The Witcher 4has finally been announced after almost ten years without a new game in the series, and Ciri has been shown taking center stage with the new title. As with any title as hyped-up asThe Witcher 4, there are a plethora of questions surrounding it, such as what the plot will be about, whether legacy characters like Geralt will make a return, and Ciri got into the situation she’s in at the start of the reveal trailer. Another question concerns Ciri’s abilities and her proficiency with magic.
Witchers can use weak magic through their signs, such as Aard or Igni, as well as the ability to use certain potions based on the mutations from the Trial of Grasses.Ciri does appear to be a proper Witcher now, with the cat eyes and all, which brings up how she managed to survive the Trial of Grasses. Traditionally, only boys could undergo the process and most died; however, Ciri has the Witcher mutations despite being a woman and presumably too old to undergo the process. This also doesn’t explain her skill with magic beyond the means of regular Witchers.
Ciri Uses Powerful Magic In The Witcher 4 Trailer
She Draws Her Power From A Source Nearby
Ciri’s proficiency with magic can be explained by the books, which are mostly canon to the games. In the books, Ciri spends some time with Yennefer after learning how to fight like a Witcher with Geralt and the School of the Wolf in Kaer Morhen. During this time, when Ciri must have been going through an awkward phase, since Yennefer kept calling her"ugly one",she learned how to use chaotic magic, Elder Speech, runes, history, and more about her own abilities as a Source.
Ciri spends most of the book series and all ofThe Witcher 3being hunted for her Elder Blood, which comes from Lara Dorren, her ancient ancestor.
Her power comes from her Elder Blood, and although it seems she has lost the power to manipulate space and time as before, her status as a Source and prior knowledge of magic is clearly in use to make her more powerful than the average Witcher. This isn’t uncommon either, sinceTriss mentions that Eskel’s magical potential and prowess is beyond Geralt’s, and Ciri is similar, able to cast more powerful spells than just Witcher Signs, such as the lightning spell she uses in the trailer.
Yennefer Trained Ciri In Magic In The Books
And The Trailer Seems To Reference One Of Ciri’s First Lessons
InThe Witcher 4reveal trailer, Ciri draws magic from a water source, something that isn’t seen often in the game series but is one of the easiest ways to learn magic. Back when Ciri was a child,this was how Yennefer first got her to apply her magical knowledge inBlood of Elves,the firstWitcherbook that isn’t a collection of short stories. Ciri is taught to search among plants for a source of water, as that element, along with earth, fire, and air are all sources for magical power to be drawn from, with water being the easiest to draw from.
Dimeritium is a special material that is able to suppress magical powers and could be used to hamper Ciri’s spells inThe Witcher 4.
Ciri does become too afraid to use magic in the books when she attempts to use fire inTime of Contempt; however, after all the teleporting and manipulation of time and space that she doesinThe Witcher 3, as well as maturing and reconnecting with Yennefer, it makes sense for her to revisit her magical studies.She draws from water in the trailer, just as she did as a child, and uses fire magic, possibly as a stronger version of Igni or as another spell altogether. This shows Ciri’s progression with magic compared to her book counterpart.
Magic Could Add A New Layer To The Witcher’s Combat
Lightning Blasts And Burning Hot Chains Are Just The Tip Of The Iceberg
For reasons that hopefully will be explained in the game,Ciri is now a proper Witcher, and the series' fourth game will presumably have the potions and sword oils that made the combat inWild Huntso methodical. With her magic,Ciri will be able to do more than Geralt could, although it seems that she has lost her overpowered teleportation powersat the end ofThe Witcher 3. This will give the player more options in combat, and if Ciri can draw from all four sources of magic, there could be a lot of spells to use.
Are you excited for The Witcher 4 after the new cinematic trailer?
There’s only one game I’m more excited about than The Witcher 4, and that’s the new Fable. After the new cinematic, I couldn’t be more stoked, and now I’m just bummed to have to wait longer. I wish we’d gotten a glimpse of what the story is going to look like, but I also feel like it was a strong showing of what the vibe will be like with Ciri as the new lead.
Ciri has always had the potential to be a mage, and this was even hinted at inThe Witcher 3. Margarita Laux-Antille is stated to have only cared for her education, which references her time as a teacher (and later rectoress) of Aretuza, specifically when Ciri was looking to enroll. Although her disposition and talent with a sword make Ciri more well-fit to be a Witcher,The Witcher 4shows that she is applying her lessons with Yennefer. Her versatile skill set could make the game’s combat the best in the series.
Source:YouTube | The Witcher IV — Cinematic Reveal Trailer | The Game Awards 2024
