CD Projekt Red is doubling down on their decision to make Ciri the main protagonist in The Witcher 4, and they’re asking fans to wait until the full game launches before forming strong opinions.

In a recent conversation with GamesRadar+, Jan Hermanowicz, engineering production manager at CDPR, addressed the ongoing debate about replacing Geralt of Rivia with Ciri. According to Hermanowicz, the studio’s direction is faithful to the books and has been in place for years.

It’s Very Clear – Ciri Is the Next Witcher Lead

Hermanowicz explained that Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher novels naturally shift their focus from Geralt to Ciri, making her the logical choice for the franchise’s next chapter.

“Reading the books, it’s very clear that the story slowly transitions from being Geralt’s story to really being Ciri’s story,” Hermanowicz said. “Sometimes it’s still told through Geralt’s eyes, but the shift is undeniable.”

He also acknowledged the emotional responses from fans who have grown attached to Geralt, but emphasized that the creative decision is final:

“This is a choice we made years ago. And this is how it’s gonna be.”

CDPR Urges Patience Before Passing Judgment

The Witcher 4 is still a few years away, and Hermanowicz believes fans need to experience the game firsthand before drawing conclusions.

“You’ll be able to fully embrace her character, her story,” he stated. “That will be the moment to make opinions and make the calls.”

CDPR has already revealed snippets of Ciri’s personality in early tech demos, showing her in multiple emotional states. But there’s much more to come, Hermanowicz teases—layers that will unfold during the full campaign.

The Future of the Witcher Series

With Geralt’s journey seemingly concluded in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, many fans speculated who would take the torch. Now we know: it’s Ciri. Whether she’s using her Elder Blood powers or swordplay, CDPR is betting big on her potential to lead the next saga.

While fan reactions remain mixed, even Doug Cockle (Geralt’s voice actor) has encouraged players to read the books and understand the narrative arc.