The Witcher 4:
What We Know So Far and What to Expect
The Witcher series has long held a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide. From the first game’s ambitious open world to the unforgettable narrative of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red has carved out a legacy of creating expansive, richly detailed RPGs. As we look to the future, the highly anticipated Witcher 4 promises to continue this tradition — but with new twists and exciting changes. Here’s everything we know about The Witcher 4, along with some speculation on what players can expect.

1. A New Saga in the Witcher Universe
The next installment in the Witcher series is often referred to as "The Witcher 4," but it’s officially been confirmed that it’s the beginning of a new saga. This means that while it will be set in the same universe as Geralt’s story, the game will not follow the beloved Witcher protagonist. CD Projekt Red has made it clear that they are moving away from Geralt’s narrative, opening the door for fresh faces, storylines, and locations.
While Geralt’s story has come to a satisfying conclusion in The Witcher 3 and its expansions (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine), The Witcher 4 is expected to bring forward new characters, possibly new Witchers, and a whole new direction for the franchise. This shift will give the series room to evolve without being constrained by the existing lore and history of Geralt’s journey.
2. The Setting: A New World to Explore
The Witcher 4 will feature a world that is both familiar and entirely new. While we don’t have specifics on the exact setting yet, it’s been hinted that the game will take place in a different part of the world than where Geralt’s adventures unfolded. This opens up the possibility for exploring new regions within the Northern Kingdoms or even beyond, possibly taking players to unfamiliar lands like the mysterious continent of Zerrikania or the Kovir and Poviss region, which has been only touched upon in the books.
This new setting will likely introduce new cultures, political landscapes, and monster types, expanding the rich tapestry of the Witcher world. The previous games showcased lush forests, war-torn villages, and ancient ruins, and we can expect similar — if not more immersive — environments in the next game.
3. The New Protagonist: Who Will Take Geralt’s Place?
One of the biggest questions surrounding The Witcher 4 is the identity of the new protagonist. Will players step into the shoes of a new Witcher, or perhaps a completely different type of character?
While CD Projekt Red has been tight-lipped about this, there are a few clues that have emerged. One major theory is that the protagonist could be Ciri, the adopted daughter of Geralt and one of the key characters from The Witcher 3. After the events of The Witcher 3, Ciri is still a compelling figure, and many fans believe she has the potential for her own adventure. Ciri’s ability to travel between worlds, as well as her unique powers as a Child of the Elder Blood, provides an interesting narrative hook.
However, it’s just as possible that the new protagonist will be a completely original character, a new Witcher (or even a non-Witcher character) with their own unique story and motivations. In any case, CD Projekt Red has made it clear that they want to create a fresh experience, so we can expect a different kind of protagonist compared to Geralt, who was defined by his gruffness and internal moral conflict.
4. A New Combat System?
The Witcher 3 set a high bar when it came to combat, blending swordplay, magic, and alchemy in a fluid, dynamic way. However, CD Projekt Red has mentioned that they are considering changes to the combat system in The Witcher 4. Whether this means tweaks to existing mechanics or a full overhaul remains to be seen, but fans can expect something evolved from what we saw in The Witcher 3.
Given the emphasis on story and character development in the previous games, it’s likely that the combat system will continue to serve the narrative, with choices and actions in battle reflecting the player’s decisions throughout the game. The balance between strategic planning (using potions, bombs, and signs) and real-time combat could be further refined for a more satisfying experience.
Additionally, there could be the introduction of new gameplay mechanics specific to the new protagonist’s abilities. If, for example, the main character has magical or combat skills that differ from Geralt’s, we may see a different take on how combat is approached.
5. Improved Graphics and Technology
It’s no secret that The Witcher 3 was a graphical masterpiece, and its expansions further pushed the limits of what was possible at the time. With the next game likely coming out for next-gen consoles and high-end PCs, players can expect significant upgrades in graphics, animations, and environmental design. CD Projekt Red has already confirmed that they are using Unreal Engine 5, which promises to bring even more detailed worlds, better lighting, and advanced physics to the game.
Expect breathtaking landscapes, intricately designed cities, and more atmospheric effects, from the smallest details in nature to massive, sweeping vistas. It’s likely that the new technology will also allow for a more seamless open-world experience, with faster load times, dynamic weather, and even more immersive NPC interactions.
6. The Return of Monster Hunting
At its heart, The Witcher series has always been about monster hunting, and The Witcher 4 is expected to carry on this tradition. We can expect a host of new creatures, both inspired by folklore and original to the Witcher universe. CD Projekt Red has always excelled at crafting unique, menacing monsters that feel like true threats, and fans are eager to see what terrifying beasts will roam the world in the next game.
Monster hunting in The Witcher is as much about preparation as it is about combat, and this could be an area where the gameplay sees some evolution. Perhaps there will be more in-depth monster tracking, the need for more strategic planning, or the introduction of new tools or techniques for hunting.
7. The Story: A Mature, Engaging Narrative
One of the standout features of The Witcher 3 was its masterful storytelling — a dark, complex narrative filled with moral ambiguity, rich characters, and deep themes. While we don’t know exactly what direction The Witcher 4 will take, we can expect another mature, character-driven story. CD Projekt Red has a reputation for crafting narratives that challenge players to make difficult choices, and this next game is likely to continue that tradition.
The world of The Witcher is full of conflict: political intrigue, war, magic, and ancient powers. Whatever the main story may be, it’s certain that it will explore these themes deeply and challenge players to consider the consequences of their actions. And, just like in The Witcher 3, expect side quests that could rival the main story in depth and significance.
8. Release Date: When Can We Expect It?
As of now, there’s no confirmed release date for The Witcher 4. However, CD Projekt Red has indicated that the game is still in the early stages of development, and it could take several more years before we see a finished product. Given the scope of the Witcher games and CD Projekt Red’s commitment to quality, it’s likely that The Witcher 4 won’t be released until sometime in the mid-to-late 2020s.
That said, with a next-gen engine and improved technology, fans can expect a truly polished product when it finally drops.
Final Thoughts
The Witcher 4 represents an exciting new chapter in a beloved franchise. While we don’t have all the details yet, CD Projekt Red’s commitment to creating a rich, immersive world suggests that the next game will live up to the high standards set by its predecessors. Whether it’s exploring a new region, meeting new characters, or diving deeper into the complexities of the Witcher universe, fans have plenty to look forward to.
In the meantime, we’ll be eagerly awaiting any further announcements from CD Projekt Red, hoping for more glimpses into the next epic journey in the world of The Witcher.