Prepare to return to the Continent, Witcher fans! CD PROJEKT RED has finally lifted the veil on The Witcher IV, the next chapter in the beloved RPG series.
Announced at The Game Awards 2024 with a stunning cinematic trailer, this new installment promises a darker, more immersive, and ambitious open-world experience than ever before.
Ciri: A Witcher’s Journey
The Witcher IV marks a new beginning for the franchise, with Ciri, the adopted daughter of Geralt of Rivia, taking center stage as the protagonist.
This shift in perspective offers a fresh and exciting way to experience the world of The Witcher, exploring Ciri’s journey as she embraces her destiny and becomes a witcher in her own right.
A Glimpse into a Dark and Brutal World
The nearly six-minute trailer offers a glimpse into The Witcher IV’s world and narrative. We witness Ciri taking on a witcher contract in a remote village terrorised by a monstrous creature.
As she confronts the villagers’ prejudices and superstitions, Ciri learns a painful lesson about the true nature of monsters, both human and beastly.
“We’re kicking off a brand-new Witcher saga, this time with Ciri as the heart of the story!” said Sebastian Kalemba, Game Director. “In this game we want to explore what it means to truly become a witcher by following Ciri on her Path. This trailer is a taste of both that, and just how dark and grounded the world of The Witcher can be.”
A Technical Showcase
The trailer itself is a technical marvel, pre-rendered in a custom build of Unreal Engine 5 on an unannounced NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU. Utilising assets and models from the game, the trailer showcases the visual fidelity and immersive atmosphere that players can expect in The Witcher IV.
Key Features to Anticipate
- Ciri as Protagonist: Experience the world of The Witcher through the eyes of Ciri, a powerful and complex character with unique abilities.
- Dark Fantasy World: Explore a vast and immersive open world filled with danger, intrigue, and the supernatural.
- Witcher Contracts: Take on challenging contracts, battling monsters and unraveling mysteries in the tradition of the Witcher series.
- Moral Dilemmas: Confront difficult choices and face the consequences of your actions in a world where morality is often blurred.
- Enhanced Combat: Master Ciri’s unique combat skills, including swordplay, magic, and the use of a grappling hook.
- Next-Gen Visuals: Immerse yourself in a stunningly realized world powered by Unreal Engine 5.
A New Saga Begins
The Witcher IV is poised to be a landmark release for CD PROJEKT RED, building upon the legacy of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and offering a fresh experience for fans of the series. With its focus on Ciri’s journey, its dark and grounded world, and its enhanced gameplay mechanics, this new installment is sure to captivate players and redefine the boundaries of open-world RPGs.
The Witcher IV is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated new chapter in the Witcher saga!
