Witcher 4: Geralt Steps Aside as Lead, Confirms VA

Geralt of Rivia, the iconic Witcher, is returning in The Witcher 4, according to voice actor Doug Cockle. However, this time, the spotlight shifts from the grizzled monster hunter to a new protagonist.

A New Era for the Witcher Saga

While Geralt's presence is confirmed, his role will be supporting rather than leading the narrative, as Cockle revealed in an interview with Fall Damage. The game's focus will be on new characters and a fresh storyline.

"Witcher 4 has been announced. Geralt will be in the game," Cockle stated, "but the game won't focus on him. It's not about him this time." The identity of the new protagonist remains a closely guarded secret, even from Cockle himself.

Clues and Speculation

Intriguing clues hint at the new protagonist's identity. A Cat School medallion, featured in a two-year-old Unreal Engine 5 teaser, suggests a character from this once-decimated Witcher school might be central. Gwent card game lore further hints at surviving members seeking vengeance.

Another strong contender is Ciri, Geralt's adopted daughter. Her connection to the Cat School, hinted at in the books and The Witcher 3, makes her a compelling candidate. However, the extent of Geralt's involvement remains unclear – a mentor role, flashbacks, or mere cameos are all possibilities.

The Witcher 4: Development and Release

Game director Sebastian Kalemba, in an interview with Lega Nerd, emphasized the game's dual objective: to welcome newcomers while satisfying long-time fans. Development, codenamed Polaris, began in 2023 with a substantial team. However, the ambitious scope and technological advancements using Unreal Engine 5 mean a release date is still several years away, as indicated by CEO Adam Kiciński.