Ciri leads Witcher 4 trilogy sparking fan debates on character changes and lore adaptations

CD Projekt Red (CDPR) surprised fans by unveiling The Witcher 4 at this year’s Game Awards, revealing that Ciri will lead a new trilogy as the protagonist. The announcement has sparked excitement, but also raised significant debate over changes to Ciri’s character and her role in the Witcher universe.

One of the main points of contention is Ciri’s updated appearance and voice. Fans have noted her face looks significantly different, with altered bone structure, and her voice—now performed by a different actor—feels unfamiliar. Jo Wyatt, who voiced Ciri in The Witcher 3, is not returning, leaving some fans struggling to reconcile these changes with the character they loved. While her iconic scar remains, many argue the overall transformation is too drastic to feel authentic.

Ciri’s place in Witcher lore has also come under scrutiny. Traditionally, the Trial of the Grasses—a dangerous process that grants Witchers their mutations—was off-limits to women and those with Elder Blood. However, CDPR confirmed that in this storyline, Ciri has undergone the trial, allowing her to become a full-fledged Witcher. This revision breaks established lore but also introduces questions about her magical powers. The trailer hints she retains some abilities, but they appear diminished compared to her abilities in The Witcher 3.

Fans had hoped for greater customization in the next installment, such as creating their own Witcher or exploring a fresh timeline. CDPR, however, emphasizes that Ciri’s early Witcher journey offers players more freedom to shape her story than Geralt’s veteran status allowed in previous games.

Following the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077, fans remain cautiously optimistic about CDPR’s ability to deliver. As Erik Kain of Forbes notes, the studio’s track record with The Witcher series still inspires hope. With a release expected around 2028, anticipation remains high for this ambitious new chapter.