The recently unveiled trailer for The Witcher 4 takes fans several years ahead from the narrative of its predecessor, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. In this new installment, we witness Ciri stepping into the shoes of a Witcher and battling monsters much like Geralt did. This development strongly indicates that her journey will be a pivotal one, establishing that specific events from the previous game have been canonized.
With multiple possible endings in The Witcher 3, fans have long speculated on which conclusion would be recognized as official moving forward. The myriad of choices made throughout the game has left room for interpretation. However, the insights gained from the trailer illuminate which ending of The Witcher 3 will be deemed canon.
Ciri Is Not the Empress, and She Is Still Alive
Eliminating Two-Thirds of the Possible Endings
A critical element in determining the canonical ending of the third game is that Ciri has officially become a Witcher. This transformation is a reality in only one-third of the game’s possible endings; in others, Ciri either takes the throne as the Empress of Nilfgaard or tragically dies. While one might speculate that she could have left her imperial role to adopt the Witcher identity, it’s far more likely that the upcoming narrative follows the path where she embraces her new life as a monster hunter.
In this specific ending, Ciri and Geralt orchestrate a fake death to divert attention from her father, the emperor of Nilfgaard, allowing her a chance to carve her own destiny. This pivotal decision sets her on a journey to become a Witcher, a path reinforced by Geralt gifting her a formidable silver sword that appears in the Witcher 4 trailer.
The Nilfgaard-Temeria Alliance and Its Impact
The Ending That Makes The Most Thematic Sense
Significant narrative themes in The Witcher 3 also revolve around Geralt’s romantic relationships and the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly the conflict between Nilfgaard and the northern kingdoms. These elements are poised to play a crucial role in the continuation of the story, as the aftermath of the war will impact the characters and their journeys profoundly.
The outcome of this historical conflict will likely hinge on decisions made in the previous game: Did Redania emerge victorious under Radovid or Dijkstra’s leadership, or did the might of Nilfgaard overshadow them, allowing Temeria to maintain its autonomy? The status of Nilfgaard and its emperor has substantial relevance for Ciri’s character arc.
The emerging narrative from the trailer suggests the formation of a new alliance between Nilfgaard and Temeria, potentially introducing both as crucial elements in the expansive landscape of The Witcher 4. This development not only reinforces a longstanding storyline but also aligns with Geralt’s probable actions and philosophies from the third game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54dabgZJ5YA
For further insights and to experience the trailer, visit: The Witcher YouTube Channel.