While Geralt of Rivia will return in The Witcher 4, according to voice actor Doug Cockle, the iconic Witcher won't be the protagonist. The next installment will focus on new characters, marking a significant shift for the franchise.
Geralt's Role in The Witcher 4
The White Wolf's comeback is confirmed, but his role will be supporting, not central to the narrative. Cockle, in an interview with Fall Damage, stated that Geralt's presence is confirmed, but the extent of his involvement remains unclear, emphasizing that the game "won't focus on Geralt."
The identity of the new protagonist remains a secret, fueling speculation among fans. Cockle himself admitted excitement about discovering who will take center stage.
Clues and Speculation
A Cat School medallion, visible in the Witcher 4 teaser trailer, hints at a possible connection to the remnants of the Cat School. While decimated, Gwent card game lore suggests surviving members, fueling speculation about a potential protagonist from this order.
Another leading contender is Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter. Her connection to the Cat School in the books and the game's subtle use of a Cat medallion when playing as Ciri in The Witcher 3 strengthens this theory. Ciri's role could range from a mentor-like figure to a more limited appearance, perhaps through flashbacks.
Development and Release Date
The Witcher 4, codenamed Polaris, officially started development in 2023. According to CD Projekt Red, a significant portion of the studio's team (over 400 developers) is dedicated to the project, making it their largest undertaking. Game director Sebastian Kalemba aims to create a game appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans.
However, due to the ambitious scope and development of new Unreal Engine 5 technologies, the release date is likely several years away, as indicated by CEO Adam Kiciński's statement in October 2022.
