Fans of monster hunts, tough choices, and massive open worlds have been buzzing ever since that epic cinematic trailer dropped at The Game Awards 2024. The Witcher 4 (still known internally as Project Polaris) kicks off a brand-new trilogy, with Ciri taking center stage as a full-blown witcher. The Continent looks darker and more alive than ever, built on Unreal Engine 5. Questions keep pouring in about the release date, what the gameplay feels like, and how the story unfolds. Here’s everything we know so far.
The Witcher 4 Release Date Updates
Hold onto those potions – the wait continues. CD Projekt RED made it clear in late 2025 investor updates that The Witcher 4 won’t release in 2026. Full production only ramped up in late 2024, and the team wants to avoid any rushed mistakes from the past.
Joint CEO Michał Nowakowski stressed the game stays in “full-scale production,” but ruled out 2026 entirely. That points to 2027 at the earliest, possibly late in the year to give polishing time.
The Witcher 4 Story
Geralt’s chapter closed with The Witcher 3, so this fresh trilogy spotlights Ciri. She’s survived the Trial of the Grasses, mutated into a proper witcher with cat-like eyes, super reflexes, and her signature sword Zireael. The debut trailer shows her tackling a gruesome contract in a remote village plagued by a sacrifice-demanding monster – and things don’t end neatly, highlighting those classic gray morals.
Ciri comes across as honorable but rebellious, carving her own path in a crumbling world full of ancient evils and human cruelty. New regions like Kovir debut, with rugged mountains, dense forests, and bustling ports. Geralt’s voice (Doug Cockle returning) narrates parts, hinting at cameos or mentorship, though Ciri drives the story.
No multiplayer here – pure single-player RPG with branching narratives, meaningful choices, and deep character ties.
The Witcher 4 Gameplay
No full gameplay trailer yet, but the 2025 Unreal Fest tech demo gave a taste. Running at 60fps on PS5, it featured Ciri riding Kelpie through Kovir, seamless exploration, dynamic weather, and reactive environments using Nanite foliage and advanced AI crowds.
Expect evolved combat: fluid swordplay mixed with signs, potions, and Ciri’s unique chain weapon for pulls and magic conducts. The world reacts more – NPCs live routines, villages feel bustling, and actions ripple out. Gwent returns as a minigame, quests stay deep and choice-driven, no filler.
Platforms cover PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Visuals push hard with ray tracing and massive scale, but optimized for smooth performance.
