CD Projekt Red has finally unveiled a highly anticipated glimpse of The Witcher 4, marking a thrilling new chapter in the iconic Witcher franchise. The game’s first trailer was showcased at The Game Awards 2024, and fans are buzzing with excitement as the spotlight shifts to Ciri, the princess of Cintra, as the central character and playable protagonist.
The Witcher 4: A New Era Begins
The nearly six-minute pre-rendered trailer introduces a darker, atmospheric tone and an epic storyline. In the clip, Ciri is seen rescuing a young woman who is offered as a sacrifice by her village. Wearing gear reminiscent of her father Geralt of Rivia’s iconic attire, she wields her sword and magic abilities to slay a massive, snake-like monster in a shadowy forest — a thrilling encounter that will undoubtedly excite long-time fans of the series.
CD Projekt Red confirmed that the game will leverage customized Unreal Engine 5 technology, ensuring groundbreaking visuals and immersive gameplay.
The Start of a New Witcher Trilogy
The Witcher 4, codenamed “Polaris”, is the beginning of a new trilogy in the Witcher universe. This game will focus on a fresh storyline, with Ciri taking over as the protagonist and a formidable monster hunter.
Fans will remember Ciri as the adopted daughter of Geralt of Rivia, the franchise’s long-standing hero. Now stepping into the spotlight, her story will unfold in a world rich with lore, danger, and mystery.
Additional Witcher Projects in Development
In addition to The Witcher 4, CD Projekt Red has confirmed plans for four additional Witcher games currently under development:
- Sirius – Developed by The Molasses Flood (known for The Flame in the Flood), this title will explore new gameplay experiences and multiplayer elements.
- Canis Majoris – Being developed by Fool’s Theory (The Thaumaturge), this game promises a large-scale, story-driven experience set in the Witcher universe.
This exciting roadmap signals CD Projekt Red’s long-term commitment to expanding the Witcher franchise.
The Witcher Series Legacy
The Witcher games are inspired by the fantasy novels of Andrzej Sapkowski, a Polish author whose books have captured global audiences. Since its inception in 2007 with The Witcher, the franchise has grown into a monumental success, with three mainline games, expansions, and spin-off titles.
Notable highlights include:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015): A critical and commercial success, often regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time.
- Gwent: The digital trading card game derived from The Witcher 3. It is now being adapted into a real-life board game.
- Netflix Series: A live-action adaptation featuring Geralt of Rivia has further expanded the franchise’s global reach.
Geralt has also made guest appearances in other games such as Fortnite and Soulcalibur 6, solidifying his legendary status.
What Fans Can Expect from The Witcher 4
With Ciri stepping into the role of the protagonist, The Witcher 4 promises a fresh narrative perspective while maintaining the elements that made the series iconic:
- Epic Monster Hunts: Players can expect thrilling battles against massive and terrifying creatures.
- Dynamic World: The game will feature an expansive open-world environment, brought to life through Unreal Engine 5.
- Character Development: Ciri’s growth, both as a warrior and as a character, will be central to the storyline.
- New Abilities: Ciri’s combination of swordplay and magic will offer unique gameplay mechanics.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for The Witcher Fans
The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of an exciting new era for fans of the franchise. With Ciri stepping into the lead role and CD Projekt Red’s commitment to technological innovation, the game promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
As CD Projekt Red gears up for this ambitious trilogy, The Witcher universe is set to evolve, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. While no official release date has been announced, the glimpse of Polaris at The Game Awards has set high expectations for the future.
Stay tuned for more updates as The Witcher 4 continues to shape the next generation of fantasy RPG gaming.
