While we wait for more news about The WItcher 4, here's everything we know so far.
CD Projekt RED just unveiled the latest instalment in the Witcher series, The Witcher 4, at the Game Awards last month with a killer reveal that left fans hungry to know more. If you’re among those eager for more details on the upcoming sequel, you’re in the right place.
We've gathered all the information currently available about the game's development, so here's everything we know so far about The Witcher 4.
Development and release timeline
Development for The Witcher 4, previously codenamed Project Polaris, has entered full-scale production. The game is being built on Unreal Engine 5, showcasing the developers' commitment to utilising next-generation graphics technology for an immersive open-world experience.
While an exact release date has not been announced, CD Projekt RED CEO Adam Kiciński said in an investror's call in 2022 that the game was “at least three years away.” Since no gameplay trailer and release date was shared at the Game Awards in December 2024, some believe that the game will be released in 2026 or 2027 at the earliest, while many fans on Reddit think it will be released in 2028 or beyond.
New protagonist, new Witcher: Ciri
One of the most controversial directions of the trilogy is the introduction of a new protagonist: Ciri as a witcher. In the Witcher series, Ciri is also known as Cirilla, the adopted daughter of Geralt and Yennefer, and the only remaining heir of Cintra. Ciri is one of the most compelling characters in the Witcher universe. As a descendant of the Elder Blood, she possesses unique powers that allow her to traverse dimensions.
Ciri’s story unfolds across video game trilogy, starting with the first game, where she was introduced as a young girl with powerful bloodlines. Fleeing from enemies, she became the target of various factions seeking her Elder Blood. Throughout her journey, she learns to harness her magical abilities. In The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, Ciri’s powers continue to grow. In the game, Geralt looks for her while trying to piece together a mystery surrounding the forces behind all the chaos.
By time period shown in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Ciri was fleeing from the Wild Hunt. Throughout the game, Geralt searches for her, aided by her visions and trails. There are multiple endings for The Witcher 3: one ending sees Ciri die, while the other sees her choose to become the empress of Nilfgaard. However, the game's two most prominent endings see Ciri embracing her destiny as the “Child of the Elder Blood,” and confronting the Wild Hunt in a climactic battle but then leaving Geralt and walking her own path, and another where she chooses to be a witcher.
In The Witcher 4, CD Projekt Red teases that Ciri's journey towards becoming a witcher, and the significance of the Lynx School medallion, will play a central role in the game. Specific timelines or further narrative details remain under wraps for now.
Where is Geralt?
While Ciri's inclusion in this sequel is exciting, fans who followed the first trilogy likely miss the main protagonist of the series, Geralt of Rivia. But there’s nothing to be worried about there, as the developers have confirmed that Geralt isn’t going anywhere.
This was confirmed by CD Projekt RED in an interview. "Geralt will appear in the game, but we don’t want to spoil his role precisely,” the developer said. It looks like fans will have to wait and see what role he takes in the new trilogy, starting with The Witcher 4.
New regions and new monsters
The Witcher 4 takes place in The Continent, the same world where previous Witcher games have taken place, but Game Director Sebastian Kalemba and Executive Producer Gosia Mitręga confirmed that the game will introduce new regions in an interview with Easy Allies. One of these regions was featured in the trailer—located in the “far far north,” to quote Mitręga, when she talked more about it. The place has very few inhabitants: "about 35,” game producer Sebastian Kalemba estimates.
Of course, with new regions also come new monsters. The developers have hinted that these regions will be full of unique creatures designed to challenge players in different ways.
One confirmed addition is the Bauk, a creature from Serbian folklore. Kalemba describes it as a “tricky, tricky bastard” because it preys on fear. The trailer already featured the Bauk attacking Ciri in a misty forest, showcasing its grotesque appearance, however, Ciri may encounter even more dangerous creatures as she traverses other regions.
Despite introducing new regions, Kalemba and Mitręga shared that the map size will remain more or less the same as The Witcher 3. Regarding which regions the new game would cover has not been confirmed yet.
That's everything we know so far about The Witcher 4. From its development timeline to Ciri's new role, and the introduction of fresh regions and monsters, there's plenty to look forward to. As more details emerge, we'll keep this page updated, so stay tuned for the latest on the next chapter of the Witcher saga.
