CD Projekt Red's next-generation project, the highly anticipated 'The Witcher 4', has some exciting news. Previously known by the codename 'Polaris', the game has been officially titled 'The Witcher 4', further igniting fan anticipation. First revealed in March 2022, signaling the start of a new Witcher saga, consistent development updates have been shared. However, CDPR's official announcement of entering the full production phase in the second half of 2024, specifically November, is particularly significant. This marks a transition from pre-production to the actual construction of the game's foundation. The anticipation is palpable; the moment I first experienced the Witcher series, that same excitement is building again.
The most notable change in The Witcher 4's development is the game engine. CDPR has transitioned from its long-used REDengine to Unreal Engine 5, leveraging a strategic partnership with Epic Games. At 'State of Unreal 2025', held on June 3rd, 2025 (June 4th KST), a technical demo of The Witcher 4 was unveiled. While not actual gameplay, the demo showcased the incredible potential of Unreal Engine 5.6 in rendering the Witcher world. Maintaining a stable 60 frames per second with ray tracing on a standard PlayStation 5 model seemingly sets a new technological benchmark for next-generation open-world games.
The technical demo highlighted key features of Unreal Engine 5.6. 'Fast Geometry Streaming', drastically improving content loading speed in open-world environments, promises seamless exploration of the vast Witcher world. More natural and interactive NPC reactions will inject vibrant life into the game world. My faith in CDPR's technological prowess, solidified by Cyberpunk 2077, is further strengthened by the synergy with Unreal Engine 5.6.
Information strongly suggests that Ciri, not Geralt, will be The Witcher 4's protagonist. The narrative will likely center on Ciri's journey from a powerful individual in Witcher 3 to a fully fledged Witcher. The 'Trial of the Grasses', the grueling process of becoming a Witcher, is expected to be a pivotal plot point. While Geralt's appearance is possible, Ciri is anticipated to take the lead.
The primary setting is rumored to be Cintra, a region of the Northern Kingdoms not extensively explored in previous installments. Its snow-capped mountains and expansive landscapes will serve as the backdrop for Ciri's new adventure. Recent voice actor resumes confirm a new character, 'Bran', with voice recording and motion capture scheduled for 2025. This indicates smooth development progress but also suggests further time is needed before release.
The precise release date remains undisclosed. However, CDPR officially announced in their March 2025 financial report that The Witcher 4's release would be after 2027. They also stated their plan to release a new trilogy, starting with The Witcher 4, within six years of the main game's launch. Over 400 developers are currently working on the 'Polaris' project, significantly exceeding the team size for Witcher 3. CDPR's focus on AAA open-world RPG development promises a highly polished game.
The Witcher 4 is a critically important project for CDPR. The transition to a new engine, a new protagonist, and the launch of a new trilogy present significant challenges. However, lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077 should mitigate risks. The recent Unreal Engine 5.6 technical demo effectively allayed concerns and showcased the game's potential. While the wait will be longer, the anticipation for CDPR's new Witcher world is well worth it. We eagerly await further updates and the day we embark on Ciri's Witcher journey.
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