While already confirmed to be in development, Witcher 4 (or whatever it is CD Projekt Red wants to call the next Witcher game) is still years away from release. But that's not going to stop gamers, especially long-time fans of the franchise, from speculating about it.
witcher 4 teaser
So many people have written about the things they want to be in Witcher 4. But what about the things people DON'T want? Well, you're in the right place. So sit back, read on, and play that calming soundtrack.
Piss-Poor Last-Gen Ports
It's not impossible to assume that the next game in the Witcher series is going to spend years in development. Perhaps it will spend more time being made than Cyberpunk did, and by the time it launches, it will probably be a time when new-gen consoles will be on the horizon.
GameRanx's biggest concern is that CDPR could pull another Cyberpunk and completely neglect the last-gen ports of Witcher 4, which could be on the currently new PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Remember that CP2077 was absolutely broken on the PS4 and Xbox One, even if those consoles were the actual hardware target at the start. As a result, the game's launch was one of the worst in history.
Photo taken from Cyberpunk 2077 Steam page
Considering how Cyberpunk's launch absolutely destroyed CD Projekt Red's reputation almost overnight, they should NOT do this again. Ever. Since the next Witcher game is being built using Unreal Engine 5, gamers are hoping that it WILL be made with next-gen hardware in mind. And this includes both last-gen and current-gen consoles, as well as PC.
No. More. Broken. Games.
Geralt's Return
Look, as much as we all love Geralt Of Rivia, his days as the titular monster slayer are done. CDPR made it crystal-clear themselves: the end of Witcher 3's Blood And Wine DLC was the end of the road for him. He even looks at the camera and breaks the 4th wall, for pete's sake. He's retired, and he's earned it.
Bringing Geralt back in the next game would be completely contrary to what the devs first said. As such, it should be headlined by a different character. This is perhaps already teased with the first image for the game: a witcher medallion from a new school, which CDPR confirmed as for theSchool Of The Lynx (via PCGamer). This could be an indication that the White Wolf will not be the main character, but some other monster slayer for hire.
Looks like a lynx
— Tasty Punisher (@TastyPunisher) March 21, 2022
A lot of fans are also debating whether characters such as Geralt's adopted daughter Ciri, or even his old mentor Vesemir (via a prequel showing him in his younger days) should be the main character for the next game. Well, whoever it may be, that person will have extremely big shoes to fill - following up a character like Geralt is never an easy task.
Read also: How To Save Ciri In Witcher 3 (AKA How To Get The Good Ending)
Microtransactions
For all the criticisms thrown at CDPR's way, they still did something right: they're not big into microtransactions. They're not like companies such as EA or Ubisoft who just wants to squeeze every last dollar out of you. And that's something that everybody should praise the Polish studio/publisher for. Hands down.
witcher 3 steam
This then leads to the third thing gamers don't want in the next Witcher game. If CDPR didn't put microtransactions in Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk, there's absolutely NO REASON for them to include it in Witcher 4. They should just continue what they did with Witcher 3: give out a bunch of DLC for free on day one, and offer immense expansions for a bargain price.
Undelivered Promises
Look. Expectations for the next Witcher game are insanely, astronomically high. This is mainly due to just how good Witcher 3 was, but also in part due to Cyberpunk's failure. CDPR must take it upon themselves to ensure that what they promise for the game WILL be delivered, bar none. No more scrapping of advertised mechanics, no more promises of quests being extensive and full of meaningful choices when they're anything but.
If the devs at CDPR want to keep their company afloat, this is what they have to do. Consider Witcher 4 as their redemption game - if things go well, they regain their status as the chosen one. Fail, and they will be a footnote in the history of the gaming industry.
witcher 3 steam
Related: Top Things Fans Want The Most From The Witcher 3 Next-Gen
