Summary
Since it has been confirmed that Geralt will be appearing in some capacity inThe Witcher 4, a safe assumption would be that the series' longstanding icon will play the role of mentor to Ciri in the upcoming game. Throughout the series, Geralt has been portrayed as a father figure and mentor to Ciri, with that relationship especially depicted inThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntwith her first non-card appearance, so it wouldn’t be too far out of reach for him to continue playing that role inThe Witcher 4. Furthermore, Vesemir served as a mentor to Geralt inThe Witcher 3, but withVesemir’s passing, it would be fitting for Geralt to fill this void by becoming the new lead mentor of the series, effectively mirroring the relationship he once had with Vesemir.
While longtime fans of the series are likely excited about Geralt’s return inThe Witcher 4, it might be troublesome for him to fill the role of mentor. InThe Witcher 3, Vesemir played a very prominent role, especially in the early and mid stages of the game, so it’s probable Geralt could rise to such prominence if he were featured as a mentor inThe Witcher 4as well. The main difference between Vesemir and Geralt, however, is that Geralt is a far more significant character than Vesemir, given his part as the series' protagonist until now. As such, Geralt as a mentor could potentially cast a dark shadow over Ciri’s new role inThe Witcher 4, so the game will need to tread lightly with its inclusion of him.
The Witcher 4 Is Ciri’s Time to Shine
Ciri might have been one of the mostimportant figures inThe Witcher 3, but never has her place in the series been more important than it will be inThe Witcher 4. Not only will she be the next game’s playable protagonist, but she will be replacing someone who is considered the very face (and voice) of the franchise, thereby making her new position all the more important. More than anything else,The Witcher 4will need to pull out all the stops to ensure Ciri is front and center if it hopes to establish her as the series' new lead, and that could be difficult to accomplish with Geralt in a mentor role akin to Vesemir’s.
Geralt Playing a Mentor Role Could Distract From Ciri’s New Role
The main thingThe Witcher 4will need to consider when determining how to balance Ciri’s new role with whatever part Geralt has been positioned to play is the fact that Geralt has a pre-existing relationship with fans heading into the next game. While players had some time to develop a connection toCiri inThe Witcher 3, it hasn’t been enough yet for them to truly establish something deeply personal with her. In other words, if Geralt’s potential new role as a mentor is too active or central to the story, it might shift the focus away from Ciri’s growth and journey.
If Geralt were to play the part of mentor to Ciri inThe Witcher 4, it would still be understandable for some fans to still see Geralt as the sole Witcher. As such,The Witcher 4would need to ensure Geralt is strictly a mentor and fills no protagonistic role of any kind, lest he and Ciri be seen as dual protagonists, thereby ruining Ciri’s shot at taking the lead. To ensure this balance happens, perhaps one part ofThe Witcher 4’s storycould center around Ciri stepping out of Geralt’s shadow to become her own person, with Geralt then simply acting as a compass she can rely on willingly, rather than someone who holds her hand the entire time.
The main thingThe Witcher 4will need to consider when determining how to balance Ciri’s new role with whatever part Geralt has been positioned to play is the fact that Geralt has a pre-existing relationship with fans heading into the next game.
If nothing else,The Witcher 4could avoid Geralt being a mentoraltogether and merely have him make a cameo appearance in the game as a bit of fan service. Of course, this might not be enough for some fans, opening the door for unnecessary criticism directed at the game. In light of that, it may be inevitable that Geralt will be featured in some significant role inThe Witcher 4. The real question is what that role will be, and whether the highly anticipated game can bring him in without squashing Ciri in the process.
