Witcher 4 Plot Twist: Geralt Exits Stage Left

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 spotlight shifts to new characters.

Geralt Returns, but Not as the Lead

A New Chapter, A New Hero

The White Wolf is back! Contrary to previous suggestions that *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt* concluded Geralt's journey, his presence in *The Witcher 4* is confirmed. However, Cockle clarified that Geralt's role will be supporting, not central to the narrative. In an interview with Fall Damage, he hinted at a significant shift in the series' focus, emphasizing that the game isn't about Geralt this time.

The identity of the new protagonist remains a secret. Cockle himself expressed excitement and curiosity about the new lead character, further fueling speculation about a fresh face taking the reins.

One intriguing clue comes from the Witcher 4 teaser from two years ago, showcasing a Cat School medallion buried in the snow. While the School was decimated before The Witcher 3, Gwent hints at surviving members, fueling theories about a vengeful Cat School Witcher.

Another strong contender is Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter. The books depict her obtaining a Cat medallion, and The Witcher 3 subtly connects her to the Cat School by replacing Geralt's Wolf medallion with a Cat medallion during Ciri's gameplay segments. This suggests she might step into the lead role, with Geralt potentially acting as a mentor figure. However, his involvement could also be limited to flashbacks or brief appearances.

The Witcher 4: Development and Release

Game director Sebastian Kalemba, in an interview with Lega Nerd, highlighted the game's aim to appeal to both newcomers and longtime fans. The Witcher 4, codenamed Polaris, entered development in 2023, with a significant portion of CD Projekt Red's team dedicated to the project. Despite this substantial investment, the release is still several years away, given the ambitious scope and the development of new Unreal Engine 5 technologies.