CD Projekt Red recently announced that The Witcher 4 is in development, and the company could include a few characters from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in the final product. There are many benefits to including characters from previous games, especially since Witcher 4 may be sparking a new era for Witcher games. Fans are wildly speculating what could appear in The Witcher 4, and what stories or characters the upcoming title could adapt. While it's likely that CD Projekt Red is trying to reclaim some reputation after Cyberpunk 2077's botched launch, the continuation of The Witcher franchise is overdue. By utilizing a shared universe with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Witcher 4 should embrace familiar faces to ease the transition into a new story.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt featured multiple endings depending on players' choices throughout the trilogy. Romancing Yennefer or Triss as Geralt each resulted in unique cutscenes at Geralt's estate while romancing neither of them results in Dandelion arriving. Additionally, Geralt's choices can determine Ciri's fate, with the character becoming a Witcher, becoming Empress, or vanishing after fulfilling her destiny. The Witcher 3's bad ending leads players to assume both Ciri and Geralt have perished, resulting in a heartbreaking (and doomed) last stand for the legendary warrior. Since the third installment created a satisfying ending, The Witcher 4 could likely move on to new storylines that don't follow Geralt's adventures or explore a different era.
No matter CDPR's plans for The Witcher 4, characters from The Witcher 3 could provide a steady foundation for storytelling and help players feel less alienated in the new title. Judging from the early image, The Witcher 4 could feature a new School, possibly introducing new characters, conflicts, storylines, and legacies. While an expansion to existing lore is desperately needed to avoid oversaturation, it's unnecessary to demand fans abandon every familiar feature within the franchise.
Geralt Of Rivia Should Appear In The Witcher 4
Geralt of Rivia has been The Witcher's protagonist for all three games, but it's unknown if the legendary monster hunter could continue that role in the next. Whether players control Geralt of Rivia shouldn't determine his presence in the game, as players should have the opportunity to interact with the character at least once. Geralt's presence in The Witcher games and story provides the stability that Master Chief provides Halo, and focusing a franchise or series on a single character grants an unshakeable consistency between installments, no matter the chronology of each title. However, CDPR may force the series to part from its flagship character, but whether players actively control Geralt or not, the legendary Witcher deserves a position in The Witcher 4.
The Witcher 4 Needs Yennefer & Triss
Yennefer is a romance option for The Witcher 3, and acts as a stern mother figure for Ciri throughout the third game. After Geralt, she appears the most frequently in The Witcher 3. Her skill in sorcery is nearly unmatched throughout the Continent, and her sharp wit keeps her alive in tense situations. After spending significant time in royal courts as the advising sorcerer, Yennefer is a skilled politician and mastermind. Her knowledge of mystical lore and ancient magics assisted the main characters in The Witcher 3 in discovering the truth behind the Wild Hunt and its weaknesses. Sorcery also provides an opportunity to extend her lifespan and compensate for any potential timeskips introduced by The Witcher 4.
Triss is The Witcher 3's other main romance option, a sorcerer that maintains regular appearances throughout the franchise, all the way back to the first game. Though she is younger than Yennefer, she spent significant time in King Foltest's royal court and is familiar with the inner workings of political intrigue. Like Yennefer, Triss can live for hundreds of years thanks to her magic. However, Triss focused her magical arts on healing and brewing potions that she ironically could not eat. The inclusion of Triss and Yennefer could provide players with a tangible guide on how their chosen romance with Geralt progresses, or as touchstones for the past.
Ciri Could Rule (Or Hunt) In Witcher 4
The Witcher 3's Ciri is Geralt's adopted daughter and the Wild Hunt's primary target as they sweep across the Continent. Her fate is questionable due to The Witcher 3's multiple endings and could be adapted to fit players' choices. However, for those who found their way to the game's best endings, Ciri can become Empress or a Witcher and remain on the Continent. One Witcher ending even sees her reunite with Geralt on his estate. Ciri's appearance in The Witcher 4 is undoubtedly dependent on player choices, but her importance to the trilogy's primary narrative makes her the perfect addition to the sequel's cast.
The Witcher 4 Needs Dandelion Performances
Also known as Jaskier, Dandelion frequently appears in The Witcher 3 and previous titles. The famed bard is known for his songs focused on Geralt of Rivia's adventures, creating the White Wolf's legend. His charming personality would provide a much-needed stress reliever in an otherwise bleak world, and his survival in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ensures his appearance is canon-compliant. Though Dandelion often accompanies Geralt or pursues his own ambitions, his arrival to help another Witcher (or Geralt again, if he returns as a protagonist) could kickstart a new adventure.
Witcher 4 Features Lambert & Keira's New Witcher School
Since The Witcher 4 likely features the School of the Lynx, Lambert and Keira could maintain a dominant position in the upcoming game's narrative. As founders of the School of the Lynx (and potentially romantic partners), Lambert and Keira are an obvious addition from previous Witcher games. Since the game and novels' canon varies, CDPR could clarify the characters' story in The Witcher 4's gameplay. Their relationship and personalities could also mature and develop throughout the new game. With Yennefer, Triss, and Geralt's love story complete, this pair could easily replace the Witcher-Sorceress narrative fans love.
Unfortunately, since The Witcher 4 announcement is a relatively new development and leaves many questions unanswered, any predictions and theories are merely speculations. The inclusion of numerous characters from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt could help CDPR establish a baseline continuity for new and returning players. While the inclusion of player choice should certainly impact different characters' appearances (or absence), many can canonically appear in the next game. The Witcher 4 has no announced release date or trailers, though fans should watch CDPR's official Twitter for new information.