Witcher 4 Starring Ciri As Protagonist For The New Saga

The Witcher 4, featuring Ciri as the protagonist, was officially revealed at The Game Awards 2024. This marks the beginning of a new Witcher saga, confirmed as a trilogy planned to be released over six years. The game will remain an open-world, single-player RPG. Although timelines might shift, CD Projekt Red (CDPR) aims to deliver sequels relatively quickly after the first installment.

Ciri's New Role as a Witcher

Ciri, one of the most interesting and dynamic figures in The Witcher universe, has undergone a number of important alterations from The Witcher 3. Certainly, she has completed the Trial of the Grasses and become a full-fledged Witcher with superior physical capabilities and the capacity to take potions. That's none other than the notable evolution to her character place, and the trailer shows her using these abilities, including a potion that changes her eyes to a totally different hue from what we see with Geralt, which might have something to do with her innate magical heritage.

Ciri's magic, passed on to her from her exceptionally rare Elder Blood of ancestry, makes her exceptionally different from the others. The trailer shows her casting a few spells that are more powerful than mere signs; shooting bolts of electricity and wrapping up in a burning chain are among them. Now, if this is magic or just an ordinary development in 'new' Witchers needs to be seen. But it certainly gives such an impression that with the training by Yennefer coupled with her witchery skills, Ciri is going to shape into a very versatile and strong character.

A New School of the Lynx

Ciri’s medallion in the trailer shows a lynx, hinting at a new School of the Lynx in the Witcher world. While details are scarce, this could be a new creation or an offshoot of the School of the Cat. The development suggests that Ciri may have forged her path after undergoing her mutations.

As a Witcher, Ciri hunts monsters for contracts, but like previous games, these missions often lead to morally complex outcomes. The trailer depicts her killing a creature revered by villagers as a god, only for them to sacrifice a girl anyway. This reflects the difficult choices players will face, with Ciri’s emotional and less neutral approach contrasting Geralt’s stoic demeanor.

Player Choice and Role-Playing

CDPR has emphasized that players will have more freedom to shape Ciri’s personality and actions than they had with Geralt. While not expecting the level of choice seen in Baldur’s Gate or Fallout: New Vegas, this added role-playing depth builds on the impactful decision-making seen in The Witcher 3. Choices from the prior games won’t directly affect The Witcher 4, but CDPR has assured fans that the story will honor the established canon.

Ciri's Weapons and Combat

Ciri wields two swords: the silver blade, Zireael (a gift from Geralt), and a steel sword for human foes. The trailer also shows her using a grappling hook, which might become a gameplay feature. If it’s usable in combat and can be set ablaze, it could bring fresh mechanics to the series.

The combat system may evolve, but familiar elements like heavy and light sword combos, magical signs, and alchemical tools will likely remain. Ciri’s unique magical powers, tied to her Elder Blood, will likely play a significant role in combat and exploration.

New Regions and Unreal Engine 5

The game’s setting includes new regions in the far north, suggesting diverse areas to explore, similar to the distinct zones in The Witcher 3. Developed on Unreal Engine 5, The Witcher 4 aims for a smoother and more visually impressive experience, avoiding the technical issues faced by CDPR’s RED engine during Cyberpunk 2077’s launch.

Witcher 4 Release Expectations

Although The Witcher 4 has been in development for some time, full production began recently. A release before 2026 seems unlikely, with 2027 being a more realistic estimate. The game’s ambitious scope and the promise of improved technology have raised high hopes for this new chapter in The Witcher saga.