With the prospect of The Witcher 4 potentially releasing at some point in the future, speculations are beginning to circulate about what characters from the previous game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt fans can expect to make a return appearance. There are a lot of what-ifs floating around on these terms, and while nothing can be said for sure, there are definitely characters who should make the jump to the next game.

Speculations are shaky at best, namely due to the thirty-plus possible endings to The Witcher 3. Many endings had varied character deaths and departures, and only when CD Projekt Red confirms which one is canon will more be solidified. An NPC’s return can be based upon many things, such as fans' reception to them in the previous game, their long-lasting story potential, and how integral they were to The Witcher’s world as a whole.

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Ciri is an obvious choice for a returning character, and there are even theories on how she could be the next protagonist for The Witcher 4. As the secondary lead of Wild Hunt, there is no downplaying her importance to The Witcher universe, and her tale was left open-ended enough to allow developers wiggle-room to expound upon it further.

Characters That Will Make A Likely Return In The Witcher 4

The Witcher - Philippa Eilhart

Vernon Roche is the ex-commander of the Temerian special forces, and is an ally and somewhat of a friend to Geralt. His past involvements and lifestyle make his approach to the world a unique and refreshing one that players don’t see often. Roche was introduced in The Witcher 2's  story and has his foot in a dizzying amount of questionably moral political trysts. He has more enemies than friends and could be an exciting instigator for The Witcher 4. This all depends on whether developers decide if he lived or died at the end of The Witcher 3.

Although not the most well-liked character from The Witcher 3, Phillippa Eilhart is nonetheless an important figure. For those unaware, Eilhart is the leader of the Lodge of Sorceresses and a Machiavellian politician with an ego problem. She has seen the rise and fall of Redania’s rulers and meddles in others’ affairs more than she should be allowed. Eilhart’s return would be intriguing either way as a villain, unlikely ally, or distant agitator.

Depending on which ending of The Witcher 3 becomes canon, it would be good to see one of Geralt’s love interests make a return. Whether that be Triss Merigold or Yennefer of Vengerberg, both are powerful sorceresses who are heavily involved in politics and could be a good ally for the next protagonist. Although it is technically canon that Yennefer went off to spend the rest of her days with Geralt, it could still flip toward either character.

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Acting as the comedic-relief and one of Geralt’s closest friends Julian Alfred Pankratz, better known as Dandelion, is a minstrel and bard. His return would be welcome not only for the levity he brings to The Witcher but for his inherent knack for getting himself and people close to him embroiled in trouble. He is a wonderful catalyst for hijinks and would be an enjoyable addition to the next game.

Design elements are subject to change, and there is no way to guarantee which characters will be in The Witcher 4. Geralt of Rivia wasn't even in The Witcher 3's original concept, so it goes to show how much can change during development. However, it is highly unlikely that no characters from the previous game will make any return appearances, so players can hold out hope to see familiar faces.

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