"Witcher 4: Most Ambitious Game in Series Unveiled"

The Witcher 4 is poised to be the most immersive and ambitious installment in the renowned video game series, with Ciri stepping into the spotlight as the next Witcher, as confirmed by CD Projekt Red's executive producer. Dive deeper into Ciri's journey to becoming a Witcher and Geralt's well-earned retirement.

Most Immersive Witcher Title Yet

Ciri’s Destiny From The Very Beginning

CD Projekt Red (CDPR) is setting new heights with The Witcher 4, which they describe as "the most immersive and ambitious open-world Witcher game to date." This statement was shared by executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga during an interview with GamesRadar+. "We aim to surpass our previous achievements with every game we develop. Following the success of Cyberpunk 2077 after The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, we are eager to apply all the insights gained from these projects into The Witcher 4," added game director Sebastian Kalemba.

The latest addition to the acclaimed Witcher franchise will spotlight Ciri, Geralt of Rivia's adopted daughter, who appears to have inherited her father's role as a Witcher. This transition was dramatically showcased in the cinematic trailer unveiled at The Game Awards. Story director Tomasz Marchewka emphasized that "Ciri was always meant to be the protagonist. Her character is complex and offers a rich narrative to explore."

Fans will notice a slight nerf in Ciri's abilities compared to her overpowering presence at the end of The Witcher 3. Her displayed skills in the trailer suggest a slight dulling of her Witcher senses. While Mitręga remained tight-lipped about the specifics, she hinted that "something significant occurred in the interim." Kalemba reassured fans that all will be explained in the game itself, stating, "We've addressed this early in development to ensure no loose ends."

Despite these changes, Ciri's essence as Geralt's protégé remains intact. Mitręga noted, "She's quicker and more agile, yet unmistakably reflects Geralt's influence."

Time For Geralt To Retire—No, Really

As Ciri takes on the mantle of the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia is set to enjoy a peaceful retirement, well-deserved at over fifty years old. According to the series' author, Andrzej Sapkowski, Geralt was 61 during The Witcher 3.

In Sapkowski's latest book, Rozdroże kruków (Raven's Crossing or Crossing of the Ravens in English), it's revealed that Geralt was born in 1211, making him 59 during the first Witcher game, 61 during The Witcher 3, and 64 by the end of its DLC, Blood and Wine. By the time The Witcher 4 unfolds, Geralt would likely be in his seventies or nearing eighty, depending on the game's timeline.

Witcher lore indicates that Witchers can live up to a hundred years if they survive the perils of their profession. Fans were surprised to learn Geralt's true age, previously estimating him to be around 90 years old.