Cyberpunk 2077's release date inches closer, with the game set to receive some post-launch content in a similar vein to The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt. At some point, though, CD Projekt Red will move on to a new game and a new project, and there are some who would like to see that be The Witcher 4.
In the lead up to the The Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red discussed how The Witcher 3 would be the end of Geralt's story...but not the end of the franchise. Things may have certainly changed by then, but it's clear that The Witcher 4—or whatever it is officially called—couldn't have Geralt in the lead again. As such, Ciri is a fan-favorite character and one likely to take the lead, yet there are some complications of that.
A New Witcher Story Based About Ciri is a Good Thing
The Witcher 3 has multiple endings, but to continue Ciri's story, it would need to declare one canon: her life as a Witcher. This sets her up with an adventure with Geralt as they continue Witcher-ing around the continent. Geralt could appear as a support character, but the likeliest scenario is letting some time pass and seeing Ciri continuing the road of The Witcher on her own.
It could explore Ciri's story and Ciri living a post-destiny life, although it seems likely that destiny would come around. She'd be powerful enough as a Witcher to hold her own in comparison to Geralt, and while many would be scuffed by Geralt's departure, very few could feel his boots. In essence, while the story wouldn't be centered on him, it would feel like a natural continuation of his story in The Witcher 4 as opposed to a custom character or new character taking his place.
Not to mention, Ciri's relationship with the world at large would be interesting to play too. Many would likely approach her differently, depending on how they knew her, and that also means new faces that could help fill in the adventures of The Witcher 4. Overall, Ciri's inclusion as a main protagonist would mean that everything could feel new but retain familiar elements that drew fans to the game in the first place.
A New Story with Ciri is Not a Good Thing
Ciri's return in a presumable Witcher 4 story would be a bit of a double-edged sword for two reasons. That's not to say that these reasons would prevent it from happening, but from a storytelling perspective, it's something that would have to be addressed. Ignoring them would only make it worse.
Ciri is one of the most powerful beings on the Continent by all accounts, which raises the question of her permanently being playable: "Nerfing" Ciri would be a bad move, having her learn moves she should already know would feel strange in a RPG, and her destiny is already fulfilled. Challenges she meets in The Witcher 4 would need to expand beyond the Wild Hunt as a result of her power, which itself creates an escalating power problem.
Furthermore, while the familiarity the character has is a good thing, it too creates the problem that it may not feel new enough or that it may still be Geralt's story. Ciri will need to establish herself in new ways, not necessarily in terms of power or character as she can clearly carry herself, but in the role of a permanently playable character. Overcome this, and Ciri's spot in The Witcher 4 alongside Geralt's in The Witcher 3 is cemented forever.
The Witcher 4 is not known to be in development.