The Witcher 4: Geralt's Return Could Unleash an Epic Clash, Prepare for Unprecedented Adventures!
The Witcher 4's potential inclusion of Geralt, the beloved series lead, could pose challenges despite unlikely focus on him If he isn't playable, it may be best to exclude him entirely
Highlights
The Witcher 4, or The Witcher: Polaris, will begin a new trilogy of games in The Witcher universe, but it is unlikely to feature Geralt as the main character.
The Witcher 3's conclusion implies Geralt's retirement as a Witcher, posing a challenge for a new hero to surpass his power and legendary status. Including Geralt as a mentor figure may raise complications and uncertainty regarding the new character's role in the current lore and history of The Witcher. To establish their own identity, the presence of Geralt must be eliminated.
The Witcher 4, also referred to as The Witcher: Polaris, is set to launch a fresh trilogy of games within The Witcher universe. While CD Projekt Red will continue the esteemed legacy and intricate lore of the franchise, it is unlikely that Geralt will be the central protagonist in The Witcher 4. As one of the most iconic male leads in the gaming world, there may be an anticipation for his return in some capacity, even if not as a playable character. However, this could potentially introduce complications to the game's narrative.
There are several reasons to believe that The Witcher 4 will be shifting away from Geralt to some extent. Firstly, The Witcher 3 concludes in a rather definitive manner. Regardless of the player's chosen ending, it appears that Geralt relinquishes his life as a Witcher, a notion reinforced by the game's DLC. Furthermore, considering that CD Projekt Red has identified The Witcher 4 as a new saga, distinct from the original trilogy, it is reasonable to expect the inclusion of numerous new characters. Maintaining the same protagonist, particularly when their story seemingly reaches its conclusion, could pose a challenge in creating a fresh saga of games. Regardless of the direction The Witcher 4 takes with its new characters and settings, it would be wise to avoid completely excluding Geralt from the overall experience.
If Geralt isn't Playable, He Shouldn't Show Up at All
Geralt of Rivia, undoubtedly a legendary figure in The Witcher universe, was an excellent choice as the protagonist in the first three games. However, with his retirement looming in The Witcher 3 and a new character taking the central role, there is a potential dilemma similar to what is known as the "Batman problem."
If there were a video game set in Gotham where Batman is still active, but the player controls a different character, it may leave a sense of unfulfilled potential. Since Batman's power and legendary status in this fictional world are unmatched, the player would either feel vastly underpowered or Batman would need to be weakened for the new protagonist to surpass him, which could harm the character's overall lore and legacy. This situation could also arise within The Witcher universe.
Geralt, as a multi-dimensional character, holds a prominent position in video games, novels, and the TV show. Introducing a new protagonist would pose challenges in surpassing his stature. Players may question why they aren't embodying Geralt, a character unmatched in experience, fame, and raw power, if he is involved in the story. On the other hand, if this new protagonist matches Geralt in these aspects, it could create inconsistencies in the lore and history of The Witcher. Questions regarding their absence in previous events or the acquisition of such power might arise.
Fans of the series will undeniably feel the absence of Geralt, an iconic figure in The Witcher and beyond. While he remains alive at the conclusion of The Witcher 3, he could potentially transition into a role as a mentor or wise figure. Nonetheless, it would be preferable for both the character and the future of the Witcher franchise if he could gracefully retire into a blissful existence.
A new Witcher game is in development.
