Summary
Even as gamers continue to wait for the eagerly anticipated fourth entry in CD Projekt Red’sThe Witcherseries, some fans of the franchise have already started to speculate about what lies in store for the games’ first multiplayer spin-off. Originally announced in 2022,The Witcher’s multiplayer game will represent a radical change of focus for the traditionally single-player-only series whenever it arrives. But while many long-time fans of Geralt of Rivia are no doubt counting down the days until they can create a custom Witcher of their very own, CD Projekt Red would be wise to give players options beyond just humans and Witchers when it comes time to create their characters.
Rather than limiting players to effectively creating clones of the series’ titular protagonist,The Witcher’s multiplayer game should let players choose from multiple races and skillsets when crafting their custom character. Not only would this make narrative sense given the wide range of magical characters and creatures inhabitingthe world ofThe Witcher, but it would also keep the game’s version of the Continent from feeling like it’d been overrun with palette-swapped versions of Geralt. Adding variety to the characters and classes that players can choose from could also open the door to some exciting gameplay possibilities.
Classes and Characters in The Witcher’s Multiplayer Game Should Embrace the Series’ Magical Diversity
Humans have made up much of the main cast of characters inThe Witchergames to date, but the series has an abundance of other, magical races that could be exciting to play as in the multiplayer spin-off. From elves and their offspring likeThe Witcher’s iconic sorceress, Yennefer, to more fantastical creatures like dwarves and vampires, the Continent plays home to a wide range of races that players could potentially pick from when creating a character.
It’s not just different races players should be able to pick from, though, they should also be able to select from multiple different character classes. While plenty of players would likely see no problem with being limited to hunting down monsters with their friends as an online Witcher for hire, giving gamers other roles to play could make the game appealing even to those looking for a slightly more subdued experience. Whether offering critical support to their fighting friends from a distance as a healer or working tobuild the best Witcher base possiblefor their clan, adding distinct classes could makeThe Witcher’s multiplayer game more exciting for all types of gamers.
Multiple Playable Races and Classes Would Make the Continent Feel More Alive
Adding a wide range of selectable races and character classes toThe Witcher’s multiplayer game could encourage collaboration among players and open the door to some unique gameplay possibilities. Sufficiently motivated players might be able to band together in clans tocreate custom Witcher Schools, for example, incentivizing them to recruit characters with different skillsets to make their school more well-rounded, renowned, and ready to take on rivals.
SinceThe Witcher’s multiplayer game will likely lack the breadth and depth of content of a dedicatedMMO likeWorld of Warcraft, giving players these types of goals that go beyond slaying monsters ad infinitum would go a long way towards making the game feel more alive. Implementing even a basic in-game economy where players could buy, sell, and even create items would be another way to do this, letting gamers who would rather craft a cutlass than swing a sword still enjoy their time on the Continent.
By letting players choose the role that suits them best rather than locking them into a specific race or character class, CD Projekt Red can keepThe Witcher’s multiplayer gamefrom feeling like a rerun of its single-player siblings. And even if most players ultimately choose to follow in Geralt’s footsteps, those who choose to walk a different path would still have a chance to find their own fun.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
WHERE TO PLAY
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.PLAY AS A HIGHLY TRAINED MONSTER SLAYER FOR HIRETrained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.Gruesomely destroy foes as a professional monster hunter armed with a range of upgradeable weapons, mutating potions, and combat magic. Hunt down a wide variety of exotic monsters, from savage beasts prowling mountain passes to cunning supernatural predators lurking in the shadowy back alleys of densely populated cities. Invest your rewards to upgrade your weaponry and buy custom armor, or spend them on horse races, card games, fist fighting, and other pleasures life brings.EXPLORE A MORALLY AMBIGUOUS FANTASY OPEN WORLDBuilt for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity. Traverse a fantastical open world: explore forgotten ruins, caves, and shipwrecks, trade with merchants and dwarven smiths in cities, and hunt across the open plains, mountains, and seas. Deal with treasonous generals, devious witches, and corrupt royalty to provide dark and dangerous services. Make choices that go beyond good & evil, and face their far-reaching consequences.
