The upcoming Witcher 4 marks a significant shift for the series, replacing Geralt of Rivia with Ciri as the protagonist. This change isn't merely cosmetic; it fundamentally alters the gameplay experience, particularly in combat.

CD Projekt Red revealed Ciri's starring role in a cinematic trailer at The Game Awards 2024. While Geralt's presence in a supporting role is confirmed, the spotlight shines firmly on Ciri, offering a new perspective on the Witcher world.

The choice to focus on Ciri opens exciting opportunities for CD Projekt Red to experiment with new gameplay mechanics and narrative possibilities. Recent insights from the developers shed light on how Ciri's distinct fighting style will differentiate The Witcher 4 from its predecessors.

In CD Projekt Red's AnsweRED Podcast, senior communications manager Pawel Burza highlighted Ciri's acrobatic finishing move in the reveal trailer, contrasting it with Geralt's more grounded approach. "Geralt is nimble, but he feels like a block," Burza explained, "whereas Ciri is like liquid."  This distinction was hinted at in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, where players briefly controlled Ciri, but The Witcher 4 allows developers to fully explore her agile combat potential from the ground up.

Game director Sebastian Kalemba elaborated on Ciri's movements, attributing her fluidity to her upbringing in Kaer Morhen. "She moves like she was raised by wolves... it stems from her personality, her posture," Kalemba noted.  Burza added that Ciri's smaller, lighter build further enhances her agility, allowing her to leverage speed and dexterity against her opponents.

This emphasis on character-specific combat styles promises a refreshing experience for players after years of waiting for a new Witcher installment. Ciri's unique animations and tactics create a distinct gameplay feel, separating her from Geralt's established combat patterns.

While concrete gameplay footage remains scarce, CD Projekt Red continues to release tantalizing details. The confirmation of Gwent's return suggests that the beloved mini-game will once again feature prominently in the Witcher universe.