Geralt of Rivia's return in The Witcher 4 has been confirmed by voice actor Doug Cockle, but his role will be significantly diminished. While the beloved Witcher will feature, the narrative focus shifts to new protagonists.
Geralt's Reduced Role in The Witcher 4
A Supporting Character, Not the Star
The iconic White Wolf is back, defying expectations that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt concluded his story. However, Cockle clarified that Geralt won't be the central figure. In an interview with Fall Damage, he hinted at a narrative shift, confirming Geralt's presence but emphasizing his supporting role. The extent of his involvement remains undisclosed.
The identity of the new protagonist remains a mystery. Cockle himself expressed excitement and curiosity about the lead character's reveal, further suggesting a departure from Geralt's perspective.
Speculation centers around a Cat School witcher, alluded to in a two-year-old Unreal Engine 5 teaser showcasing a Cat medallion buried in the snow. Gwent card game lore suggests surviving members of this decimated school, fueled by vengeance.
Another strong contender is Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter. Book lore and The Witcher 3's gameplay (Ciri's use of a Cat medallion) bolster this theory. Her potential role could range from a leading protagonist with Geralt as a mentor, similar to Vessemir, to more limited appearances in flashbacks or cameos.
The Witcher 4's Development and Release
Game director Sebastian Kalemba, in an interview with Lega Nerd, highlighted the game's aim to attract new players while satisfying long-time fans. However, despite significant development resources—over 400 developers, making it CD Projekt Red's largest project—a substantial delay is anticipated. The October 2022 estimate suggested a three-year wait, primarily due to the ambitious scope and development of new Unreal Engine 5 technologies. The game, codenamed Polaris, officially began development in 2023.
