"Witcher 4: Most Ambitious Game in Series"

The Witcher 4 is poised to be the most immersive and ambitious title in the video game series, with Ciri stepping into the spotlight as the next Witcher, according to CD Projekt Red (CDPR) executive producer. Dive deeper to learn about Ciri’s ascent and Geralt’s well-deserved retirement.

Most Immersive Witcher Title Yet

Ciri’s Destiny From The Very Beginning

CD Projekt Red is reaching new heights with The Witcher 4, which they describe as "the most immersive and ambitious open-world Witcher game to date," as stated by executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga in an interview with GamesRadar+. "We aim to elevate our standards with each game. After The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077, we're applying all the insights gained to enhance The Witcher 4," added game director Sebastian Kalemba.

The latest installment in the celebrated Witcher series will spotlight Ciri, Geralt of Rivia’s adopted daughter, who has assumed the role of the Witcher, as showcased in the cinematic trailer unveiled at The Game Awards. This aligns with CDPR's long-term vision for the series. Story director Tomasz Marchewka noted, "From the outset, we knew Ciri would be central to this story—she's a multifaceted character with a rich narrative to explore."

Fans of the previous game will notice a change in Ciri's abilities; she was "totally overpowered" at the end of The Witcher 3, but the trailer suggests some of her Witcher senses have waned. Mitręga remained cryptic, hinting only that "something significant happened in-between." Kalemba reassured fans that all would be explained within the game itself, saying, "We can't reveal how, but trust us, we've addressed this from the start to ensure every plot point is resolved clearly."

Despite these changes, Ciri will still echo much of Geralt's essence. Mitręga added, "She's faster, more agile—but her upbringing by Geralt is unmistakable."

Time For Geralt To Retire—No, Really

As Ciri takes on the mantle of the Witcher in the new game, Geralt of Rivia is set to enjoy a peaceful retirement. At over fifty years old, he's earned it. According to Andrzej Sapkowski, the author of the Witcher novels, 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 confirmed 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 the Blood and Wine DLC. By the time The Witcher 4 unfolds, Geralt would be in his seventies, possibly nearing eighty, depending on the game's timeline.

Witcher lore suggests Witchers can live to be a hundred years old if they survive the dangers of their profession. Many fans were surprised to learn Geralt's true age, having previously estimated him to be around 90.