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Source Magic
April 5, 2026 at 01:04 AM
Initial version
A Source is a person born with a natural, innate connection to magical energy. In the Witcher universe, Sources possess raw magical talent that does not require the formal training of a sorcerer, although training is needed to control it. Ciri is a Source, a trait connected to her Elder Blood lineage. She received formal magical training from Yennefer of Vengerberg, making her both a witcher and a trained mage.
In The Witcher IV, Ciri's magical abilities go beyond the standard Witcher Signs (Igni, Quen, Aard, Yrden, Axii). As a Source, she can perform more powerful spellcasting that ordinary witchers cannot.
Elemental manipulation: In the cinematic trailer, Ciri draws water from cave walls and converts it into an electrical discharge to strike the Bauk. This level of elemental control is sorcery, not a Witcher Sign.
Teleportation dash: A short-range blink that allows Ciri to teleport short distances during combat for rapid repositioning. This was present in Ciri's playable sections in The Witcher 3 and returns in The Witcher IV.
Casting while moving: Unlike Geralt, who had to stop to cast Signs, Ciri can cast spells while walking or running. This applies to both Signs and Source magic.
Not all of Ciri's Elder Blood powers appear to be available in gameplay. Based on what has been shown and confirmed, the following abilities from the books and The Witcher 3 appear to be restricted:
Dimensional portals: Ciri could open portals between worlds in The Witcher 3's story. This ability does not appear to be a gameplay mechanic in The Witcher IV.
Uncontrolled energy blasts: The explosive, uncontrolled outbursts of power shown in The Witcher 3 do not appear as a combat ability. The developers seem to have chosen controlled, directed spellcasting instead.
Ciri retains access to standard Witcher Signs. Igni (fire) has been confirmed in both the trailer (chain weapon infusion) and tech demo. Quen (protective shield) was visible in the trailer. Source magic appears to function as a separate, more powerful tier of abilities layered on top of Signs.
The developers described Ciri's overall magical profile as combining "witcher grit with elven magic." This suggests that Signs and Source magic will be integrated into a unified ability system rather than treated as completely separate mechanics.
