The Witcher’s Multiplayer Game Would Benefit Most by Not Taking Its Namesake too Literally

Even as gamers continue to wait for the eagerly anticipated fourth entry in CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher series, 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 inhabiting the world of The 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.

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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 in The Witcher games 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 like The 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 to build the best Witcher base possible for their clan, adding distinct classes could make The 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 to The 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 to create 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.

Since The Witcher’s multiplayer game will likely lack the breadth and depth of content of a dedicated games-like-world-of-warcraft/”>MMO like World 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 keep The Witcher’s multiplayer game from 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

The Witcher 3 is the third major installment in the Witcher series. In this game, players once again take up the mantle of Geralt, a monster hunter who roams the open world taking on contracts. For this entry, the major plot follows the disappearance of Ciri, Geralt’s ward, and his attempts to find her.

Released

May 19, 2015

Engine

REDengine 3

ESRB

M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content

Expansions

The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone , The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine

How Long To Beat

52 Hours

Metascore

94

PS Plus Availability

N/A