Geralt of Rivia's return in The Witcher 4 has been confirmed by voice actor Doug Cockle, but his role will be significantly different this time around. While the iconic Witcher will feature, the narrative focus shifts to a new protagonist.
Geralt's Supporting Role in The Witcher 4
A New Era for the Witcher Saga
Doug Cockle, in an interview with Fall Damage, confirmed Geralt's presence in The Witcher 4, but clarified that he won't be the central figure. The game will not primarily revolve around the seasoned monster hunter. 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. Cockle himself admitted, "We don’t know who it’s about. I’m excited to find out. I want to know," fueling speculation about a fresh character taking the lead.
Clues and Speculation
A Cat School medallion, visible in a two-year-old Unreal Engine 5 teaser, hints at a potential protagonist connection to the decimated School of the Cat. Gwent: The Witcher Card Game lore suggests surviving members, "embittered, hungry for vengeance," could be involved.
Another strong contender is Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter. Book lore and The Witcher 3 subtly link her to the Cat School, suggesting a possible narrative arc. While some predict a mentor-mentee dynamic between Geralt and Ciri, others anticipate a more limited role for Geralt, possibly through flashbacks or cameos.
The Witcher 4's Development and Release
Game director Sebastian Kalemba, in an interview with Lega Nerd, highlighted the game's dual objective: appealing to newcomers while satisfying long-time fans. The Witcher 4, codenamed Polaris, entered development in 2023, with a substantial team of over 400 developers. However, due to the ambitious scope and technological advancements within Unreal Engine 5, the release is expected to be several years away, with initial estimations pointing to at least a three-year timeframe.
