Last week marked the grand unveiling of The Witcher IV, the latest breathtaking addition to CD Projekt Red’s beloved dark fantasy series. In this new entry, we shift our gaze from Geralt to his adopted daughter, Ciri, who steps into the spotlight as our witcher heroine.
Following the thrilling announcement, we had the chance to sit down with key figures at CD Projekt Red. We delved deeper into what the trailer reveals, and how the studio plans to usher Ciri into a fresh chapter of The Witcher saga. Not only do they promise to pay homage to the series’ rich history, but they also aim to embrace the choices players made in past games as they forge a new path forward.
### A New Ciri
The trailer sweeps us away to the picturesque yet remote village of Stromford, nestled deep within The Continent. Here, we’re introduced to Mioni, a young woman chosen as a sacrifice to fend off a local monster. This moment heralds our first encounter with Ciri—older, fiercer, wielding those iconic dual swords made of steel and silver.
Narrative Director Philipp Weber shares that The Witcher IV unfolds “a few years” after the closing events of The Witcher 3. While Ciri’s exact motivations for being in Stromford remain shrouded in mystery for now, the trailer gives us a glimpse of her mutated eyes, marking the completion of her Trial of the Grasses and cementing her status as a full-fledged witcher.
In both The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Andrzej Sapkowski’s acclaimed novels that inspired the games, Ciri is portrayed as a secondary protagonist with a distinctive personality. By the series’ end, her character stands strong and independent, poised to embark on her own daring adventures.
Where Ciri’s journey leads her in The Witcher IV depends heavily on how players ended her story in The Witcher 3. While the studio remains secretive about specifics, Weber assures fans that the game will honor its predecessor’s multiple endings, with personal choice remaining a central theme.
### Differences Between Geralt and Ciri
The development team underscores that, unlike Geralt, who is a veteran witcher opting for neutrality, Ciri is fueled by personal motives and often adopts a more assertive stance.
Weber elaborates, “Geralt has spent years shaping his own code, informed by his vast experiences. With Ciri, we’re exploring her unique journey as she establishes her own principles and confronts challenging situations.”
In the trailer, Ciri’s compassion comes to the fore as she urges Mioni to flee back to safety, despite the villagers viewing her with suspicion. Ciri’s drive and determination shine through, especially as she faces off against a new creature—the Bauk. Although Mioni’s tragic ending highlights the grim reality of The Witcher IV’s world, it also underscores how Ciri’s well-meaning choices might be perceived as controversial.
“Ciri is someone who believes in challenging fate,” Weber continues. “She knows the importance of resisting what’s predetermined.” The parallels between Mioni’s grim fate and Ciri’s own troubled past make their encounter all the more poignant.
Ciri’s rich backstory lends depth to her character, making her the perfect lead for a narrative full of complex choices and repercussions within the Witcher universe’s often unsettling landscape.
“Ciri is indeed a flawed character, carrying both a storied past and profound inner strength,” says Weber. “Her imperfections and resilience make her a compelling protagonist. Our goal is to create genuine characters with authentic emotions, necessitating that they have flaws.”
The legacy of Geralt’s teachings will still influence Ciri in The Witcher IV, allowing players to see echoes of his philosophical dilemmas in her decisions.
“She’s learned a great deal from Geralt about values,” Weber mentions. “Some decisions will pay homage to what Geralt might have done.”
Kalemba adds, “Their dynamic in The Witcher 3 also enriched Geralt, and those lessons find their way into this new journey.”
### Looking Ahead
For longtime Witcher fans, The Witcher IV promises an evolution rich with lore and callbacks, providing a narrative treasure trove as players join Ciri on her adventures. While CD Projekt Red confirms that Geralt will appear, his exact role remains a tantalizing secret.
Yet, this game also marks a fresh beginning. As almost a decade has passed since The Witcher 3, CD Projekt Red acknowledges that a new generation of gamers is ready to dive into this immersive world for the first time with The Witcher IV.
“This game signals the start of Ciri’s journey as a main character, making it an ideal entry point for newcomers,” says Kalemba. “Expect to explore new realms and regions, while still enjoying the dark fantasy essence that Witcher fans adore.”
