CD Projekt RED recently confirmed thatThe Witcher 4is coming, and that former protagonist Geralt of Rivia has hung up his swords in favor of his adoptive daughter Ciri. AlthoughThe Witcher 4will likely focus on telling a new story and introducing new characters, it might just include a few familiar faces as well.
BecauseThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntfeatured multiple fates for certain characters depending on the player’s choices, CD Projekt RED may either choose not to include them, make some of the third game’s choices and endings “canon,” or allow players to import save data intoThe Witcher 4.Here is a brief refresher on the possible fates of these iconic characters at the end of the third game:
Cirilla “Ciri”
Initially, the player’s choice inThe Witcher 3could see Ciri following in her father’s footsteps as a witcher or becoming Empress of Nilfgaard. It seems thatThe Witcher 4is definitively establishingCiri’s witcher statusas canon, as she takes over as the new protagonist and is seen wielding a witcher’s iconic steel and silver swords in the game’s first trailer.
However, in early interviews, representatives of CD Projekt RED have indicated that they have taken all possible endings ofWild Huntinto account and want to ensure fans who chose alternate fates for Ciri do not “feel cheated.” While the Wild Hunt itself has been defeated, it is possible that Ciri will continue to deal with attention from various factions, such as the elves, due to her powerfulElder Blood.
Geralt of Rivia
After many decades of work as a witcher, Geralt decides to retire at the end ofThe Witcher 3,passing the mantle on to Ciri. In the base game, he moves in with either Triss Merigold or Yennefer of Vengerberg - or continues wandering the world if he romances neither. However, in theBlood and WineDLC, Geralt is gifted Corvo Bianco, a vineyard in Toussaint, and retires there.
Blood and Wine’sending and following supplemental material indicate that Ciri and many of the friends he made in his travels visit him often.Geralt will “make his presence known” inThe Witcher 4,and it might be fun for Ciri to pay her retired father a visit or two. Hopefully, Geralt still has his beloved horse Roach with him - or possibly a descendant of the original Roach.
The Rulers: Emhyr, Radovid, And More
Geralt’s actions throughoutThe Witcher 2: Assassin of KingsandThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntcan have far-reaching implications regarding who rules what country, and which kings and emperors stay in power or are deposed. Depending on player choices,The Witcher 3ends with one of the following situations:
Yennefer of Vengerberg and Triss Merigold
Depending on the player’s choices, Geralt can end up in a romantic relationship with one of two sorceresses:Yennefer of Vengerberg or Triss Merigold. Both sorceresses continue their lives, whether or not they end up with Geralt - Triss becomes an advisor to the king of Kovir, while Yennefer decides to retire and enjoy her life. The ending ofBlood and Wineshows a romanced Triss or Yenn spending time with Geralt at Corvo Bianco, with either pair finally having time to relax together. As sorceresses have greatly extended lives compared to standard humans, either or both could definitely appear inThe Witcher 4.
Other Characters
Over the course of the first three games, Geralt and Ciri made many friends - and many enemies. WhileThe Witcher 4will likely introduce primarily new characters and storylines, some of these characters could potentially appear or be referenced inThe Witcher 4,including:
