The Witcher 4: Ciri confirmed as lead, platforms and engine upgrades revealed

Fans hoping to play The Witcher 4 soon will have to wait. CD Projekt Red confirmed during the State of Unreal 2025 event that the next Witcher game is not coming before 2026. While the new tech demo was polished and impressive, the developers made it clear this was only a glimpse of what’s to come. The project is still deep in development and will need more time before it’s ready.

This reveal follows the game’s original teaser in late 2024. The developers called this a “vertical slice” rather than a finished product. The wait may be long, but the results so far show big promise.

Ciri takes over the franchise

Thanks for tuning in to The Witcher 4 — Unreal Engine 5 tech demo and joining us during the State of Unreal 2025! #UnrealFest

The full presentation will be uploaded and shared with everyone later today, but in the meantime, here's four screenshots straight from the demo to tide… pic.twitter.com/LL7bJH1biV

?In a major change, Ciri is now the main character. This is the first game where Geralt won’t be playable, with CD Projekt Red officially saying, “This is Ciri’s story now.” It’s not just a new face for the series. It’s a new direction.

Ciri brings a mix of power, emotion, and mystery that can take the story into unexpected places. The game is also set to kick off a brand-new trilogy, focused on a post-Geralt world.?

Next-gen visuals with Unreal Engine 5.6

The gameplay demo shown during the event ran live on a regular PlayStation 5. No tricks or fake trailers. Everything shown was in real time. It began with Ciri riding Kelpie through a foggy forest. Without any cuts, the game shifted straight into action, showing off the power of Unreal Engine 5.6.

Details like mud sticking to the horse’s hooves or trees moving with the wind made the world feel realistic. NPCs reacted to Ciri walking past. It looked more real than anything seen in a Witcher game before.

Other Witcher projects also in the works

First look at ‘THE WITCHER 4’ tech demo.

Running on standard PS5 at 60FPS. pic.twitter.com/3zku03p5m7

?CDPR didn’t stop at one project. The studio confirmed that alongside Witcher 4, there’s also a remake of the first Witcher game from 2007. That remake is being rebuilt with modern tech. Another title, a multiplayer spin-off codenamed “Sirius,” is being developed by The Molasses Flood.

Both of these will be worked on at the same time, and the studio promised that the main game’s story and quality won’t be affected by side projects.

Will Witcher 4 be cross-gen?

There’s talk that the next Xbox could release in 2027. That has led many to believe Witcher 4 might be a cross-generation title. The current PS5 version could come out first, with updates and upgrades for newer consoles arriving later.

No matter what, CDPR says they want Witcher 4 to be their next flagship title. They’re aiming high. This could be the most ambitious fantasy RPG of the decade.

FAQs

When is The Witcher 4 release date?

CD Projekt Red says the game won’t be out before 2026.

Who is the main character in Witcher 4?

Ciri takes the lead role in the new game.

Will Geralt be in Witcher 4?

He won’t be playable, and there’s no word on a cameo yet.

What platforms will Witcher 4 be on?

The game is expected to release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.