The Witcher 4 First Details: What Do We Know So Far

If you're a fan of the legendary The Witcher game series, have completed all the installments, and want to learn everything about Witcher 4, welcome – you've come to the right place. Let's start with the fact that the new Witcher game will be the first part of a new trilogy featuring a brand-new but at the same time very familiar protagonist. The well-known Geralt of Rivia will be replaced by his “adopted daughter” Ciri.

It’s also worth noting that The Witcher 4 isn’t just a transitional project with a new main character; it’s a completely new game with unique gameplay and a refreshed game universe. In this article, we’ll provide an expert assessment, tell you when to expect the release, and highlight what new features will be introduced in the game.

The Witcher 4 Potential Release Date and Platforms

It has been almost 10 years since the release of The Witcher 3 (2015), so fans have been waiting and constantly searching for information on when the witcher 4 is coming out. Some clarity came after TGA 2024, where not only was the trailer revealed, but the developers also shared significant details about the upcoming release.

The first thing CD Projekt Red disclosed is that the game has been in development for quite some time and had the codename Polaris. In an interview, they explained that they assign codenames based on stars or constellations for each of their projects. However, regarding the question of when is Witcher 4 coming out, the information remains ambiguous. The trailer provided little to no hints about a specific release date for the new Witcher.

CDPR conducted some research and drew parallels with The Witcher 3 and other games from the studio such as Cyberpunk 2047. The most optimistic scenario suggests The Witcher 4 might release at the end of 2025, but more realistic projections point toward 2026 or early 2027.

The game is expected to launch first on PC and PlayStation, with continuous updates for future consoles, much like the previous version. The Witcher 3 debuted on Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in 2015, was added to Nintendo Switch in 2019, and became available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on December 14, 2022. We hope the process of releasing on all platforms and optimizing the new installment will be faster this time so every fan can enjoy The Witcher 4.

The Witcher 4 Trailer Details

As mentioned above, the official trailer for Witcher 4 was released during TGA 2024, showcasing the game’s style, glimpses of gameplay, and plenty of intriguing details. At the start of the trailer, we see an ancient East Slavic folklore-inspired setting and a village where a young girl is about to be sacrificed to a monster. This is when Ciri, now taking on the role of the new Witcher, appears and sets off to save the girl and slay the beast.

When Ciri catches up with the girl, she tells her to head home while she continues on to face the monster. The trailer highlights that Ciri is just as skilled with a sword as Geralt and also showcases her magical abilities, which ultimately help her defeat the creature. Upon returning to the village with the monster’s head as a trophy, Ciri finds the girl murdered and the villagers in an uproar, rejecting her return. Enraged, the Witcher utters the phrase, “There are no gods, only monsters,” implying that things won’t end well for the villagers. Thus, it can be assumed that this phrase could become a key theme for the first game from the new Witcher trilogy.

The Witcher 4 Confirmed Ciri as a Main Character

Watching the trailer, it becomes clear that Ciri will be the main protagonist in The Witcher 4. To further support this, we’ve gathered several key facts:

1. In the trailer, she is wearing a Witcher medallion around her neck, a signature attribute of a Witcher. For Ciri, this is the Lynx medallion.
2. In The Witcher 3, there are multiple possible endings, which you can read about in All The Witcher 3 Story Endings. One of which sees Ciri becoming a Witcher, which perfectly aligns with her role as the central character in the new game.

This narrative decision to change the protagonist symbolizes the introduction of something fresh into the Witcher universe and marks the beginning of a new trilogy.

The Witcher 4 Gameplay

Although the trailer was more cinematic, it also included glimpses of gameplay. While most of the game mechanics remain undisclosed, we got a look at the combat system and quest mechanics. This is evident from the scene where Ciri, after defeating the monster, brings its head back to the village, just as Geralt used to do. By doing so, she confirms the completion of her task and becomes eligible for a reward.

Overall, this is a standard type of mission for The Witcher, such as killing a monster or going somewhere to bring something back, but the choices you make can determine your gameplay progress and the ending you will reach. So, this sequence of events in the trailer confirms the importance of choices in The Witcher 4 and that they will play an even bigger role than in the previous game.

The Combat System in The Witcher 4

It’s exciting to see that the developers have showcased the combat system. From what’s shown, it’s clear that the Project Polaris aka Witcher 4 as we know for now, will build on the best aspects of the previous three games while enhancing them further. The trailer reveals that Ciri uses the standard Witcher arsenal (two swords, a medallion, and elixirs) and wields them masterfully. Additionally, a new weapon – a chain – has been introduced. In one scene, the new Witcher uses it to strangle and defeat a monster.

To fully grasp the gameplay potential, it’s essential to consider Ciri’s backstory. As the Child of the Elder Blood, she possesses supernatural abilities, which will undoubtedly play a significant role in Witcher 4. Also, in the previous installment, her ability to blink was already used, and it is highly likely that these gameplay mechanics will be carried over into The Witcher 4.

The Witcher 4 Story

From all the evidence, it’s clear that the fourth installment will serve as an introductory game centered around Ciri. The storyline will focus on her journey to becoming a Witcher, the obstacles she faces along the way, and how she acquired her abilities. Considering this is the first part of a trilogy, we can expect a fairly gradual narrative with a cliffhanger at the end. However, the full picture will only be revealed with future announcements and the game’s release.

Is The Witcher 4 Open World?

One of the main questions both fans and experts are asking is whether Witcher 4 will continue the legacy of its predecessor by featuring a large open world. Fortunately, this has been confirmed by the developers in an interview, where they stated that the game will not only have a vast open world but also include new and exciting locations that were not present in The Witcher 3.

As a result, the game will appeal to both players who focus on the main storyline and those who simply enjoy exploring the universe. It’s also worth mentioning that the map in The Witcher 4 will be similar in size to that of The Witcher 3, but there will be fewer side quests and those annoying question marks.

The Witcher 4 Engine

In terms of the game engine, the new Witcher will also introduce several innovations. CD Projekt Red has announced that they have transitioned to Unreal Engine 5, which will provide not only modern and realistic graphics but also potentially a more stable game launch compared to previous releases. However, it’s important to note that significant technical work will be required, as this engine demands thorough optimization to ensure a high-quality gaming experience.

Will Geralt Appear in The Witcher 4?

And now, let’s address the question many have been waiting for: will Geralt appear in the new Witcher game? This beloved character has won the hearts of gamers, and for some, the news of a new protagonist in The Witcher 4 was disappointing. However, his presence in the upcoming installment has not been entirely ruled out. Rumors circulating online suggest that he might appear in flashbacks or be part of a specific story or quest, and the same applies to other characters from the trilogy. This theory is supported by the final moments of the trailer, where his distinctive voice can be heard.

Additionally, the developers confirmed that Gwent (the in-game replacement for traditional poker) will return in The Witcher 4, so all card game enthusiasts will have something to do during breaks between main quests.

If you’re a fan of The Witcher and the gaming industry, we recommend following EGamersWorld to stay updated on all the latest news about the next chapter of the Witcher series and other major releases.