After years of speculation, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Ciri will be the protagonist of The Witcher 4. The plot, which will mark the beginning of a new trilogy, will take players to explore the life of the witch on her journey as a monster hunter. In last trailer presented during the The Game Awards 2024, Ciri appears facing challenges that go far beyond those faced by Geralt of Rivia, protagonist of the games previous.
According to game director Sebastian Kalemba, Ciri went through the Trial of the Herbs, a brutal process that transformed her into a complete warrior. “She is less calculating than Geralt, guided by her heart and passion.”, he explained. This aspect promises to make the narrative more emotional and differentiated, putting the player in control of the decisions that will define Ciri's future – and, by extension, the universe of The Witcher.
Choices and consequences gain more depth
The franchise's trademark, the relationship between choices and consequences, will be further emphasized. In the revealed trailer, a scene shows Ciri interrupting a dark ritual, which ends up causing the unexpected death of a young woman she was trying to save. This type of moral dilemma, according to Kalemba, will be central to The Witcher 4.
What’s new is how these choices will also influence gameplay. CDPR wants to give players more freedom to approach situations, whether through brute force, stealth, or even creating their own combat style. The inspiration comes from Cyberpunk 2077, where players could customize their abilities and explore encounters in different ways. “We are taking the lessons learned from Cyberpunk to further evolve the experience”, highlighted Kalemba.
An accessible experience for newbies and veterans alike
Even though it's a direct continuation of Ciri's story, the game will be accessible to new players. CD Projekt Red acknowledges that a decade has passed since the game's release. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and that a new generation of fans can begin their journey in the fourth title. To this end, the narrative has been carefully structured, allowing both veterans and beginners to enjoy the experience without missing out on important details.
Małgorzata Mitręga, executive producer, assured that the game will suit all profiles. “We want to make new players feel welcome, but without compromising the depth that longtime fans expect.”, he said. This balance will be essential to consolidate The Witcher 4 as the starting point of a new era of the franchise.
CDPR adopts changes to ensure quality and avoid crises
The production of The Witcher 4 also reflects an internal transformation at CD Projekt Red. After the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077, the studio revised its processes to improve the quality of games and provide a healthier work environment.
The changes include a greater focus on the pre-production phase and the formation of multidisciplinary teams that work in an integrated manner on specific missions and sequences.”We are defining each step very carefully”, Kalemba explained. The “let it cook” approach reinforces the idea that the studio is willing to prioritize excellence, even if it means delays.
This philosophy was evident in the creation of the trailer for The Witcher 4, which underwent countless revisions to ensure that every detail was perfect. “There is no coincidence in any frame of this trailer”, Kalemba said.
Expectations for a new epic trilogy
Although there is no release date yet, The Witcher 4 is already surrounded by high expectations. The cinematic trailer revealed a story full of emotion, dilemmas and action, harking back to the best missions from previous games.
With the promise of a more coherent open world, improved gameplay, and a renewed focus on meaningful choices, CD Projekt Red seems determined to deliver an experience that both honors the series’ legacy and lays new groundwork for the future. For veterans, it’s a chance to revisit a beloved universe; for newcomers, it’s an opportunity to dive into one of the most iconic sagas in modern RPGs.