- Ciri is a strong character with a beautiful backstory, which makes her a suitable protagonist for exploring new narratives within the Witcher universe.
- Geralt is confirmed to appear in The Witcher 4 in a smaller role, so he will maintain his presence in the series.
- Focusing on Ciri’s story and the potential for new narratives is more important than criticizing her appearance.
The Witcher 4 got a surprise reveal at The Game Awards 2024, but its reception isn’t what CDPR would’ve expected. Fans are extremely disappointed with the fact that Ciri is taking center stage as the main protagonist.
Some fans argue this would be a poor choice, claiming it might ruin her story or disrupt the series’ lore. However, these criticisms seem misguided and overlook why Ciri could be a fantastic lead.
Many fans also hate Ciri in Witcher 4 purely for her appearance, totally ignoring the fact that she’s grown up and has aged perfectly. It seems like gamers these days feel so entitled to complain about every little thing in video games.
Why it matters: Instead of debating whether Ciri should be the protagonist, fans should think about how the new installment can push the series forward. People really are worrying about the wrong things.
Why Ciri Fits as a Protagonist
Ciri is a standout character with a strong backstory, emotional growth, and powers that make her different from other Witchers. In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, her journey was super compelling, showing both her strengths and vulnerabilities.
As a protagonist, she brings new storytelling possibilities that complement Geralt’s story while staying true to the series.
In an interview with IGN, the director of The Witcher 4 revealed they’re going with the ending in which Ciri becomes a Witcher. So it appears CDPR is going with the cannon ending to The Witcher 3.
However, it’s also important to remember they left a hint in the game with a Zirael (swallow) sign so players won’t feel like they’ve been cheated on.
Anyhow, Ciri is known as a strong warrior who faces tough choices head-on. Her journey, from a frightened child escaping the Wild Hunt to a powerful, independent fighter, resonates with fans who admire her strength.
This makes her a perfect choice to lead the next chapter of the series, especially after the important role she played in The Witcher 3. Anyone who has read The Witcher novels should know she’s a key character in the lore, and it’s about time she took the role of the game’s protagonist.
A Legacy of Change
The Witcher series has always been about change and embracing the unexpected. From the start, it defied expectations by focusing on a monster hunter with a complex moral code. Geralt’s story, though iconic, was never meant to be the final word on the Witcher universe.
Shifting the focus to Ciri fits perfectly with this spirit of evolution. A powerful monster hunter with a unique destiny, Ciri has always been a fascinating character.
Making her the lead in The Witcher 4 offers an exciting chance to explore new aspects of the Witcher world and explore themes of choices, fate, and responsibility.
It’s natural for fans to have a strong bond with Geralt. However, holding on to the past and resisting change can limit creativity and prevent a beloved franchise from growing.
The Witcher 4 is a chance to look forward, explore new possibilities, and build on the solid foundation set by previous games. Besides, making Ciri the protagonist doesn’t mean leaving Geralt or other fan-favorite characters behind.
CD Projekt RED has suggested that Geralt may appear in The Witcher 4 in a smaller role, giving him a chance to pass the torch smoothly.
Why Are We Criticizing Ciri’s Appearance?
Another wave of backlash against The Witcher 4 comes from Ciri’s appearance in the reveal trailer. Some fans have criticized her updated look, saying it doesn’t match how she was portrayed in previous games. However, this criticism is unfair and based on unrealistic expectations.
First, Ciri is no longer the same person she was in The Witcher 3. Years have passed, and it’s only natural that her appearance would evolve to reflect her growth and maturity.
Her transition into adulthood is not just physical but symbolic of her character’s journey. Criticizing her for looking “different” ignores the fact that she is growing into her own identity—separate from her mentor, Geralt, and the events that shaped her past.
Criticizing Ciri’s appearance in the reveal trailer misses the point. Instead of focusing on surface details, fans should pay attention to her story and the potential for The Witcher 4 to explore new aspects of her character.
The Witcher 4 is set to introduce the School of the Lynx, likely bringing in new characters and lore. This creates opportunities for world-building that will enhance Ciri’s role as the protagonist.
Regardless, the game has entered full production, and I’m already looking forward to it, despite it being years away from launch. Instead of being bothered by Ciri being the protagonist, I’m more worried about CDPR’s shift to Unreal Engine 5.
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