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The Witcher series, especially The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, is widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made. Among its many achievements—a richly detailed world, morally ambiguous storytelling, and breathtaking visuals—one aspect stands out above all: the character of Geralt of Rivia. His unapologetic lifestyle, which includes indulging in drink, gambling, and romantic escapades, brought an element of fun, freedom, and gritty realism that players loved. With the announcement of The Witcher 4 and the apparent shift of focus to Ciri as the protagonist, many fans are questioning whether the series can retain its magic without Geralt’s unique charm.

Geralt: A Character Who Lived in the Moment

Geralt of Rivia is no ordinary hero. He’s a monster hunter for hire, living in a dangerous and unforgiving world where death is a constant companion. His job is perilous, his pay often meager, and his future uncertain. For Geralt, the idea of saving for tomorrow seems laughable when tomorrow might never come. This mindset is what made Geralt such a relatable and engaging character: he lived for the moment, savoring life’s fleeting pleasures whenever and wherever he could.

From drinking with his fellow witchers to indulging in the company of women at brothels, Geralt embraced life in a way that felt authentic and unapologetic. He didn’t just visit brothels for companionship or vulgarity’s sake—he went to have fun, to live fully, and to enjoy the pleasures that life had to offer. This wasn’t just an indulgence; it was a deeply human response to the brutal, uncertain reality of his life. Geralt’s hedonism made sense because it was grounded in his reality: a dangerous, itinerant lifestyle where every job could be his last.

Freedom and Independence Defined Geralt’s Journey

Unlike many RPG protagonists burdened by destiny or duty, Geralt’s life was largely his own to shape. While he often found himself entangled in political schemes or grand events, his true essence lay in the mundane: taking contracts, hunting monsters, and deciding whether to help or exploit those in need. This independence extended to his personal life. Geralt wasn’t a saint, nor did he try to be. He made mistakes, took risks, and lived with the consequences—all while maintaining his signature wit and charm.

As players, this freedom to role-play a deeply flawed yet lovable character was intoxicating. Whether choosing to spend his hard-earned coin at a brothel, engaging in a bar fight, Geralt’s actions felt true to who he was: a rugged, morally ambiguous man making the most of his fleeting downtime.

Ciri’s Shift: A Risk for The Witcher 4

With The Witcher 4, CD Projekt Red is making a bold move by shifting the focus to Ciri as the main protagonist. While Ciri is undoubtedly a compelling character, her story and personality are fundamentally different from Geralt’s. Ciri’s journey is one of destiny, responsibility, and survival. She carries the weight of the Elder Blood and the expectations of the world on her shoulders. These qualities make her a strong and admirable character, but they also make her less suited to the kind of carefree, morally ambiguous escapades that defined Geralt’s adventures.

Why Ciri Can’t Fill Geralt’s Shoes

1. A Serious Tone: Ciri’s story is deeply tied to her destiny and the challenges of her unique powers. While Geralt could spend his downtime indulging in life’s pleasures, Ciri’s narrative is likely to focus on her responsibilities and struggles, making it harder to incorporate the lighthearted, adult escapism that fans loved in the earlier games.
2. Personality Differences: Geralt’s irreverence, wit, and unapologetic love for life’s vices made him a joy to role-play. Ciri, by contrast, has always been portrayed as more serious and mission-driven. Even if CD Projekt Red tries to lighten her character, taking Ciri into a brothel or having her engage in Geralt-like behavior would feel out of character and awkward.
3. Loss of Role-Playing Freedom: Geralt’s morally ambiguous nature gave players the freedom to make choices that felt personal and impactful. With Ciri, whose arc is more predetermined by her destiny, the scope for role-playing may feel narrower.

Why Geralt’s Hedonism Mattered

Geralt’s indulgence wasn’t just about adding adult themes for shock value. It was a reflection of his philosophy: when life is dangerous and unpredictable, it’s worth savoring every moment of joy. This mindset resonated with players, not just because it was fun, but because it felt real. Geralt’s world is brutal and unforgiving, and his ability to find happiness amid the chaos made him a truly human character.

This balance of grit and fun is what set The Witcher 3 apart from other RPGs. Geralt’s escapades weren’t just entertaining—they were a reminder to embrace life, even in its darkest moments. By shifting away from Geralt and his hedonistic worldview, The Witcher 4 risks losing a key part of what made the series so beloved.

How CD Projekt Red Can Bridge the Gap

To succeed with The Witcher 4, CD Projekt Red needs to find a way to retain the essence of what made the series great while telling Ciri’s story. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Dual Protagonists: Allow players to switch between Ciri and Geralt, giving them the best of both worlds. Ciri’s story can explore destiny and responsibility, while Geralt’s presence can provide the grit and fun fans love.
2. Lighthearted Content: Even if Ciri is the main character, the game should include side quests and moments of levity that let players unwind and enjoy the world.
3. Honor Geralt’s Legacy: Whether through flashbacks, cameos, or references, Geralt’s spirit should remain a part of the game. His influence on Ciri and the world shouldn’t be forgotten.

Conclusion

Geralt of Rivia isn’t just a character—he’s the heart and soul of The Witcher series. His hedonistic lifestyle, shaped by the harsh realities of his world, gave players a sense of freedom, fun, and authenticity that few games can match. While Ciri’s story has the potential to be compelling, it’s clear that she’s a very different kind of protagonist. For The Witcher 4 to succeed, CD Projekt Red must find a way to balance the series’ new direction with the elements that made it unforgettable. Otherwise, fans might be left longing for the days of Geralt’s wild, unapologetic adventures.