Witcher 4 Game Release Date – What We Know So Far

The Witcher series has become one of the most beloved RPG franchises, with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt being hailed as a masterpiece in gaming history. Following its immense success, fans have eagerly awaited news about the next chapter in Geralt's world. While CD Projekt Red has confirmed that a new Witcher game is in development, specific details, including the release date, remain unclear. However, there are several hints and rumors about what to expect from Witcher 4.

Development and Official Announcements

CD Projekt Red first confirmed the development of a new Witcher game in early 2022, though it stopped short of calling it Witcher 4. The studio made it clear that this game would mark the start of a new saga within the Witcher universe, rather than a direct continuation of Geralt of Rivia’s story. This distinction has sparked numerous speculations about potential protagonists and storylines.

The company also announced that they will be moving away from their REDengine, used in The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, to Unreal Engine 5 for future Witcher games. This switch to a more versatile and popular game engine signals that CD Projekt Red is investing in a cutting-edge experience, but it may also contribute to a longer development timeline.

When Could Witcher 4 Be Released?

As of now, there is no official release date for Witcher 4. However, given the announcement of the game’s development in 2022 and considering CD Projekt Red’s previous timelines, we could be looking at a release window sometime between 2025 and 2027. The studio has a history of taking their time with game development to ensure the final product meets their high standards, as seen with the lengthy development cycles of both The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077.

Additionally, CD Projekt Red is working on multiple projects simultaneously, including expansions for Cyberpunk 2077 and other unannounced games. This could further extend the time needed for Witcher 4 to reach completion.

What We Know About the Story

Since CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Witcher 4 will begin a new saga, many fans are wondering if the game will continue with Geralt of Rivia as the protagonist or shift focus to other characters within the Witcher universe. One of the most popular theories suggests that Ciri could take center stage as the next playable protagonist. After all, her role as a major character in The Witcher 3 and her unique abilities as a Child of the Elder Blood make her a strong candidate for leading the new storyline.

Another theory is that Witcher 4 could introduce a new witcher altogether, possibly one trained at a different school like the School of the Cat or the School of the Griffin. This would allow the game to explore new regions and lore within the rich Witcher world.

What to Expect from Gameplay

While there is no official word on the gameplay mechanics, the shift to Unreal Engine 5 promises improvements in graphics, world-building, and performance. Fans can expect more dynamic environments, richer detail, and possibly a more interactive open world. Additionally, CD Projekt Red is known for its deep storytelling and complex characters, so Witcher 4 will likely retain these core elements while pushing technical boundaries.

Conclusion

Though the release date of Witcher 4 remains a mystery, fans can rest assured that CD Projekt Red is hard at work crafting the next chapter of the Witcher saga. With the switch to Unreal Engine 5 and the promise of a new storyline, Witcher 4 is poised to be a major event in gaming. Stay tuned for more updates as development progresses, and prepare for a fresh adventure in the ever-expanding world of the Witcher.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When is The Witcher 4 coming out?

As of now, there is no confirmed release date for The Witcher 4. Development was announced in early 2022, and given CD Projekt Red's track record, a release could be expected sometime between 2025 and 2027.

2. Will The Witcher 4 continue Geralt's story?

No, The Witcher 4 will begin a new saga within the Witcher universe. While Geralt of Rivia was the main character in the previous trilogy, it’s unclear if he will play any significant role in the upcoming game.

3. Is The Witcher 4 the official title of the next game?

CD Projekt Red has not confirmed the title The Witcher 4. The new game will be a continuation of the Witcher franchise but may not be called Witcher 4, as it represents a fresh start in the series.

4. Will Ciri be the main character in The Witcher 4?

While there is speculation that Ciri could be the protagonist of the next game due to her significant role in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red has not confirmed any details regarding the new game's main character.

5. What game engine is being used for The Witcher 4?

CD Projekt Red has confirmed that they are moving from their proprietary REDengine to Unreal Engine 5 for the development of the new Witcher game, promising enhanced graphics, world-building, and performance.

6. Will The Witcher 4 be available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC?

Though no platforms have been officially announced yet, it is likely that The Witcher 4 will be released on next-gen consoles like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, given CD Projekt Red’s history of cross-platform releases.

7. Will there be multiplayer in The Witcher 4?

CD Projekt Red has not announced whether The Witcher 4 will include multiplayer elements. The previous Witcher games have been single-player experiences, but it’s possible the studio could explore multiplayer features in the future.

8. Will there be expansions or DLCs for The Witcher 4?

While no specifics have been shared about potential expansions or DLCs, CD Projekt Red has a history of supporting its major games with post-launch content, as seen with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077.

9. What kind of story can we expect in The Witcher 4?

The exact storyline is unknown, but CD Projekt Red has said the game will explore new narratives in the Witcher universe. There are strong theories that the new game could feature a different witcher protagonist or focus on characters like Ciri.

10. Will The Witcher 4 be open-world like The Witcher 3?

While it hasn’t been confirmed, it's highly likely that The Witcher 4 will retain the open-world format, considering the immense success of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s expansive and immersive world.