In The Witcher 4, fans are eagerly anticipating a significant shift as Ciri steps into the spotlight, replacing Geralt as the protagonist. This change has sparked widespread curiosity about how it will influence the gameplay, especially in terms of combat mechanics. Recently, CD Projekt RED provided some insights into this transformation during an episode of their podcast.
The developers delved into a scene from the game's trailer where Ciri battles a monster. In this scene, she skillfully uses a chain—a homage to The Witcher 1—to subdue her opponent. What truly distinguishes her, however, is her fluid and acrobatic fighting style.
Here’s how the developers described the difference between Ciri’s and Geralt’s combat approaches:
There was this one scene where we see the chain, which is a tribute to The Witcher 1. When she grabs the monster’s head with it and pins it to the ground, she also performs an additional flip, which was really cool because you can’t imagine Geralt doing something like that.
He’s very... I’d say he’s agile, but he’s also very... he feels almost like a ‘block’ in a way—he’s bulky and heavy. And she [Ciri] is just... she’s practically like liquid compared to [Geralt].
This comparison underscores the stark contrast between the two characters. While Geralt’s combat style focuses on strength and precision, Ciri’s movements are characterized by speed, dynamism, and her signature agility. Her ability to execute acrobatic maneuvers introduces an exhilarating new dimension to the gameplay, distinguishing her from the more grounded and stoic Geralt.
With Ciri leading the charge in The Witcher 4, players can anticipate a more fluid and fast-paced combat experience that mirrors her unique personality and abilities. As CD Projekt RED continues to share insights, the anticipation for the game only intensifies. The question remains: Will Ciri’s gameplay live up to the legacy set by Geralt? Fans will have to wait and see!