Geralt of Rivia's return in The Witcher 4 has been confirmed by voice actor Doug Cockle. However, this beloved Witcher will not be the protagonist. The narrative will focus on new characters, marking a significant shift for the franchise.
Geralt's Role in The Witcher 4: A Supporting Character
A New Protagonist Takes Center Stage
While the White Wolf's presence is confirmed, Cockle clarified that Geralt will play a supporting role. His involvement will not be the central focus of the game's story. In an interview with Fall Damage, Cockle stated, "Witcher 4 has been announced...Geralt will be part of the game...but the game won’t focus on Geralt, so it’s not about him this time." The identity of the new protagonist remains undisclosed, adding to the anticipation.
Clues and Speculation: The Cat School and Ciri
A Cat School medallion, featured in a previous Unreal Engine 5 teaser, has fueled speculation. The decimated Cat School, mentioned in Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, hints at potential survivors seeking revenge. This, coupled with Ciri's possession of a Cat medallion in the books and the subtle game mechanic in The Witcher 3 swapping Geralt's Wolf medallion for a Cat medallion when playing as Ciri, strongly suggests she may be the new protagonist.
While some predict a mentor-like role for Geralt, similar to Vessemir, others anticipate a more limited presence, perhaps through flashbacks or cameos.
The Witcher 4's Development and Release Date
Game director Sebastian Kalemba, in an interview with Lega Nerd, highlighted the game's goal: to attract new players while satisfying long-time fans. The Witcher 4, codenamed Polaris, began development in 2023, employing over 400 developers—CD Projekt Red's largest project to date. However, CEO Adam Kiciński previously indicated a release date at least three years out, due to the ambitious scope and technological advancements using Unreal Engine 5. This suggests a considerable wait for the game's launch.
