Summary
CD Projekt Red’sWitcherseries has been at the top of the list when it comes to the best RPG franchises, especially following the release ofThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntin 2015. That’s ultimately what makesThe Witcher 4such an anticipated title, and its decision to take some new directions increases the intrigue surrounding it all the more. The most significant change being made to theWitcherformula inThe Witcher 4is the introduction of Ciri as its lead protagonist, effectively replacing Geralt of Rivia. With that change also comes the beginning of abrand-new saga forThe Witcher, so players can expect plenty of other changes as well.
One such change is likely to involve Ciri’s arsenal of weapons — at least, according toThe Witcher 4’s reveal trailer. While Geralt has primarily wielded swords throughout theWitcherseries, he has also used daggers, axes, hammers, and crossbows as well. Presumably, Ciri will continue to use the Silver Sword and Steel Sword used by her predecessor, and she may even occasionally pick up a crossbow or an axe. However, based onThe Witcher 4’s reveal trailer, Ciri may have yet another weapon in the form of a long chain that she can even imbue with magic.
Ciri’s Chain Might Be Her Most Versatile Tool in The Witcher 4
Assuming the chain that Ciri uses inThe Witcher 4’s reveal trailerwill actually be featured as a weapon in the game, it seems like it will prove to be very effective against monsters. In the trailer, Ciri can be seen using it to detain a monster by throwing it until it wraps around her foe. From there, the monster is pulled to the ground, though it does drag Ciri with it for a moment. She then appears to use Igni on the chain, thereby coating it in fire and sending those flames rushing toward her victim. The chain then burns and suffocates the monster, leaving Ciri standing, victorious.
If the trailer is any indication of what players can actually do inThe Witcher 4’s combat, it’s safe to assume that Ciri’s chain can be used to pull monsters to the ground, and even as a strategic way to use her magic against them. Already, this is a leap in innovation forThe Witcher’s combat, which has largely been somewhat simple in comparison to whatThe Witcher 4may hold in store. That, combined withCiri’s profound magical abilities, should lead to some more diverse combat encounters inThe Witcher 4, with the chain being a standout feature.
Ciri’s Chain Might Also Be Useful for Traversal and Exploration in The Witcher 4
That may not be the only thing Ciri’s chain is useful for, however, asThe Witcher 4could innovate by making it a highly versatile tool for Ciri instead of limiting its use to combat. Specifically, there remains reason to speculate on how Ciri’s chain might be used for traversal andexploration inThe Witcher 4, in addition to its effectiveness in battle. Recently, there has been a rise in the prominence of grappling hook-type mechanics in other games — likeBorderlands 4andAssassin’s Creed Shadows— so perhapsThe Witcher 4could follow a similar approach by allowing players to use Ciri’s chain to traverse otherwise impassable paths and reach previously unreachable areas.
If the trailer is any indication of what players can actually do inThe Witcher 4’s combat, it’s safe to assume that Ciri’s chain can be used to pull monsters to the ground, and even as a strategic way to use her magic against them.
Of course, this is all purely speculation, and it’s meant to be taken with a massive grain of salt, as a traversal tool like this would be unprecedented for the series. Geralt was only just made to jump for the first time in the series inThe Witcher 3, which could open the door for an even greater emphasis on parkour inThe Witcher 4. However, that remains to be seen. At the very least, players will likely have a very distinctiveweapon inThe Witcher 4’s chain, making the thrill of combat even more exciting.
