The Witcher IV: Everything We Know

Whatever notion you had about the next title in The Witcher series is probably nothing close to what the developers revealed. As a popular franchise, fans are already teeming with excitement, awaiting the game’s official market release. What’s certain about the new title, The Witcher IV, is that it features massive changes in the story and also the protagonist. Players will embark on a new adventure in an open RPG world, discovering new mysteries as none other than Ciri. With that, let’s dive into everything we know about this title so far, with more still to come up.

What is The Witcher IV?

The title is an action role-playing game and sequel to the beloved franchise narrative Wild Hunt. CD Projekt Red is the genius behind its development and publishing. The game is expected to be the most immersive title in the series, featuring a captivating, vast, open world. Additionally, Ciri, a not-so-new character, is cast as this title’s protagonist. She is the adopted daughter of the previous protagonist, Geralt. In this new world, the old order is crumbling, making the area more dangerous and unpredictable than ever before. The evil forces are taking advantage of the chaos and disorder to reign over the land. Players will need more than just their skills in combat to survive in these territories. 

Story

A lot of the details surrounding this game are still under wraps. However, players can expect to take part in a mind-blowing experience that will keep them hooked for hours. The title will explore themes of destiny, sacrifice, and power. Its narrative begins a few years after the end of its predecessor. It introduces a whole new storyline featuring a new central character, Ciri. She embarks on a journey through a dark fantasy world where she struggles to shape her destiny. Ciri goes around slaying monsters and countering new threats, all while exploring her path as a new witcher. Players get to control their character, making decisions that directly shape the world around them. 

Gameplay

The gameplay places more emphasis on exploration, action, and dialogue. You begin your journey as Ciri in a vast open world plagued with monsters that you have to vanquish to survive. She is pretty agile, featuring new skills that make her a force to be reckoned with in battle. While she might not always have the upper hand, she easily regains it by seizing the perfect opportunity to strike back. In the trailer, we see her possessing twin swords on her back, one of steel and the other silver. As seen in previous entries in the series, the player uses the steel sword against human-like monsters. However, the silver sword is reserved for monsters sensitive to its touch. In this title, the silver sword, Zirael, was a gift to Ciri from her father in one of the possible endings of the prequel. 

Again, players can expect to see many new weapons that will enhance their experience in the gameplay. One such weapon is Ciri’s chain, unveiled in the trailer. The game features other equally important weapons in the form of potions, elixirs, and oils. They each serve a different purpose, giving players a specific advantage over their enemies, especially in difficult fights. For instance, in a scene featured in the trailer, Ciri downs a potion that gives her reptilian eyes and possibly better vision. 

Also, players can perform magic in the form of spells and familiar witcher signs that witchers are taught in training. The sign Quen is an example of a magical sign that Ciri uses in the trailer to produce an energy bubble that shields her from any monster’s strikes. 

Development

CDPR announced that they are working on a new title in The Witcher franchise, which first began production in 2022. However, the title remained in its pre-production phase till November 2023, when developers picked it up again. As the first installment in a new trilogy, developers are working to ensure that the new title does not contradict the existing narrative determined by players’ choices in the prequel. Long-time fans can comfortably connect this narrative to the ones in previous titles. As for new players, they can begin their journey and flow seamlessly with the narrative without feeling left out. 

The development team is using Unreal Engine 5’s Nanite technology to turn this game into a state-of-the-art piece. It allows the creators to design amazing and very detailed worlds without losing performance. Moreover, the system also optimizes the game, ensuring smooth gameplay on any platform. Players will be able to journey for hours and experience premium entertainment every step of the way.

Trailer

In an isolated residence deeply located on the north side of The Continent, we see the village of Stormfort. The locals choose a young woman named Mioni to serve as a sacrifice to ward off a local monster. Here, Ciri makes her first appearance. She seems older and stronger and is wielding swords of steel and silver. Ciri has mutated eyes, which affirm that she has completed the Trial of the Grasses to become a witcher in her own right.

In the series, they always cast Ciri as a secondary character with an underdeveloped personality. However, we now see her as a fully fledged character ready to take on her new path in The Witcher IV. She performs a series of attacks that give fans a taste of her fighting skills. Additionally, she uses potions and spells, showing her prowess as a new witcher. For players who are already knee-deep in this series, the developers promise that the new narrative will blend seamlessly with the prequel’s multiple endings. 

Release Date and Platforms

Like many other legendary titles, The Witcher IV’s trailer was officially released during The Game Awards 2024. Developers are yet to unveil the details of its release date. However, they plan to release the title for PC and next-generation consoles.

Are you ready to explore a new chapter with Ciri on The Witcher IV? Let us know through our socials here or in the comment section below.