The Witcher 4: What We Know So Far
The Witcher 4, codenamed Project Polaris, is officially in full production and marks the beginning of a new trilogy in CD Projekt Red’s renowned fantasy RPG series. While still in its early development stages, here’s an overview of the game’s key details and what fans can expect.
Development Progress and Release Date
CD Projekt Red announced in November 2024 that The Witcher 4 had completed its pre-production phase and entered full-scale development. The studio has over 400 developers dedicated to this ambitious project, which is the most intensive phase of the game’s creation. Despite this milestone, the release is not expected until 2025 or later, given the complexity of the development process and the shift to Unreal Engine 5.
Unreal Engine 5 and New Features
The game is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, marking a departure from the studio’s proprietary REDengine. This change is part of a strategic partnership with Epic Games, aimed at enhancing the open-world experience. The decision to adopt Unreal Engine 5 aligns with CD Projekt Red’s goal to deliver a visually stunning and technically advanced gaming experience.
Story and Protagonist
Unlike the previous games, which centered on Geralt of Rivia, The Witcher 4 shifts its focus to a new protagonist, potentially Ciri. This is hinted at by her role in the game’s first teaser trailer revealed at The Game Awards 2024. Ciri, Geralt’s adopted daughter, wields the silver sword Zireael and has undergone the Trial of the Grasses, a key transformation that makes her a witcher
Setting and Themes
The game’s teaser features a lynx medallion, suggesting a connection to the School of the Lynx, a new addition to the lore. This school represents fresh directions in storytelling and character development while maintaining the dark fantasy elements that define the series. Players can expect a richly detailed open world filled with monsters, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas
Connected Projects
The Witcher 4 is just the first of several planned projects. CD Projekt Red is also working on a remake of the original The Witcher, which will release after The Witcher 4. Additionally, two spin-off games, codenamed Canis Majoris and Sirius, are in development, expanding the universe further
Expectations
CD Projekt Red remains committed to its roots in single-player, story-driven RPGs while exploring seamless integration of online features. Fans can look forward to a narrative-rich experience that builds on the legacy of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt but introduces new characters and stories that stand apart
