Geralt of Rivia's return in The Witcher 4 has been confirmed by voice actor Doug Cockle. However, this doesn't mean he'll be the protagonist. The game will focus on new characters, with Geralt playing a supporting role.
Geralt's Role in The Witcher 4: A Supporting Character
A Shift in Focus
While the iconic White Wolf is back, Cockle clarified in an interview with Fall Damage that Geralt won't be the central figure this time. He 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 extent of his involvement remains undisclosed.
The new protagonist's identity is a closely guarded secret, even from Cockle himself, who admitted, "We don’t know who it’s about. I’m excited to find out. I want to know."
Speculation and Clues
An intriguing clue from the Witcher 4 teaser, showcasing a Cat School medallion buried in the snow, fuels speculation. While the School of the Cat was decimated, Gwent hints at surviving members seeking vengeance.
Another strong contender is Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter. The Witcher books and subtle hints in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Ciri's use of a Cat medallion) support this theory. Her role could range from a leading protagonist to a more limited appearance.
The Witcher 4's Development and Release
Game director Sebastian Kalemba, in an interview with Lega Nerd, highlighted the game's aim: to attract new players while satisfying long-time fans. However, the release date is still some time away.
Development, codenamed Polaris, began in 2023, with a significant portion of CD Projekt Red's team dedicated to the project. Despite the large development team, CEO Adam Kiciński indicated a release date at least three years out, due to the ambitious scope and the development of new Unreal Engine 5 technology.