The Witcher 4 is poised to be the most immersive and ambitious installment in the acclaimed video game series, with Ciri stepping into the spotlight as the next Witcher, as confirmed by CD Projekt Red's executive producer. Dive deeper to explore Ciri’s ascent and Geralt’s well-earned retirement.

Most Immersive Witcher Title Yet

Ciri’s Destiny From The Very Beginning

CD Projekt Red (CDPR) is setting new heights with The Witcher 4, which executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga describes as "the most immersive and ambitious open-world Witcher game to date" in an interview with GamesRadar+. "Our goal is to elevate our standards with each new title. We took valuable lessons from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077, and we're integrating those insights into The Witcher 4," game director Sebastian Kalemba added.

The latest addition to the Witcher franchise will spotlight Ciri, Geralt of Rivia’s adopted daughter, who has now assumed the role of a Witcher, as depicted in the cinematic trailer unveiled at The Game Awards. This transition has been a part of CDPR's vision from the outset. Story director Tomasz Marchewka explained, "From the very beginning, we knew it had to be Ciri. She's a multifaceted character with a rich story to tell."

While fans adored the powerful Ciri from The Witcher 3, her abilities will be slightly adjusted in the new game. At the end of The Witcher 3, Ciri was incredibly powerful, but the trailer suggests some of her Witcher senses may have weakened. Mitręga remained cryptic, hinting only that "something significant happened in-between." Kalemba reassured fans that all would be explained within the game itself. "We can't give away the details yet, but rest assured, we've addressed this transition thoroughly to ensure clarity."

Despite these changes, Ciri will still reflect much of Geralt's influence. "She's faster and more agile, yet you can still see Geralt's mentorship in her," Mitręga noted.

Time For Geralt To Retire—No, Really

As Ciri takes on the mantle of the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia can finally embrace a peaceful retirement. At over fifty years old, he deserves a respite. 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), it's revealed that Geralt was born in 1211, making him 59 during the first Witcher game, 61 in The Witcher 3, and 64 by the end of the Blood and Wine DLC. By the time The Witcher 4 occurs, Geralt would be in his seventies or nearing eighty, depending on the timeline.

While Witchers can live up to a hundred years, as per the lore, many fans were surprised to learn Geralt's true age, having previously believed he was around ninety.