Witcher 4 Canonizes Witcher 3 Ending

Protolize 𝕯𝖎𝖌𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Dec 13, 2024

36 visitor like this post

Share

Witcher 4 Canonizes Witcher 3 Ending: What We Know So Far

The release of The Witcher 4: Blood and Wine left fans with a burning question: which ending of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will be considered canon in the next installment? The ambiguity surrounding Geralt's fate after Wild Hunt fueled countless discussions and theories. Now, with hints and confirmations emerging about The Witcher 4, we're finally getting some answers. This article will delve into the evidence pointing towards a specific Witcher 3 ending being canon in the upcoming game and explore what this means for the future of the franchise.

The Witcher 3's Multiple Endings: A Quick Recap

Before diving into the canonicity debate, let's quickly revisit the three main endings of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt:

• Ciri becomes a Witcher: Ciri embraces her destiny and undergoes the rigorous training to become a Witcher, continuing her lineage and protecting the world from future threats.
• Ciri becomes Empress: Ciri chooses a path of politics and power, becoming the Empress of Nilfgaard and potentially bringing peace and stability to the continent.
• Ciri dies: This tragic outcome sees Ciri perishing, leaving Geralt and the world to face a grim future without her powerful presence.

Evidence Pointing Towards a Specific Canon Ending in Witcher 4

While CD Projekt Red has been tight-lipped about explicitly confirming which ending is canon, several pieces of evidence strongly suggest that Ciri becoming a Witcher is the path chosen for The Witcher 4.

1. The Story's Natural Progression:

The narrative trajectory of The Witcher saga has always emphasized Ciri's destiny as a powerful sorceress. Her training as a Witcher offers a logical continuation of her character arc. This trajectory allows for a wide range of compelling storylines and further exploration of the Witcher world without being restricted by political complexities. The "Empress" ending, while interesting, could limit the scope of future adventures.

2. Marketing Materials and Developer Statements:

While not explicit statements, various marketing materials and subtle hints dropped by developers subtly lean towards the "Witcher" ending. The focus on Ciri's training and abilities in promotional materials, coupled with the general tone of future storylines, point towards a continuity built upon her Witcher path. This subtle approach cleverly avoids spoilers while subtly guiding the player's expectations.

3. Thematic Consistency:

The "Witcher" ending provides the most thematically consistent continuation of the series' core themes: destiny, family, and the fight against overwhelming odds. It aligns perfectly with the established narrative structure and character development of both Geralt and Ciri.

Implications for Witcher 4's Story and Gameplay

The canonization of the "Witcher" ending has significant implications for The Witcher 4's gameplay and story:

• A Focus on Monster Hunting: Expect a return to the core gameplay loop of monster hunting with a skilled and experienced Ciri potentially alongside a new protagonist.
• New Challenges and Threats: With Ciri as a Witcher, we can anticipate new threats emerging that require her unique abilities and training to overcome.
• Expanded Lore and Worldbuilding: This ending provides a vast landscape for exploring the intricate lore of the Witcher universe, expanding upon existing factions and introducing fresh elements to the gameplay.

The Future of the Witcher Saga

The choice to canonize the "Witcher" ending is a bold one that opens up exciting avenues for the Witcher saga. It suggests a focus on action, adventure, and the continued evolution of the Witcher world. By setting up a narrative where Ciri plays a central role, CD Projekt Red has laid the foundation for many years of storytelling and new gaming experiences within this beloved universe. While many fans might be disappointed if their preferred ending wasn't selected, the evidence clearly points toward a path that is both narratively satisfying and opens doors to exciting new possibilities for the franchise.