The Witcher 4: Ciri’s Epic Journey Begins – CD Projekt Red’s Plans For Its Next Big RPG
Key Takeaways:
- Ciri Takes the Lead: The Witcher 4 will feature Ciri as the main protagonist, giving players the opportunity to shape her destiny as a young, passionate, and newly mutated witcher.
- Evolving Gameplay: Drawing from lessons learned in Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red promises more player agency, character customization, and open-world exploration than ever before.
- A New Beginning, With a Nod to the Old: While continuing Ciri’s story, The Witcher 4 is designed to be accessible to newcomers and veterans alike, offering depth without sacrificing approachability.
Ciri’s Time to Shine: Why The Witcher 4 Focuses on Her
“Since I can remember, we’ve been talking about Ciri and how much she deserves her own journey,” Sebastian Kalemba, the game director of The Witcher 4, explained. For long-time fans of the franchise, this isn’t surprising. Ever since CD Projekt Red announced Polaris, the codename for The Witcher 4, fans have speculated that Ciri would take over as the series’ protagonist.
Ciri, the adopted daughter of Geralt of Rivia, is more than just a secondary character from the novels and The Witcher 3. Many argue she’s equally if not more crucial to the plot than Geralt himself. “I think The Witcher as a title refers to both Geralt and Ciri and always has,” said Cian Maher, franchise and lore designer at CDPR. With Ciri stepping into the spotlight, The Witcher 4 promises to be a thrilling new chapter, balancing the rich lore fans adore while paving the way for new stories.
The Story So Far: How Ciri’s Past Shapes The Witcher 4
When players last saw Ciri in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, she was a young woman grappling with her destiny. However, the new cinematic trailer unveiled at The Game Awards 2024 reveals a very different Ciri. Now a fully-fledged witcher, she has endured the grueling Trial of the Grasses a dangerous transformation process reserved for witchers which has enhanced her strength, speed, and resilience.
According to Kalemba, this transformation also reflects her mindset. “I love this grit in her. She’s less calculating, more passionate. She follows her heart, her gut.” This emotional intensity sets Ciri apart from Geralt’s stoic and pragmatic approach. As players take control of her, they’ll explore not just her adventures but her growth into a witcher of her own making.
A New Era of Player Choice: How The Witcher 4 Builds on CDPR’s Legacy
CD Projekt Red has always emphasized the importance of player agency and moral dilemmas in its RPGs. The Witcher 4 aims to take that a step further. In the trailer, we see Ciri attempting to save a girl during a dark ritual, only for her intervention to result in an unexpected death. It’s a perfect example of CDPR’s signature narrative approach: even well-meaning actions can lead to devastating consequences.
“We want to put player agency at the center,” Kalemba said. Unlike Geralt, who had a well-established moral code, Ciri’s path is yet to be defined. Players will have the freedom to shape her choices and her personal “codex.” This evolution includes not just narrative decisions but also expanded gameplay mechanics inspired by the flexibility of Cyberpunk 2077.
Gameplay Evolution: What’s New in The Witcher 4
Fans of The Witcher 3 will remember its compelling story and open-world exploration, but its gameplay was relatively rigid compared to modern RPGs. For instance, Geralt couldn’t specialize in stealth or master a niche weapon style. However, CDPR’s experience with Cyberpunk 2077 which offered players freedom to experiment with different playstyles will shape The Witcher 4’s gameplay.
Sebastian Kalemba acknowledged this influence: “I believe the gameplay [in Cyberpunk 2077] was more varied… We want to improve [The Witcher 3’s] gameplay but also the alignment of the way you will be able to explore the world.” This means players can expect deeper skill trees, more customization options, and a world that responds dynamically to their choices.
Building a World for Old and New Fans
One of the studio’s biggest challenges is ensuring The Witcher 4 appeals to both newcomers and longtime fans. It’s been nearly a decade since The Witcher 3 launched, and a new generation of players who never experienced Geralt’s adventures will step into the world for the first time. Małgorzata Mitręga, executive producer of The Witcher 4, explained the studio’s approach: “We want to aim for the new players the wider audience while also respecting the fans who already love the franchise.”
To achieve this balance, The Witcher 4 is being positioned as a fresh start. Ciri’s new journey offers a clean slate for beginners, while old fans will appreciate the continuation of familiar lore. And while it’s designed to be approachable, CDPR has assured players that the game’s depth won’t be compromised.
Lessons Learned: How CD Projekt Red Is Avoiding Past Mistakes
The development and launch of Cyberpunk 2077 were rocky, to say the least. Its buggy release marred CDPR’s reputation, even as subsequent updates and expansions redeemed the game. That experience, however, has shaped how The Witcher 4 is being developed.
Kalemba revealed that the studio has embraced a “let it cook” mantra. The game has undergone extensive pre-production since its announcement in October 2022 and only recently entered full production. Additionally, CDPR has restructured its teams to foster better collaboration and improve the overall workflow. Mitręga highlighted the importance of creating a healthier working environment, stating, “We are planning different ways we communicate with the teams… It’s already helping.”
The Witcher 4 Trailer: A Glimpse of What’s to Come
The six-minute cinematic trailer unveiled at The Game Awards 2024 has been carefully crafted to set the tone for The Witcher 4. It encapsulates all the elements that make the franchise beloved: a morally complex contract, a high-stakes battle, and unforeseen consequences. Kalemba noted that every frame of the trailer was meticulously designed to tell a coherent short story while setting up Ciri’s journey.
For veterans, the trailer is a nostalgic return to the world of The Witcher. For newcomers, it’s an enticing introduction to the franchise’s blend of fantasy, drama, and intrigue.
What’s Next for The Witcher 4?
As of now, CD Projekt Red has not revealed a release date for The Witcher 4. With the game only just entering full production, it’s clear the studio is prioritizing quality over speed. Kalemba and his team are committed to delivering a game that lives up to the legacy of The Witcher 3 while meeting the elevated expectations of modern RPG fans.
The gaming world has changed dramatically since 2015, with titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 setting new standards for player agency and dynamic storytelling. How The Witcher 4 will adapt to these new benchmarks remains to be seen, but the studio’s commitment to player-driven storytelling and immersive gameplay is a promising start.
FAQs
1. Is Geralt in The Witcher 4?
No, The Witcher 4 will focus on Ciri as the main protagonist. However, Geralt’s legacy and influence will likely play a significant role in the story.
2. Do I need to play the previous Witcher games to understand The Witcher 4?
No. The Witcher 4 is designed to be accessible to new players, offering a fresh start while still respecting the franchise’s lore for returning fans.
3. What’s new in The Witcher 4’s gameplay?
The Witcher 4 will feature more player customization, expanded skill trees, and greater flexibility in how players approach combat and exploration, inspired by Cyberpunk 2077.
4. When will The Witcher 4 be released?
CD Projekt Red has not announced a release date yet. The game is still in early production.
5. Will choices from The Witcher 3 affect The Witcher 4?
While specific choices from The Witcher 3 may not carry over, the studio has promised to respect the canon while crafting a new narrative that builds on past events.
