The Witcher 4 Unleashed: Decoding the Mind-Blowing Unreal Engine 5 Tech Demo

Q: When Can We Expect The Witcher 4?

CD Projekt Red has tentatively circled 2027 as a potential launch window for the Witcher 4 release date. However, as any seasoned gamer knows, these dates are often more of a guideline than a hard promise in the ambitious world of AAA development. Given the scale and innovation promised, a potential shift to 2028 or even later isn't entirely out of the realm of possibility. The key takeaway here is patience – a true masterpiece takes time to forge.

Alright, fellow Pathfinders! Did you feel that seismic shift in the gaming landscape recently? At this week’s Unreal Fest Orlando, Epic Games and CD Projekt Red didn’t just drop a bomb; they detonated an entire continent of hype with a technical demonstration of The Witcher 4. Built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5 using cutting-edge tools, this wasn’t just a glimpse; it was a crystal-clear window into the future of our beloved fantasy saga. We’re talking about more than just Ciri’s next chapter; it’s about the people she’ll encounter, the breathtaking places she’ll traverse, and the very soul of the game we’ll eventually get our hands on.

Fourteen minutes of pure, unadulterated potential. That’s what we got, and let me tell you, it was packed tighter than a Gwent deck in a monster hunter’s pouch. With insights directly from CD Projekt Red and Epic Games, we’re here to break down the ten most crucial revelations from this unforgettable tech demo. Are you ready?

1. Hold Your Horses, It’s Not Gameplay (But It’s Close!)

First things first, let’s manage expectations, shall we? While CD Projekt Red’s Cinematic Director, Kajetan Kapuściński, was literally navigating Ciri through the demo world live on stage, this isn’t a direct slice of the final Witcher 4 game. Think of it as a meticulously crafted vision board. Kapuściński explained that this demo was specifically designed for both companies to collaborate on the foundational technology that will power The Witcher 4.

“So it’s not gameplay of The Witcher 4, per se,” Kapuściński clarified. But don’t despair! What it does show is their “artistic direction and how we would like to approach some things.” This means the immense scope of the world, the astounding foliage density, the nuanced reactions between Ciri and NPCs, and the seamless blend of cinematic moments with interactive segments? That’s CD Projekt Red’s ambition, folks. It’s their current dream, the north star guiding their development. Of course, as with any early peek, “everything you saw is subject to be changed,” as Kapuściński wisely noted. Still, what a starting point!

Video: The Witcher 4 — Unreal Engine 5 Tech Demo, courtesy of The Witcher.

2. Will The Witcher 4 Actually Look This Good on PS5?

This is the million-Oren question, isn’t it? Many of us remember the early footage for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077, which, let’s be honest, often looked a bit more ambitious than the eventual release. So, skepticism is understandable, especially when this Witcher 4 demo ran at a buttery-smooth 60 frames per second on a standard PlayStation 5.

Epic Games’ Senior Director of Product Strategy, Wyeth Johnson, was unequivocal: “Oh absolutely. We can’t lie here. I mean the technology that we’re making has to be directly relevant for what players expect, and players across the entire hardware spectrum are asking for amazing 60 frames per second gameplay.” The magic lies in Unreal Engine 5.6’s advancements, particularly the Hardware Ray Tracing system enhancements, which are designed to eliminate CPU bottlenecks. The promise? “Quality mode” experiences (typically 30fps) delivered at a glorious 60fps, all without needing new hardware. Julius Girbig, a senior technical animator at CD Projekt Red, confirmed their intentional focus: “That’s why we specifically wanted to go that route of let’s start with the consoles, let’s show how much we can optimize this engine together with Epic and make it work on current gen, instead of running it on some highend hardware.” That’s a bold declaration, and one that has gamers everywhere buzzing with anticipation!

Video: The Witcher 4 – UE 5.6 Tech Demo | State of Unreal 2025, courtesy of IGN.

3. Northbound: A Journey into Kovir’s Untamed Beauty

Pack your winter gear, because we’re heading way up north! The technical demo is set in Kovir, a region in the very northern reaches of The Continent, nestled northwest of familiar territories like Redania and Temeria. This mountainous terrain is a treasure trove of resources, with mining being a key industry – and yes, that includes salt, which plays a role in Ciri’s initial quest in the demo.

Book loyalists have been dreaming of visiting Kovir for ages, and seeing it rendered in UE5 is something else. As Game Director Sebastian Kalemba highlighted, much of The Witcher world, especially Kovir, is naturally wild. While The Witcher 3‘s woodlands were impressive for their time, the forest in this demo? It’s a league apart. It stretches endlessly, with hyper-detailed pine trees blanketing ravines, showcasing an astonishing amount of foliage detail both vertically and horizontally. This breathtaking density is thanks to Nanite Foliage, a revolutionary Unreal tech that rethinks how assets like leaves and needles are loaded, allowing for a richer world without constant pop-ins or load times. Charles Tremblay, VP of Technology at CD Projekt Red, succinctly put it: “I think for the Witcher franchise, the forest is definitely the soul of the game… How are we going to make the next generation of foliage? The answer was Nanite Foliage. “

4. Meet Kelpie: Ciri’s New Companion

For hundreds of hours, Geralt had his trusty (if sometimes glitchy) Roach. But Ciri, our new protagonist for the Witcher 4 game, deserves her own steed. Enter Kelpie: a magnificent black horse making her game debut in this tech demo. While new to the games, Kelpie has deep roots in Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, a loyal companion Ciri acquired after the death of her original owner. The books even mention her ability to clear seven-foot walls with ease – a feat Roach rarely managed without spontaneously appearing on a rooftop.

This begs the question: will Kelpie be a smoother, more enjoyable ride than Geralt’s old friend? “No offense to Roach, but when you have this jank it can get you out of the immersion, that’s for sure,” admitted Tremblay. CD Projekt Red wants Kelpie to feel like a true companion, a seamless part of exploration. New tech like Unreal’s multi-character motion matching aims to ensure riding Kelpie is a fluid, immersive experience. And that name, Kelpie? In Scottish folklore, it’s a shapeshifting water spirit. Could this hint at a unique ability to cross water, or is it just a neat mythological nod? We’ll have to wait and see what the Witcher 4 release date brings!

Video: The Witcher 4 – Tech Demo Cinematic | State of Unreal 2025, courtesy of IGN.

5. The Quest and The Manticore’s Return

Even though this was a tech demo, CD Projekt Red, being CD Projekt Red, couldn’t resist weaving in a narrative thread. Kalemba stressed the challenge of creating a tech demo that still “incorporate[s] story and bits and pieces from this world.” And it worked! The subtle narrative helped elevate the technical achievements.

We see Ciri take on a classic Witcher contract: investigate a salt merchant’s missing cargo and crew. Unsurprisingly, a manticore is the culprit. This beast’s appearance is a pleasant surprise for long-time fans; manticores were planned for The Witcher 3 but ultimately cut. While not a confirmation for the final Witcher 4 game, seeing it rendered so beautifully in Unreal Engine 5 is enough to make us hope we’ll get to slay it ourselves. Kalemba emphasized the blend of genres that defines The Witcher: “It’s a cocktail of experience… Here you have this adventurous vibe.” It’s clear they’re aiming for that quintessential blend of grim realities and exhilarating adventure.

6. Welcome to Valdrest: Population Over 300 (and Counting!)

Ciri’s adventure leads her back to Valdrest, the bustling port town and home to the salt merchant. What’s truly impressive here isn’t just the scenery, but the sheer volume and variety of its inhabitants. Thanks to optimization and Unreal Engine’s new animation framework, Valdrest boasts over 300 unique NPCs. Suddenly, Novigrad might feel a little… quaint?

The marketplace teems with life: traders, guards, dwarves, entertainers, even a tamed bear! But it’s the attention to individual detail that truly shines – a disabled man with a crutch, a mother embracing her child. This is Epics MetaHuman technology at its finest, bringing incredibly lifelike and diverse characters to the screen, each with unique animations and interactions. It’s an immersion builder like no other, making every person feel like an individual, not just another asset.

7. A World That Breathes: Responsive and Alive

Beyond their visual diversity, the NPCs of Valdrest are fascinating because of their responsiveness. “Notice how responsive the world is,” Kalemba pointed out during the demo. We witnessed Ciri bumping into a merchant, sending apples tumbling down a hill, startling a chicken, and setting off a small, dynamic chain reaction. This isn’t just eye candy; it’s about physical interactions having plausible, unscripted consequences.

NPCs also react to Ciri herself, reflecting the Witcher’s often shadowy reputation. A guard spits and mutters “Oh bugger, not her again” as she passes, selling that sense of prejudice. “All of these things keep you in the world,” Johnson remarked. While the dynamic nature of these behaviors (scripted vs. systemic) remains to be fully revealed, the goal is unequivocally a “living, breathing world.” Kapuściński affirmed, “Naturally behaving, properly looking NPCs are an important part of it. So yeah, we’ve proved that with previous games, and we’re not aiming any lower than that. “

8. Seamless Storytelling: The Future of Cinematics

Since this was a technical showcase, not a full gameplay reveal, we didn’t get to peek at dialogue systems or UI. However, we did see how dialogue sequences will *begin*, and it’s utterly seamless. Remember those brief loading screens or camera cuts when transitioning into a conversation in The Witcher 3? Gone!

Thanks to Unreal Engine’s tools, as Ciri approaches a dialogue trigger, the camera fluidly detaches from the typical third-person perspective and seamlessly frames the scene for the cinematic. CD Projekt Red first achieved seamless game-to-cinematic transitions in Cyberpunk 2077 for first-person immersion, and it’s fantastic to see that fluidity adapted and perfected for a third-person perspective in The Witcher 4. It’s a subtle but powerful enhancement that keeps you locked into the narrative.

9. A Small Gift: Unveiling Lan Exeter

Right at the demo’s conclusion, Kalemba promised “a small gift for all Witcher fans.” And what a gift it was: our very first look at Lan Exeter. While mentioned in The Witcher 3 and its “Blood and Wine” expansion, this grand city has never been rendered in a video game before.

Lan Exeter, a port city in Kovir and the kingdom’s winter capital, is a beloved location from Sapkowski’s books. With no traditional pedestrian walkways, navigation is solely via its intricate canal network – essentially, a wintry, fantasy Venice. The Great Canal leads to monumental locations like Ensenada Palace, the King of Kovir’s residence, surrounded by the opulent homes of admirals and magnates. It’s a sure bet we’ll be exploring these majestic waterways and perhaps a few grand estates when the Witcher 4 release date finally arrives!

10. The Next Generation of Open World RPGs?

As the demo faded, Kalemba declared, “I think what we’re doing together is going to bring in a new generation of open world RPGs.” A bold claim, but what exactly does it mean?

For CD Projekt Red, “story quest is always key,” Tremblay affirmed. But now, with the technological leaps, they want the immersion to be unparalleled. “We want people to feel like they belong to this world, they interact with the world, that they can experience the emotion of the character, feeling that they are connected to the story.” The partnership with Epic and the advanced tools they’re building are set to push things “yet another level. “

Johnson from Epic echoed this vision: “For us, we don’t want to get in the way of artistic vision… We want everybody who uses Unreal Engine to come at the tools and the technology unburdened by what they imagine and believe that it can’t do.” It’s about empowering developers to “dream big” and let the engine facilitate those dreams as efficiently as possible. This mutual drive to innovate is exactly what makes the prospect of The Witcher 4 game so incredibly exciting. After the lessons learned from previous launches, CD Projekt Red is clearly aiming to redefine the genre with a foundation built on cutting-edge tech and a renewed focus on immersion.

Key Technological Features Showcased in the Demo:

Unreal Engine 5.6: The core engine powering the visuals and performance.

< li>Hardware Ray Tracing Enhancements: Optimized for better performance at 60 FPS.

Lumen Global Illumination: For realistic lighting and reflections.
Nanite Foliage: Enables incredibly dense and detailed natural environments without performance hits.
Multi-character Motion Matching: For smooth, natural character and mount animations.
Unreal Animation Framework (UAF): Powers realistic character movements and interactions in busy scenes.
MetaHuman Technology: For creating highly detailed and varied NPCs.
Mass Framework: Manages large, dynamic crowds and complex AI behaviors efficiently.
ML Deformer: Adds subtle, realistic muscle and skin deformations to characters (seen on Kelpie).
FastGeo Streaming: Allows vast open worlds to load seamlessly without pop-ins or stuttering.

Note: The provided source content did not contain specific numerical data (e.g., performance benchmarks or price comparisons) suitable for a bar chart or comparison table. All facts and figures are derived directly from the source text.

When Can We Expect The Witcher 4?

Ah, the eternal question! CD Projekt Red has tentatively circled 2027 as a potential launch window for the Witcher 4 release date. However, as any seasoned gamer knows, these dates are often more of a guideline than a hard promise in the ambitious world of AAA development. Given the scale and innovation promised, a potential shift to 2028 or even later isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility. The key takeaway here is patience – a true masterpiece takes time to forge.

Ciri as the Protagonist: A New Era?

Yes, prepare to step into Ciri’s boots! While Geralt of Rivia remains a beloved figure (and voice actor Doug Cockle’s lines in the cinematic trailer hint at his continued presence), The Witcher 4 positions Ciri as the main character. CD Projekt Red lore designer Cian Maher believes Geralt will “be around for a long time,” but Ciri was the “very organic, logical choice” for this new saga. As executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga put it, “It was always about her… This is a continuation. I guess for all of us it’s like she was meant to be.” This shift promises a fresh perspective on the Continent, exploring new facets of its lore through the eyes of a powerful, seasoned Witcheress.

The Future is Bright (and Ray-Traced!) for The Witcher 4

What we saw at Unreal Fest Orlando wasn’t just a tech demo; it was a powerful statement. CD Projekt Red, in close collaboration with Epic Games, is clearly aiming to push the boundaries of what an open-world RPG can be. From the sprawling, detailed forests of Kovir and the bustling, alive streets of Valdrest to the promise of genuinely responsive environments and seamless storytelling, The Witcher 4 is shaping up to be an experience unlike any other.

The lessons learned from previous titles, combined with the raw power and innovative tools of Unreal Engine 5, suggest that the developers are focused on delivering a truly immersive and unforgettable journey. The shift to Ciri as the protagonist, the return of classic monster types, and the sheer visual fidelity all point towards a game that respects its legacy while fearlessly venturing into uncharted territory.

Are you ready to witness the next generation of open-world RPGs unfold before your very eyes? Because if this tech demo is any indication, our journey with Ciri into the heart of The Continent is going to be nothing short of legendary. The hype is real, folks. The hype is absolutely real!

Beyond the Path: Other Next-Gen RPGs Forging the Future

The Witcher 4’s tech demo has undeniably set a new benchmark for what we can expect from next-gen open-world RPGs. But CD Projekt Red isn’t the only studio pushing the envelope with Unreal Engine 5. As we eagerly await Ciri’s new adventures, let’s cast our eyes across The Continent (and beyond!) to other ambitious titles that are poised to redefine immersion, scale, and storytelling, leveraging the same groundbreaking technology.

Project Polaris: The Second Saga Begins

While our eyes are glued to Ciri’s journey in what we’re calling *The Witcher 4*, it’s easy to forget that CD Projekt Red is also working on a second new Witcher saga game, currently codenamed “Project Polaris.” This title is slated to be a full-fledged sequel, establishing a new trilogy within the beloved universe. Also being developed in Unreal Engine 5, Polaris promises to expand on the technological advancements and narrative depth introduced by its predecessor. This means double the next-gen Witcher goodness to look forward to, building on the same robust engine and shared vision of unparalleled open-world immersion. It’s a testament to CD Projekt Red’s long-term commitment to the franchise and the raw power of UE5.
Fable (Playground Games)

After years of whispers and dreams, the iconic Fable series is making its grand return, helmed by Playground Games (the masterful creators behind the *Forza Horizon* series). This highly anticipated reboot is also built in Unreal Engine 5, promising the whimsical, charming, and often morally ambiguous world of Albion like never before. While concrete details are still being kept under wraps, the shift to UE5 strongly suggests a massive leap in visual fidelity, character expressiveness (a *Fable* staple!), and world reactivity. If Playground can inject their signature open-world polish into *Fable*’s unique brand of fantasy, we could be looking at a truly magical next-gen experience that sets itself apart with its distinct tone and impactful player choices.
Avowed (Obsidian Entertainment)

From the renowned RPG maestros at Obsidian Entertainment (the brilliant minds behind *Fallout: New Vegas* and *Pillars of Eternity*) comes Avowed, a first-person fantasy RPG set in the *Pillars of Eternity* universe. Also confirmed to be developed in Unreal Engine 5, *Avowed* is poised to deliver Obsidian’s signature deep narrative choices, rich lore, and compelling character interactions within a vibrant, dangerous world. The early glimpses suggest a world brimming with colorful biomes and unique creatures, all rendered with UE5’s visual prowess. If you crave an RPG experience where your decisions truly matter and the world feels truly lived-in, *Avowed* is definitely one to watch as a potential standard-bearer for next-gen storytelling.
Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science)

While perhaps more action-oriented than a traditional open-world RPG, Black Myth: Wukong has captivated the gaming world with its breathtaking visual showcases, all powered by Unreal Engine 5. This action RPG, based on the classic Chinese novel *Journey to the West*, promises a stunningly detailed world filled with mythical creatures and epic boss battles. The fidelity of its character models, environmental detail, and combat animations are already setting a high bar for what UE5 can achieve. Its dedication to pushing visual boundaries and delivering fluid gameplay makes it a prime example of how next-gen technology can elevate specific genre experiences, showcasing the sheer power of the engine that will also drive Ciri’s next adventure.

The landscape of open-world RPGs is undergoing a monumental transformation, driven by engines like Unreal Engine 5 and the fearless ambition of studios like CD Projekt Red, Playground Games, Obsidian Entertainment, and Game Science. The future promises not just more expansive worlds, but truly *living* worlds – where every tree, every NPC, and every interaction feels authentic and deeply connected to your journey. Get ready, Pathfinders, because the next generation of adventures is almost upon us!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Witcher 4’s Future

When Can We Expect The Witcher 4?

CD Projekt Red has tentatively circled 2027 as a potential launch window for the Witcher 4 release date. However, as any seasoned gamer knows, these dates are often more of a guideline than a hard promise in the ambitious world of AAA development. Given the scale and innovation promised, a potential shift to 2028 or even later isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility. The key takeaway here is patience – a true masterpiece takes time to forge.