The Witcher series by CD Projekt Red proved to be a massive success with fantasy RPG fans. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, in particular, sold a ridiculous number of copies and received so many awards and accolades that CD probably had to move offices to fit them all in. With The Witcher 3 receiving its surprisingly sturdy Switch port earlier this month, this seems like the perfect time to look back on the Witcher series and ask ourselves, “Do we want more? Should we have more?”
Geralt Preparing to Do Battle (Image Courtesy of CD Projekt Red)
The old saying goes that you can never have too much of a good thing, but CD Projekt Red may not agree. Shortly after the release of The Witcher 3’s final (and excellent) piece of DLC, they seemingly shot down any hope of a sequel. They believed that Geralt of Rivia’s story was over, and after the events of the DLC, it was hard to disagree with them. With the developer’s focus firmly locked on the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077, fans seemed to accept that the era of Geralt and company was over.
However, earlier in the summer, CD Projekt Red announced that they would be adopting a dual-franchise model in the coming years. While one of these franchises is, of course, Cyberpunk 2077, as mentioned above, it stands to reason that the other franchise would be The Witcher. So with the flames of hope for the series seemingly sparked, let’s take a look at some of the possible things we could see in another Witcher game.
Geralt of Rivia (Image Courtesy of CD Projekt Red)
No More Geralt
The most pressing question when talking about a potential Witcher game is, “Will we still play as Geralt?” The white wolf has undoubtedly left his mark on the gaming world, but is it perhaps time for the gravel-voiced killing machine to step aside and allow someone else to take the spotlight? The most obvious successor to Geralt’s sexy white-haired protagonist would be Ciri, Geralt’s erm…sexy white-haired surrogate daughter. With Ciri already serving as a secondary protagonist in The Witcher 3, even taking center stage for several exciting playable missions, she would prove to be a worthy replacement.
When?
Geralt was presented as one of the last of a dying breed in the Witcher series. The people of Novigrad and beyond had long ago tired of the mutant monster slayers and had driven them to the point of extinction. The chance to go back in time and experience the world at the height of the Witcher order’s power and numbers would be a refreshing take. Perhaps stepping into the shoes of a rookie Witcher on his first hunt? Or working to establish a new Witcher school in a world teeming with even more monsters and corruption than we’re used to. This could also be an excellent opportunity for CD Projekt Red to forego the groundwork laid by Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series and create their own status quo. The idea of playing in a world and time completely original is appealing to this Witcher fan, at least.
The fire sign Igni (Image Courtesy of CD Projekt Red)
More RPG Elements
The Witcher series began to incorporate more and more RPG elements in each installment, with the most recent entry being the closest to the Elder Scrolls style of RPG that most modern gamers are familiar with. But what if CD Projekt Red took it one step further? If the game has truly stepped away from Geralt and Ciri, this could be an excellent chance to bring in all-new levels of customization. Perhaps instead of playing a pre-written character this time, players can create their own, choosing their body type, personality, and skills. With Cyberpunk 2077 delving heavily into the player choice for character customization, the next Witcher game could do the same. Of course, this also runs the risk of taking away some of the series’ excellent writing by playing a character of your creation. But if anyone can avoid that particular pitfall, it’s CD Projekt Red.
New Combat System
The Witcher 3’s combat system was already excellent. The dazzling swordplay of Geralt and Ciri, along with the use of bombs, crossbows, and the all-powerful, magical signs, was a joy to use. But where could the series go next? The Witchers by trade are known to carry two swords – steel for humans and silver for monsters. But who’s to say we have to stick with that? What if the next entry in the franchise allowed players to wield axes, greatswords, spears, shields, and even whips? What if players could use longbows to snipe enemies from afar? The game could incorporate new signs letting you burn, melt, shock, and smash your enemies with the flick of a wrist? Taking the franchise back into the past could be a great chance to give players new death-dealing options to outfit their character with.
And that’s just a few ideas on what CD Projekt Red could do if they ever do decide to step back into the world of The Witcher. But what do you think? Would you like to see another Witcher game? Or do you think it’s best to leave the franchise in the past as a pleasant memory? Let us know in the comments and on social media!
