The wait is almost over—CD Project Red has officially confirmed that Witcher 4 is in development. While it’s not a direct sequel to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, this new entry is poised to take the series in a fresh, yet familiar direction. With a brand-new saga on the horizon, gamers across the globe are asking: what will The Witcher 4 look like, when will it release, and how will it evolve?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the most credible rumors, confirmed details, and major updates about The Witcher 4 game—including its development engine, expected launch window, and what role Geralt may (or may not) play.
The Witcher 4: Development Confirmed by CD Projekt Red
In March 2022, CD Projekt Red dropped a bombshell announcement on its official website, stating that a “new saga” in The Witcher universe had entered development. This revelation confirmed long-standing speculation and ignited excitement across the RPG community.
CDPR also announced a partnership with Epic Games, confirming that The Witcher 4 would be developed using Unreal Engine 5, marking a major shift from its proprietary REDengine used in previous games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3. The move is part of the “State of Unreal” initiative, a commitment to next-gen storytelling and gameplay fidelity.
“We’re happy to announce that the next installment in The Witcher series is currently in development, kicking off a new saga,” CDPR stated in their press release.
Witcher 4 Release Date: When Can We Expect It?
As of mid-2025, there is no official Witcher 4 release date. However, CDPR has offered a few development timelines that provide some insight.
In October 2022, the studio outlined its roadmap for the decade, which included several Witcher-related projects under the codename “Polaris”—a designation believed to be The Witcher 4. CDPR confirmed that pre-production had begun in 2022, with full production starting in 2023.
Based on typical AAA development cycles (4–6 years), industry analysts project that the Witcher 4 release date will likely fall between 2026 and 2027.
Key Timeline Highlights:
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2022: Project Polaris (Witcher 4) announced
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2023: Full production begins using Unreal Engine 5
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2025: Mid-production phase underway
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Expected Release: 2026–2027 (estimate)
What We Know About The Witcher 4 Game
While major plot and gameplay elements are still under wraps, a few details have been teased:
1. A New Protagonist?
The official teaser image released in 2022 features a Lynx medallion buried in snow—a strong hint that The Witcher 4 will introduce a new Witcher school. This would mark the first appearance of the School of the Lynx, a fan-created concept that CDPR may now be canonizing.
This suggests that the game might not focus on Geralt of Rivia, who completed his arc in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. However, it’s still possible Geralt could appear in a mentor or cameo role.
2. Unreal Engine 5 = Game-Changer
By joining Epic Games’ State of Unreal project, CD Projekt Red is poised to revolutionize its open-world formula. Expect hyper-realistic environments, dynamic weather systems, and advanced AI behavior—all possible through Unreal Engine 5’s cutting-edge toolsets like Nanite and Lumen.
Watch Epic’s State of Unreal showcase here to see the engine in action.
3. Narrative Scope
CDPR has confirmed that The Witcher 4 will be the first game in a new Witcher trilogy, aiming to release all three within a six-year span. This suggests a massive, interconnected narrative arc—potentially larger than anything seen in The Witcher 3.
The Witcher Legacy: How Witcher 4 Fits In
The Witcher series, based on the novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, has grown from a cult favorite to one of the most iconic RPG franchises in gaming. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) won over 250 Game of the Year awards and remains a gold standard for narrative-driven open-world games.
With The Witcher 4, CDPR hopes to honor that legacy while pushing the franchise into uncharted territory.
Will Ciri Be the New Main Character?
Another popular theory floating around fan forums and Reddit threads is the idea that Ciri could take center stage. She’s a fan-favorite character with strong ties to the lore and multiverse travel capabilities, making her a perfect fit for a new saga.
CDPR hasn’t confirmed this, but given the thematic hints in The Witcher 3’s multiple endings, a Ciri-led narrative is entirely plausible.
Multiplayer and Online Elements?
Although CDPR is mostly known for its single-player storytelling, it has confirmed that some future games will include multiplayer components. While it’s unclear whether The Witcher 4 will feature co-op or online play, it’s possible that such features may be introduced via spin-offs or future titles within the Polaris trilogy.
Platforms and Availability
While no platforms have been officially confirmed, it’s safe to assume The Witcher 4 will release on:
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PC
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PlayStation 5
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Xbox Series X|S
There’s no word on a Nintendo Switch release, and given the graphical ambitions tied to Unreal Engine 5, it’s unlikely the game will run on current-gen handhelds.
Final Thoughts: Witcher 4 Is Shaping Up to Be a Next-Gen RPG Masterpiece
There’s still a lot we don’t know, but what’s clear is that Witcher 4 is one of the most highly anticipated games of the decade. Between its use of Unreal Engine 5, the promise of a new saga, and CD Projekt Red’s ambition to top The Witcher 3, this game has massive potential.
As fans eagerly await more news—including a trailer, gameplay reveals, and the long-awaited Witcher 4 release date—one thing is certain: The world of The Witcher is far from finished.
