Cyberpunk 2077is the next big project from the developer CD Projekt Red, but it almost certainly won’t be the last. Whenever the developer does finish with it (and its DLC?), it could take on any number of new projects from a brand new IP to areturn to theWitcherfranchise. AlthoughThe Witcher 4seems like an inevitability,The Witcher 3is the perfect end for a long-standing rivalry in the franchise, which spells an uncertain future for Geralt, Ciri, and even The Wild Hunt.
Currently,CD Projekt Red has no plans forThe Witcher 4, but it is a developer known for its incredibly detailed series and massive projects, not speed.The Witcher 4,as a result, is likely a decade or so off, if it were to be pursued, but if it was, there would likely be some massive changes, asThe Witcher 3is the perfect ending for Geralt’s story.
RELATED:The Witcher 3: Best Optional Quests in Every Location
Witcher 3 - Geralt
There’s really no canon ending inThe Witcher 3. Outside the ending where he supposedly dies, Geralt typically lives, retiring either with Triss, Yennefer, or alone. It seems safe to say he continues Witchering, as the events ofBlood and Wineshow, but this is a nice peaceful ending for the character. Starting a new plot line with Geralt in theWitcher 4, whenever that could be, just doesn’t seem like it will do the character justice.
Witcher 3 - The Wild Hunt
On top of that, Geralt’s relationship with the Wild Hunt also comes to an end. Ciri is either Empress or Witcher in theWitcher 3endings(outside the one, too, where she seemingly dies), and The hunt for her is effectively over. Geralt, against his will, once even rode with the Wild Hunt, which eventually set off the video game series. Either way, the story of the Wild Hunter is over.
Witcher 3 - Eredin
With the story of theWild Hunt over, Eredin’s fateis sealed as well. His background was imposing, his figure was daunting, and his final battle was intense. Theoretically, there are ways that Eredin could be brought back, but like Geralt and the Wild Hunt, theWitcher 3is the perfect end for this story line. This is all to say that, given how the ending of the series pans out, there’s little reason to expect any of this to come back. That doesn’t mean no one will return, however.
Witcher 4 - Ciri
Witcher 4would likely need to start anew, away from the Wild Hunt story line, and with a brand new character. Geralt, in so many ways, has earned his rest or his simple Witchering, whatever he prefers. A storylineWitcher 4could explore, however, is Ciri’s life as a Witcher. This would require there to be a canon ending, but that wouldn’t be a big deal for those who want another game in the franchise.
Ciri’s unique abilities would be great to revitalize theWitcherfranchise, as well. There would be no reason to have her explore other time periods, but that doesn’t mean there couldn’t be a quest or two, a character from another time, or something to highlight the gameplay. Either way, playing as Ciri in theWitcher 4would be another step in the right direction for the franchise, one that pushes it forward.
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntis out now for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
