Geralt of Rivia's return in The Witcher 4 has been confirmed by voice actor Doug Cockle, but the iconic Witcher won't be the protagonist this time around. While he'll feature, the narrative focus shifts to new characters.
Geralt Returns, But Not as the Star
A Supporting Role for the White Wolf
Despite *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt* seemingly concluding Geralt's saga, Cockle's confirmation assures fans of his presence in the upcoming sequel. However, he clarifies that Geralt's role will be supportive, not central. In a recent interview, Cockle stated that while Geralt's involvement is confirmed, the extent is unknown, and the game's story won't revolve around him.The new protagonist's identity remains a closely guarded secret, even to Cockle himself, fueling speculation about a fresh face leading the charge.
Intriguing clues from a two-year-old Unreal Engine 5 teaser showcase a Cat School medallion buried in the snow. While the School was decimated, Gwent hints at surviving members seeking revenge. This, coupled with Ciri's possession of a Cat medallion in the books and the subtle medallion swap in The Witcher 3 when playing as Ciri, points towards her as a potential candidate. However, Geralt's role could range from a mentor figure to limited appearances, perhaps through flashbacks.
The Witcher 4: Development and Release
Game director Sebastian Kalemba highlighted the game's goal: to attract newcomers while satisfying long-time fans. Codenamed Polaris, development commenced in 2023, employing over 400 developers—CD Projekt Red's largest project to date. However, due to the ambitious scope and the development of new Unreal Engine 5 technologies, a release date is still several years away, with estimates suggesting at least a three-year wait.
The anticipation is palpable, but fans should prepare for a considerable wait before embarking on this new Witcher adventure.