The Witcher 4 Has Big Shoes to Fill Replacing a Beloved Companion

Key Takeaways

• The Witcher 4 will introduce a new protagonist as Geralt’s role diminishes.
• Roach, Geralt’s faithful steed, is a unique companion known for lovable glitches and a strong bond with the Witcher.
• The next protagonist in The Witcher 4 will need a companion like Roach, but surpassing him may be challenging.

Though it’s too soon to tell what level of impact it will have on The Witcher series and its fans, The Witcher 4 is leaving Geralt behind as its main protagonist, although the iconic monster hunter will reportedly still be featured in the game to some extent. It’s currently unclear who will be replacing Geralt as the main protagonist in The Witcher 4, and although Ciri is a popular candidate, even she may not inherit the role. Nevertheless, it might all be for the best in the end, especially with CD Projekt RED’s hopes to attract newcomers to the franchise rather than continue catering to its loyal fans.

In light of the news that The Witcher 4 will be moving on without Geralt, it means that many of his longtime companions may be left in the dust as well. One of Geralt’s companions, however, is unlike any other; a companion who has remained at his side in one form or another and has shared a bond with him that none of his other friends, acquaintances, or lovers ever could. That companion is Roach – Geralt’s faithful steed, who has captivated with his lovable personality, hilarious glitches, and adorable relationship with his owner. With Geralt out of the picture in The Witcher 4, this means Roach may be as well, and he will undoubtedly be a tough act to follow.

The Witcher 4 Will Have to Work Hard to Replace Roach

Roach Is One of Geralt’s Most Beloved Companions

While “Roach” is the name Geralt has given every one of his horses on account of his nomadic lifestyle and hesitancy to grow too attached, Roach is nonetheless a close and highly respected friend of the Witcher’s. This is realized in each horse’s persistent presence, as they agreeably show up whenever they are called upon to provide Geralt with a mount to ride or a friend to confide in. In a sense, Roach is more than a mere mount, as Geralt’s usual relational walls are no match for the horse, who can stride right through them with ease.

With the exception of perhaps Yennefer and maybe one or two others, Roach is one of the few companions Geralt frequently opens up to. However, Geralt’s attachment to Roach is clearly evidenced in the fact that he calls all of his horses by the same name, as if to maintain the same connection with each one. Additionally, unlike many of the Witcher’s other companions, Roach is able to penetrate Geralt’s impassivity by providing an opportunity for him to express himself without any judgment.

Ultimately, this results in Roach being far more than a tool of transportation and, instead, an invaluable friend not readily parted with.

Roach has also appealed to fans of The Witcher, but not merely on account of his inherent qualities. In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, occasional glitches have caused Roach to randomly appear in rather bizarre locations, like rooftops and rivers, or to appear in unusual positions. Somehow, these bugs have avoided universal criticism and instead have inspired countless endearing memes, thereby adding to Roach’s quirky personality and making him a more beloved companion in the Witcher universe.

The Witcher 4’s Protagonist Needs Their Own Roach

All things considered, The Witcher 4‘s protagonist, whoever it may be, clearly needs its own Roach. Unfortunately, topping the iconic companion may be a tall order. On the one hand, CD Projekt RED may feel inclined to keep Roach’s legacy in The Witcher 4, especially if Ciri truly is the game’s protagonist. This would not only see Geralt’s mantle effectively picked up by the next protagonist, but it would also keep Roach in the game. However, it might be even better to feature an altogether different Roach-like companion in The Witcher 4, as it would complement CD Projekt RED’s goal to make the next game more of a soft reboot than anything else, but time will eventually tell all.