The Witcher 4: Gwent’s Return Teased Alongside Ciri’s New Role

The development team behind The Witcher 4 has hinted at the return of Gwent, the beloved card game from The Witcher 3. Last week’s The Game Awards 2024 provided fans with their first official look at The Witcher 4, a project CD Projekt Red (CDPR) confirmed back in 2022. The breathtaking pre-rendered trailer revealed that Ciri will step into the lead role, replacing Geralt of Rivia as the primary protagonist, though Geralt himself will still make an appearance in the new installment.

Ciri’s Story and New Voice Actor

Following the trailer’s release, CDPR began sharing more details about The Witcher 4. Studio head Adam Badowski revealed that the game will delve into how Ciri became a Witcher after the events of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Additionally, it was announced that Ciara Berkeley will take over as the voice of Ciri, replacing Jo Wyatt, as the character transitions from Geralt’s protégé to a full-fledged monster hunter in her own right.

Gwent’s Potential Return

While many questions remain unanswered about The Witcher 4, one topic of speculation has been whether Gwent will make a comeback. In an interview with gaming outlet Easy Allies, executive producer Gosia Mitrega strongly hinted at Gwent’s return, expressing her team’s passion for the card game and suggesting that “no one will be disappointed” by what’s in store. Game director Sebastian Kalemba reinforced this sentiment, describing Gwent as “part of the experience” and further emphasizing the developers’ love for the mini-game.

A Legacy of Gwent in The Witcher Series

Gwent made its debut as an optional side activity in 2015’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, where it quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its addictive, strategic gameplay and deep customization. Its popularity even led to the creation of Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, a standalone free-to-play title released in 2018. Though CDPR officially ended support for the standalone version last year, a physical version of Gwent is planned for release in 2025.

With Ciri taking center stage in The Witcher 4, fans are already speculating about how Gwent might tie into her journey and the game’s overarching narrative. It’s exciting to consider how CDPR might refine the mechanics of Gwent or integrate it into the next chapter of its acclaimed RPG series. The mini-game provided a fun and rewarding break from the main story in The Witcher 3, and its evolution in The Witcher 4 could offer new layers of strategy and storytelling.

What Lies Ahead

While Gwent’s return isn’t officially confirmed, the strong hints from CD Projekt Red give fans reason to hope. With Ciri stepping into her role as a monster slayer, The Witcher 4 is shaping up to deliver a thrilling new experience, and the potential return of Gwent only adds to the anticipation. Whether as a side activity or a more integral part of the gameplay, Gwent’s presence would be a welcome nod to one of the series’ most cherished features.