The Witcher 4 has put Ciri in the spotlight, and while she is primed to be a strong protagonist to carry the torch, there are naturally questions about Geralt’s role in the story. Geralt has led the franchise until now, and although the story of The Witcher 4 is unclear, there has at least been confirmation that he will be featured in the game in some capacity. His role may seem uncertain, but there is one route that feels like a given.
As Geralt’s adoptive daughter, Ciri has learned many of her survival skills from him, and that mentor-mentee relationship seems bound to continue. The Witcher 4 is likely a long time away, but when it comes to the evolving relationship of Ciri and Geralt, it feels highly probable that the latter will take on the same role that Vesemir did in The Witcher 3.
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Possible Secondary Protagonists For The Witcher 4
With Ciri confirmed as the protagonist for The Witcher 4, there are still some characters that could feature as an exciting secondary protagonist.
Geralt and Ciri are Primed to Have a Similar Relationship to Him and Vesemir
Vesemir’s Role in The Witcher 3 Needs to be Filled
Unfortunately, Vesemir’s death in The Witcher 3 is an unavoidable tragedy that sets the stage for Geralt to take his place. His hero’s death is the result of protecting Ciri, which makes it even more poetic that she is now serving as the game’s lead. Vesemir sacrificing himself in order to protect her makes Geralt potentially stepping into his shoes an emotional transition, as well as a natural progression.
During the events of The Witcher 3, Vesemir is the oldest living witcher.
Geralt Serving as a Mentor Isn’t Surprising
The Witcher 3 focused largely on Geralt and his role as a father figure as he searches for Ciri. Since Vesemir was Geralt’s father figure, it makes perfect sense for Geralt to continue to be Ciri’s mentor, as that has been his ongoing role in her life. While the evolution of these characters’ relationships with one another may seem obvious to many who have played the game, it has yet to be confirmed. The lack of confirmation could make some fans feel uneasy and lead to speculation that Geralt may not be important to the game. Vesemir may not have played a starring role, but he was still quite important overall, which is a likely route for Geralt.
So far, CD Projekt Red has been understandably secretive about how important Geralt will be to the story. In an interview with PC Gamer, game director Sebastian Kalemba coyly stated, “I can’t tell you more, but I think the promise is enough” when discussing Geralt in The WItcher 4.
There is no official release window for The Witcher 4. Between this and Cyberpunk 2077‘s sequel, CD Projekt Red has its hands full.
Even If Geralt’s Role is Minimal, It Could Have a Big Impact
Of course, some longtime fans may be sad to see Geralt take a backseat in the story, but his role will likely be essential, even if it’s smaller. His advice and care for Ciri is bound to create some emotional moments that can bring a combination of nostalgia and excitement for the future. Ciri now leading the story is introducing a new era for The Witcher franchise, and it’s exciting to think of what lies ahead.
I can’t tell you more, but I think the promise is enough.
It could be years before The Witcher 4 is released to the masses, so until then, the game remains a fertile field for speculation to grow. As more details about The Witcher 4 are brought forth, it will be compelling to see how it differs from its successful predecessor. Having Ciri take Geralt’s place as the new protagonist may be a big change, but it’s also a strong way to demonstrate how far the relationship between these two characters has come.
The Witcher IV is a single-player, open-world RPG from CD PROJEKT RED. At the start of a new saga, players take on the role of Ciri, a professional monster slayer, and embark on a journey through a brutal dark-fantasy world. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, it aims to be the most immersive and ambitious open-world Witcher game to date.