Trailer just dropped. Looks amazing I'm very excited for this. W3 is likely my favorite game ever and that is saying a lot as a 52 year old gamer since the mid 70s.

Wind's howling.

Oh damn. Haven't played 3 in probably 6-7 years. Might have to break it back out

Remind me... is that Ciri?

The Witcher 3 was fantastic, though I never played the DLC. Will definitely play this when it's released. Hopefully, CD Projekt Red learned their lesson and we don't have to wait 3 years for this to finally become the game we were promised at release.

Did not know this was coming. Witcher 3 + DLC is arguably best game ever and easily has the best mini-game ever.

Yeah that's Ciri.

I knew they've been working on it, but had no idea it was anywhere close to being ready.

I fully expect W4 to be great, but gonna miss playing as Geralt. One of my favorite characters.

Still pretty distraught over trying to play both women and ended up alone.

YouBet said:

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Still pretty distraught over trying to play both women and ended up alone.

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Hah same. I am guessing that was the most common outcome

I love Witcher 3. I think when it came out, it was the only game I played for 7 or 8 months straight.

Since Ciri can travel between worlds, wonder if we'll get any of that in the game.

YouBet said:

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Still pretty distraught over trying to play both women and ended up alone.

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Wait until you play the Witcher IV and you spend the entire game trying to keep dudes off you!!!

I may need to purchase a console, still kicking myself for selling the old Xbox1 I had. I

Can't wait for this!

You've got time.

We won't see this until late 2027, which probably means 2028.

So why is Ciri suddenly a Witcher now?

agdoc2001 said:

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So why is Ciri suddenly a Witcher now?

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https://www.perplexity.ai/search/why-is-ciri-a-witcher-in-witch-ZBwfzJLmTWGqhcVJQpKItw#0

Ciri's transformation into a witcher in *The Witcher 4* is a significant development that builds on her established character from previous games and lore. Here are the key reasons behind her new role:

## Ciri's Background and Abilities
- **Adopted Daughter of Geralt**: Ciri, known as the adopted daughter of Geralt of Rivia, has always been a central figure in the *Witcher* saga. She possesses Elder Blood, which grants her unique powers and makes her a target for various factions within the story[1][2].
- **Training at Kaer Morhen**: In the lore, Ciri received training at the witchers' fortress, Kaer Morhen, under the guidance of Vesemir. Although she did not undergo the traditional Trial of the Grasses (the process that mutates individuals into witchers), she was trained in combat and magic, making her exceptionally capable[1][2][6].

## The Decision for Ciri as Protagonist
- **Narrative Shift**: CD Projekt Red decided to focus on Ciri as the protagonist rather than continuing with Geralt. This choice allows for a fresh narrative perspective and explores Ciri's journey as she fully embraces her identity as a witcher. Game director Sebastian Kalemba emphasized that Ciri is "about to become the Witcher," indicating her readiness to carve out her own path[2][5][7].
- **Character Development**: Ciri's youth compared to Geralt provides players with the opportunity to shape her character in ways that were not possible with Geralt. This includes defining her approach to quests and interactions with other characters, which will reflect her unique personality and experiences[2][6].

## Gameplay Implications
- **New Combat Style**: In *The Witcher 4*, players will experience Ciri's combat style, which incorporates both her witcher training and magical abilities. This blend allows for dynamic gameplay that differentiates her from Geralt, who is portrayed as a seasoned monster hunter[6][7].
- **Exploration of Themes**: Ciri's story will delve into themes of connection and understanding, contrasting with Geralt's more solitary journey. This shift opens up new storytelling possibilities where emotional relationships are as crucial as combat[7].

In summary, Ciri's role as a witcher in *The Witcher 4* not only reflects her growth as a character but also allows for innovative gameplay and narrative exploration that distinguishes this installment from its predecessors.

Citations:
[1] https://www.ign.com/articles/the-witcher-4-the-lore-you-need-to-know
[2] https://www.ign.com/articles/the-witcher-4-developer-cd-projekt-explains-why-it-went-with-ciri-over-continuing-with-geralt-as-protagonist
[3] https://www.pcgamer.com/games/the-witcher/fans-reckon-that-ciris-on-the-path-in-the-witcher-4-because-the-witcher-3s-endgame-screwed-everything-up/
[4] https://www.resetera.com/threads/the-witcher-4-developer-cd-projekt-explains-why-it-went-with-ciri-over-continuing-with-geralt-as-protagonist.1060953/
[5] https://nordic.ign.com/the-witcher-4-polaris/89771/news/the-witcher-4-developer-cd-projekt-explains-why-it-went-with-ciri-over-continuing-with-geralt-as-pro
[6] https://www.ign.com/articles/inside-the-witcher-4-cd-projekt-reds-plans-for-its-next-big-rpg
[7] https://www.gamesradar.com/games/the-witcher/the-witcher-4-guide/
[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tower_of_the_Swallow

jr15aggie said:

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YouBet said:

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Still pretty distraught over trying to play both women and ended up alone.

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Wait until you play the Witcher IV and you spend the entire game trying to keep dudes off you!!!

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It's been a while since I read all of the books, and I may be remembering wrong, but isn't it implied that she might be gay, or at least confused? After she was abducted by that gang(I think they were called the rats or something) there was definitely some predator type stuff going on with that one older girl in the gang. Ciri was still a child then and probably had Stockholm syndrome.

Lathspell said:

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Remind me... is that Ciri?

The Witcher 3 was fantastic, though I never played the DLC. Will definitely play this when it's released. Hopefully, CD Projekt Red learned their lesson and we don't have to wait 3 years for this to finally become the game we were promised at release.

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The Blood and Wine DLC is the best "DLC" ever released for anything IMO. It's better than vanilla Witcher 3, and I love the Witcher 3. I'd highly recommend giving it a go sometime before 4 launches in like 10 years.

Witcher 3 is my favorite game of all time, but I am really disappointed they chose to go this route. Ciri is not a Witcher, didn't undergo the Trial of the Grasses, and her gameplay parts in W3 were extremely repetitive and boring. They wrapped everything up perfectly in W3 with Geralt and Ciri. I would've much preferred a prequel series set 75-100 years before Geralt's time as a Witcher when all the Witcher schools were still active


That said, I am sure CDPR will do a great job on this and I'll certainly be playing it day 1

I don't see myself playing through the entire game again to get that far. And best DLC ever? You must not be an Elden Ring player.

I'm very curious to see how CDPR handle IV. Much like Mass Effect, you have a very beloved cast of characters that are in all the Witcher games. How do they handle these characters when you transfer from the main protagonist to another character, even if it is one that is well known like Ciri.

Lathspell said:

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I don't see myself playing through the entire game again to get that far. And best DLC ever? You must not be an Elden Ring player.

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Not a big souls-like guy so definitely haven't played Elden Ring but I don't need to in order to know that Blood & Wine is better. (I'm not serious, different strokes for different folks and all that)

Blood and Wine is better than most fully developed games as it is. Easily the GOAT DLC

For those who never played the Witcher 3, the Complete Edition is currently $10 on Steam for the winter sale.

Lathspell said:

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For those who never played the Witcher 3, the Complete Edition is currently $10 on Steam for the winter sale.

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Best game deal ever. Damn.

IN!

Witcher 3 is my number 2 game of all time (I'm 57 and did the whole pong, Atari, Nintendo, PS1/2/3/4/5 thing). The Last of Us holds my #1 spot, but I loved Witcher 3. And both DLCs were legit. About 20 hours each if I recall. Might have to boot it up again after years so make sure Gerald is doing ok chilling at home with Yennifer.

Tabasco said:

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IN!

Witcher 3 is my number 2 game of all time (I'm 57 and did the whole pong, Atari, Nintendo, PS1/2/3/4/5 thing). The Last of Us holds my #1 spot, but I loved Witcher 3. And both DLCs were legit. About 20 hours each if I recall. Might have to boot it up again after years so make sure Gerald is doing ok chilling at home with Yennifer.

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Red head Triss or bust!

Some of the Triss cosplay out there is erm, outstanding

I think I read that she may go through the trials. Could be wrong.

But yeah she gay.

Agreed that her combat is a little wonky but I am confident they'll tweak that and build it into the mechanics in a more interesting way.

This, too.

I'm just glad they fixed Ciri's face. I never beat Witcher 3 (like most open world games). I guess I really need to get back into it someday.

Sup Tobasco!

Can't wait for Witcher 4! I agree, the Witcher 3 is one of, if the #1 on my list of all time favorites. I just hope it comes out before I hit 60 :-)

That tech demo looks great, hopefully it'll look even more amazing on PC! I like how the NPCs interact with each other (dude grabbing a fish and stuffing it in his basket, kids stealing the apples that got knocked out of the basket).

The developer crowd sounds super excited about the nano pixel (or particle) used for creating the foliage. If it works as they describe, it could really up the game as far as in game emersion.

When do we get to act surprised when the actual gameplay looks nothing like that?

I'm still don't think its gonna come out on the current gen. I think it'll be on the next generation of consoles.

Still need to do a replay of the Witcher 3, buts its so dang long