CD Projekt Red is officially deep into development on The Witcher 4—codenamed Project Polaris—and it’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects in the studio’s history. While the next entry in the legendary RPG franchise is generating massive buzz, fans will have to wait a while longer before they can dive back into the Continent.
The Polish developer has confirmed that The Witcher 4 won’t be released until 2027 at the earliest, marking a significant but intentional gap since the release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in 2015.
Built in Unreal Engine 5: A New Era for the Witcher Universe
One of the most significant changes for this new entry is the switch to Unreal Engine 5. CD Projekt Red is abandoning its in-house REDengine in favor of Epic’s cutting-edge technology, allowing for greater environmental detail, advanced lighting effects, and expansive world-building potential. The shift is part of a long-term partnership with Epic Games and is intended to future-proof the next generation of Witcher titles.
According to CDPR, the decision to switch engines was partly influenced by challenges faced during the development of Cyberpunk 2077. By using Unreal Engine 5, the team hopes to reduce production bottlenecks and ensure smoother development.
Ciri Takes the Lead in a New Trilogy
The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of a brand-new trilogy, with Ciri stepping in as the main protagonist. After years of speculation, CDPR is giving players a fresh perspective on the Witcher world through the eyes of a character who has long fascinated fans. The game’s narrative will reportedly focus on Ciri’s evolution from a fugitive into a full-fledged witcher, exploring her internal struggles, decisions, and legacy.
CDPR is leaning heavily into its experience from Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 to bring enhanced player choice and consequence-driven storytelling. Branching narratives, character relationships, and moral dilemmas will be even more pronounced this time around.
Development Timeline and Team Size
After years of early concept work, CDPR announced in November 2024 that The Witcher 4 had entered full production. As of March 2025, over 400 developers are working on the game—making it CDPR’s biggest internal development team to date.
Despite the momentum, the company has made it clear that quality and stability are the priorities. After Cyberpunk 2077’s turbulent launch, the studio is working hard to avoid history repeating itself. Executives have repeatedly emphasized that The Witcher 4 will not ship until it’s “fully polished.”
No Gameplay Yet—But a Reveal May Arrive in 2026
So far, fans have only seen a teaser image of a medallion in the snow, hinting at Ciri’s School of the Cat affiliation. A full gameplay reveal is expected sometime in late 2026, potentially at a major industry event like Gamescom or The Game Awards. Until then, speculation is running rampant online about possible mechanics, monster types, world design, and returning characters.
Other Witcher Projects in the Pipeline
CDPR’s roadmap includes more than just The Witcher 4:
- The Witcher Remake – A full rebuild of the 2007 original game in Unreal Engine 5, developed in collaboration with Fool’s Theory.
- Project Sirius – A multiplayer-focused Witcher spin-off in development at The Molasses Flood, targeting a different kind of experience in the same universe.
These projects are being developed in parallel but are reportedly separate from the Polaris trilogy, expanding the Witcher franchise into both nostalgic and experimental territory.
What This Means for the Franchise
With The Witcher 4, CD Projekt Red isn’t just continuing a successful series—it’s redefining the franchise. By placing Ciri at the center, adopting modern development tools, and dedicating years to pre-production and polish, the studio is aiming to evolve both the narrative and technical scope of what a Witcher game can be.
While the 2027 target may test fans’ patience, the long development cycle signals a major leap in quality and ambition—potentially setting the stage for the next iconic RPG trilogy in gaming.
Key Takeaways
- The Witcher 4 is likely targeting a 2027 release date with gameplay reveals expected in 2026.
- CD Projekt Red is using Unreal Engine 5, which offers advanced technology but requires longer development time.
- The extended timeline suggests the studio is prioritizing quality and polish after learning from previous game launches.
Anticipating ‘The Witcher 4’: Release Timelines and Expectations
Fans of The Witcher series are eagerly awaiting details about the next installment in CD Projekt Red’s acclaimed RPG franchise. Based on current information and development patterns, we can make some informed predictions about when players might get their hands on this highly anticipated title.
Projected Release Date for ‘The Witcher 4’
Current industry insights point to a 2026-2027 release window for The Witcher 4. While CD Projekt Red hasn’t officially confirmed a specific date, multiple sources suggest the game won’t arrive until at least 2026. This timeline aligns with the developer’s typical production cycle for large-scale RPGs.
Some fans had initially feared a longer wait extending into 2028 or beyond. However, considering CDPR’s recent restructuring and their focus on this new chapter in The Witcher saga, a 2027 release appears most probable.
The development team likely began pre-production work shortly after announcing the new Witcher project, codenamed “Polaris.” This gives them several years for full development, quality assurance, and polishing.
Early Glimpses: Forecasting the First Gameplay Trailers
The first substantial gameplay trailers for The Witcher 4 will likely emerge in 2026, approximately 12-18 months before the game’s final release. CD Projekt Red typically follows a marketing pattern where:
- Initial teaser or concept art (already released)
- Story-focused cinematic trailer (likely 2025)
- First gameplay demonstration (expected 2026)
- In-depth gameplay showcases and developer interviews (2026-2027)
These early gameplay reveals will provide crucial insights into the game’s mechanics, visual style, and narrative direction. CDPR will likely use major gaming events like Summer Game Fest or Gamescom to maximize visibility.
The developer may also release shorter “developer diary” videos before the main gameplay reveal to maintain audience interest while protecting key story elements.
Influences and Comparisons in the Gaming Industry
The gaming landscape continues to evolve with cross-media collaborations and technological advancements influencing both development timelines and player expectations. Major franchises now regularly impact each other’s strategies and release schedules.
The Witcher Meets Netflix: Transmedia Storytelling
The Netflix adaptation of The Witcher has significantly influenced CD Projekt Red’s approach to their franchise. The show’s popularity introduced millions of new fans to the world of Geralt of Rivia, creating a larger potential player base for The Witcher 4.
This transmedia expansion follows similar patterns seen with other successful adaptations. The show’s timeline, distinct from the games, allows CD Projekt Red to explore new storylines without conflicting with established media.
The success of Henry Cavill’s portrayal (and now Liam Hemsworth’s continuation) has raised expectations for character development in the upcoming game. Many new players discovered the franchise through Netflix rather than previous games.
Fan reactions to the series have also provided valuable feedback about which elements resonate most with audiences, potentially informing design decisions for The Witcher 4’s development.
Industry Giants: Marvel’s Multiverse and the Future of Gaming
Marvel’s Multiverse Saga demonstrates how complex narrative structures can span multiple years of content releases. CD Projekt Red may be adopting a similar long-term strategy with their projected 2027 release date.
The success of the Avengers franchise shows the benefits of patient development and interconnected storytelling. Games with extended development cycles often follow this model, focusing on quality over rushed releases.
Marvel Studios’ approach to Secret Wars and other multiverse concepts has changed how audiences understand connected universes. This shift influences how game developers like CD Projekt Red approach long-term world-building.
Games with extended development periods typically create more anticipation through careful marketing, much like how Marvel teases films years ahead. This strategy maintains interest while setting realistic expectations about release timeframes.
Console Evolution: How PS5 Shapes Gaming Developments
The PS5 generation’s technical capabilities are a significant factor in The Witcher 4’s development timeline. Developers now need more time to fully utilize advanced hardware features like ray-tracing and ultra-fast loading.
Cross-generation development challenges have pushed many studios toward longer cycles. By targeting a 2027 release, CD Projekt Red likely plans to focus exclusively on current-gen consoles without compromise.
Sony’s hardware roadmap influences major development decisions. The potential for a PS5 Pro or successor by 2027 means developers must consider future-proofing their projects.
Game file sizes and complexity have grown exponentially with each console generation. The Witcher 4’s scope will likely require significantly more development time than previous entries to meet quality expectations.
Anticipated Titles: ‘Metal Gear Solid’ and Its Influence
The revival of the Metal Gear Solid franchise demonstrates how beloved series can return after extended absences. Like The Witcher 4, these franchises benefit from technological advancements during development breaks.
Both Metal Gear and The Witcher share mature storytelling and complex moral choices. These elements require more nuanced development approaches and testing, contributing to longer production cycles.
Major franchises like these and Star Wars have established patterns of extended development followed by multiple related releases. CD Projekt Red may follow this model with their new Witcher saga.
Industry observers note that games with cultural significance similar to The Witcher often benefit from longer development cycles. This allows for more comprehensive world-building and narrative depth that fans expect from established franchises.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Witcher 4 continues to generate excitement among fans as they await concrete details about its release. Many questions surround the game’s development timeline, gameplay features, and story direction.
What is the anticipated release window for The Witcher 4?
Based on current information, The Witcher 4 (codenamed Project Polaris) will likely release between late 2026 and 2027. CD Projekt’s CEO has indicated the game should arrive before the end of 2027.
Industry analysts point to 2027 as the most realistic timeframe, considering the scope of development and CD Projekt RED’s commitment to avoiding the launch issues they faced with Cyberpunk 2077.
Have there been any official announcements regarding The Witcher 4’s gameplay trailers?
No official announcements have been made specifically about gameplay trailers. However, industry sources suggest we might see the first gameplay footage sometime in 2026.
CD Projekt RED typically reveals gameplay after announcing their projects, following a marketing pattern similar to their previous titles. The company remains careful about making premature promises after Cyberpunk 2077’s troubled launch.
Can we expect The Witcher 4 to surpass the scale of The Witcher 3 in terms of game size and content?
While specific details remain unconfirmed, CD Projekt RED has suggested The Witcher 4 will be ambitious in scale. The shift to Unreal Engine 5 provides the technical foundation for a potentially larger and more detailed world.
The development team has expressed their desire to create immersive environments with greater depth than previous games. Their experience with open-world design has grown significantly since The Witcher 3.
Has CD Projekt confirmed the protagonist for the forthcoming The Witcher 4?
CD Projekt RED has not officially confirmed who will be the protagonist in The Witcher 4. The medallion teased in early announcements appears to be from the School of the Lynx, suggesting a new lead character.
Geralt’s story concluded in The Witcher 3, making it likely that players will experience the world through a different character’s perspective. Some speculation points to Ciri as a potential protagonist, but this remains unconfirmed.
What developments has CD Projekt RED shared about The Witcher 4’s production progress?
CD Projekt RED has confirmed that The Witcher 4 is being developed using Unreal Engine 5 rather than their proprietary REDengine. This represents a significant technical shift for the studio.
The company has shared that they have assembled a dedicated team for the project and are in the pre-production phase. They’ve also indicated that lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077’s development are being applied to improve their processes.
How will The Witcher 4 differentiate itself from its predecessors in terms of storyline and game mechanics?
The Witcher 4 is expected to begin a new saga in the franchise, potentially exploring different regions of the Continent or even new aspects of the multiverse established in the books.
The shift to Unreal Engine 5 suggests improved combat mechanics and more dynamic environmental interactions. CD Projekt RED has hinted at refreshing the formula while maintaining the narrative depth fans appreciate from the series.
