In The Witcher 4, fans are witnessing a significant shift as Ciri takes the spotlight, replacing Geralt as the protagonist. This transition has sparked widespread curiosity about its impact on gameplay, especially regarding combat mechanics. CD Projekt RED recently offered insights into this during an episode of their podcast, discussing a scene from the game's trailer where Ciri battles a monster using a chain—a homage to The Witcher 1. What sets her apart, however, is her fluid and acrobatic fighting style.
The developers elaborated on the differences between Ciri's and Geralt's combat approaches:
There was this one scene where we see the chain, which is a tribute to The Witcher 1. When she grabs the monster’s head with it and pins it to the ground, she also performs an additional flip, which was really cool because you can’t imagine Geralt doing something like that.
He’s very... I’d say he’s agile, but he’s also very... he feels almost like a ‘block’ in a way—he’s bulky and heavy. And she [Ciri] is just... she’s practically like liquid compared to [Geralt].
This comparison underscores the stark contrast between the two characters. While Geralt's combat style focuses on strength and precision, Ciri's movements are faster, more dynamic, and characterized by her signature agility. Her ability to execute acrobatic maneuvers injects a fresh layer of excitement into the gameplay, distinguishing her from the more stoic and grounded Geralt.
With Ciri leading the charge in The Witcher 4, players can anticipate a more fluid and fast-paced combat experience that mirrors her unique personality and abilities. As CD Projekt RED continues to unveil more details, the anticipation for the game grows. The question remains: will Ciri's gameplay uphold the legacy set by Geralt? Fans will need to wait and see!