Summary
The Witcher 4certainly has a lot riding on it after the massive success ofThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, especially given the new direction it’s taking the series. Not only isThe Witcher 4introducing a new protagonist in Ciri, but CD Projekt Red has confirmed that it will be the start of a brand-new saga for the franchise — hence the lack of a subtitle, as bothThe Witcher 2andThe Witcher 3had. WhileThe Witcher 4starting an all-new saga for the series is certainly something to be excited about, it also means there are likely going to be some big risks involved with its choices moving forward.
That being said, based on what has been revealed so far,The Witcher 4isn’t entirely leaving its past behind as it begins its new journey. Instead, it is already showing some compelling signs of preserving its ties toThe Witcher 3’s legacy, which is important both from a continuity standpoint and in the way of honoring the series' most dedicated fans. In its decision to use Ciri as its protagonist, as well as its choice to remain on the Continent while introducing some new regions,The Witcher 4is both departing and honoring itsWitcher 3roots.
How The Witcher 4 Is Innovating While Honoring Its Witcher 3 Roots
The Witcher 4’s New Protagonist Is Both a Departure and a Tie to The Witcher 3
Perhaps one of the more divisive choicesThe Witcher 4has made is to replace its longstanding protagonist,Geralt of Rivia, with Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon (otherwise known as Ciri), Geralt’s adopted daughter. One reason this choice has been so controversial involves fans' attachment to Geralt, as he is both the face ofThe Witcherand someone many fans have developed a strong bond with over the last 18 years. Another reason it has been so divisive has to do with supposed changes to Ciri’s character model, though that is a far more debatable argument, as there is plenty of evidence there to suggest that she has only aged and that the fundamental characteristics of her model remain the same.
In its decision to use Ciri as its protagonist, as well as its choice to remain on the Continent while introducing some new regions,The Witcher 4is both departing and honoring itsWitcher 3roots.
Despite the controversy, however,Ciri asThe Witcher 4’s protagonistultimately represents a departure and a tie toThe Witcher 3. Ciri has, more or less, been a secondary protagonist throughoutThe Witcherseries, withThe Witcher 3seeing her role rise to an unprecedented degree of prominence when she finally appeared in the flesh, rather than in mention only as she had previously. Of course, Ciri isn’t the only tieThe Witcher 4is making to its predecessor either, as Geralt has been confirmed to return, despite not filling the role of protagonist. Given how muchThe Witcher 3emphasized Geralt and Ciri’s relationship, this is the perfect way to ensure its legacy is honored inThe Witcher 4.
The Witcher 4’s Continent Setting Is the Same But Different
The Witcher 4’s protagonist isn’t the only way it is honoringThe Witcher 3, as it will still take place on the series' primary setting of the Continent as each installment has before it. However, rather than bringing players back to the same environments they explored inThe Witcher 3,The Witcher 4will have entirely new regions for them to set foot in, as confirmed by CD Projekt Red in aninterview with Easy Allies. One such area is an isolated village located in the “far North,” which was shown inThe Witcher 4’s trailer.
In introducing new regions but remaining on the Continent,The Witcher 4is both departing and paying homage to the series' history.
In a nutshell,The Witcher 4is shaping up to be both a bold step forward and a respectful nod to its past. While its decision to change protagonists and introduce new regions signals a departure, its commitment to the Continent, Ciri taking the lead, andGeralt’s continued presence inThe Witcher 4ensure that the spirit ofThe Witcher 3is still very much alive. Change is inevitable, especially for a series looking to innovate and evolve beyond where it has been, butThe Witcher 4seems to be navigating that transition carefully.
