highlighting her complexity and the wealth of untold stories surrounding her. While fans cherish Ciri's overpowered abilities in The Witcher 3, Mitręga hints at a shift, stating that "something totally happened in-between," promising in-game clarification. Kalemba assures players that every narrative thread will be resolved. Despite a potential reduction in raw power, Mitręga assures fans that Ciri retains Geralt's essence: "She's faster, more agile—but you can still tell that she was raised by Geralt, right?"

Geralt's Well-Deserved Retirement

With Ciri's ascension, Geralt's era as the main protagonist concludes. Considering his age (61 in The Witcher 3, according to author Andrzej Sapkowski), a peaceful retirement is well-deserved. Sapkowski's Rozdroże kruków confirms Geralt's birth year as 1211, placing him in his seventies or nearing eighty by The Witcher 4's timeline. While Witcher lore suggests a lifespan of up to 100 years, this revelation surprised some fans who previously estimated Geralt to be much older.

The Witcher 4 promises a captivating new chapter, building upon the legacy of the series while charting a bold new course. The shift to Ciri as the protagonist, coupled with the game's ambitious scope, hints at a truly unforgettable experience.