The Witcher IV vs Elden Ring

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Single-player Only
• Setting: The Continent (Post-Witcher 3)
• Platforms: PC (Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
• Expected Release: 2026-10-27 (Speculative)
• Unique Feature: Start of a new Witcher saga, built on Unreal Engine 5; focus on a new generation of Witcher; signature mature storytelling with meaningful choices.

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Cooperative (Summon Phantoms), PvP (Invasions, Duels, Colosseum)
• Setting: The Lands Between
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Unique Feature: Vast Open World Design by FromSoftware, George R. R. Martin Worldbuilding, Challenging Combat, Deep Lore, Ashes of War System, Spirit Ash Summons, Mounted Combat (Torrent).

• Roach (Horse): The Witcher's trusty steed, essential for traversing the vast open world. Can be called at any time. Will likely feature customizable equipment like saddles and saddlebags that can increase inventory space or provide other minor benefits.
  Equine
• Quest-Specific Companions: During various main and side quests, key characters (like Dandelion, Zoltan, or new allies) will join the protagonist, fighting alongside them and participating in the narrative for the duration of that specific mission or questline. They are not permanent controllable companions.
  Varies (Human, Dwarf, Elf, etc.)

• Spirit Ashes (Summonable AI): The Tarnished can collect and upgrade numerous Spirit Ashes to summon spectral allies in combat. These range from packs of wolves or demi-humans to powerful individual knights, sorcerers, archers, or unique creatures (e.g., Mimic Tear, Black Knife Tiche, Lhutel the Headless). They require FP to summon and can only be used near Rebirth Monuments (common in boss arenas and difficult areas). They act independently, drawing aggro, dealing damage, or providing support.
  Various (Spectral Humans, Beasts, Monsters, Demi-Humans)
• Melina (Narrative/Level Up): While not a direct combat companion, Melina appears at Sites of Grace to allow the Tarnished to level up by converting Runes into strength. She also provides significant lore exposition and drives parts of the main narrative. She can be summoned for one specific late-game boss fight.
  Spectral Maiden (Nature Unknown)
• Torrent (Spectral Steed): The Tarnished's loyal spectral steed, summoned with the Spectral Steed Whistle. Allows for fast traversal across the vast open world of the Lands Between. Torrent can double jump using Spiritsprings (whirlwinds), gallop quickly, and is essential for mounted combat against certain enemies and bosses. Cannot be used inside most dungeons or Legacy Dungeons.
  Spectral Horse
• Cooperative Phantoms (Online Players): Using online multiplayer features, players can summon up to two other Tarnished (phantoms) into their world to assist with difficult areas or boss fights. Summoned players have reduced flask charges and are returned to their world upon defeating the area boss or if the host dies.
  Human (Other Tarnished Players)
• NPC Questline Summons (Temporary AI): During specific NPC questlines or before certain boss fights related to those quests, the player can often summon that NPC as an AI-controlled ally to help in the fight. Their presence is temporary and tied to that specific encounter or quest step.
  Humanoid (Various NPCs like Blaidd, Alexander, Millicent, Nepheli Loux, etc.)

• Witcher Gear Schematics: Diagrams hidden across the world in monster lairs, ancient ruins, or as quest rewards. Required to craft powerful, upgradeable Witcher School gear (armor and swords).
• Gwent Cards: A new collection of cards for an evolved version of the Gwent card game. Cards can be won from NPCs, purchased from merchants, or found as loot. Collecting a powerful deck is a major side activity.
• Lore Books & Documents: Collectible books, scrolls, and letters that expand on the world's rich history, bestiary, character backstories, and the political state of the Continent after the Third Nilfgaardian War.
• Places of Power: Ancient magical stones that, when activated, grant the player a temporary buff to a specific Witcher Sign and provide one Ability Point for character development. A recurring and important collectible for progression.
• Monster Trophies: Obtained by defeating powerful, often unique, monsters from Witcher Contracts. These can sometimes be equipped to provide small passive bonuses or simply serve as proof of a successful hunt.
• Hidden Treasure: Marked by clues on maps or notes found on corpses. These lead to guarded chests containing valuable loot, crafting materials, or unique items.

• Great Runes: Obtained by defeating major Shardbearer Demigod bosses. Must be activated at a corresponding Divine Tower. Once activated, can be equipped at a Site of Grace and its powerful passive effect (e.g., increased stats, HP on kill) is enabled by consuming a Rune Arc.
• Golden Seeds: Found at the base of illusory Minor Erdtrees glowing with golden light. Used at Sites of Grace to increase the maximum number of charges for the Flask of Crimson Tears (HP) and Flask of Cerulean Tears (FP).
• Sacred Tears: Found in churches scattered throughout the Lands Between, usually before a statue of Queen Marika. Used at Sites of Grace to increase the potency (amount restored per charge) of the Flask of Crimson Tears and Flask of Cerulean Tears.
• Talismans: Found in chests, dropped by enemies/bosses, sold by merchants, or received as quest rewards. Equippable accessories that provide a wide variety of passive buffs, such as increased stats, damage negation, enhanced weapon abilities, or improved resource regeneration. Many are hidden.
• Ashes of War: Found in chests, dropped by Teardrop Scarabs, specific enemies/bosses, or sold by merchants. Items that can be applied to most standard weapons to grant them a new weapon skill and change their damage scaling affinity (e.g., Heavy, Keen, Quality, Magic, Fire, Sacred).
• Spirit Ashes: Found in chests, dropped by enemies, or as quest rewards. Consumable items that allow the Tarnished to summon spectral allies (ranging from basic creatures to powerful knights or sorcerers) to aid in combat, particularly against bosses. Require FP to summon and can only be used near Rebirth Monuments. Upgraded with Grave/Ghost Gloveworts.
• Cookbooks & Crafting Recipes: Found or purchased from merchants. Unlock new recipes for crafting consumable items like Arrows/Bolts, Greases (weapon buffs), Pots (throwable bombs), Cured Meats (status resistance buffs), and more, using materials gathered from the world.
• Crystal Tears (for Flask of Wondrous Physick): Dropped by Erdtree Avatars or found at Minor Erdtrees. Two Crystal Tears can be mixed in the Flask of Wondrous Physick at a Site of Grace to create a custom, single-use potion with powerful temporary effects (e.g., massive stat boost, temporary invincibility, FP cost negation).
• Stonesword Keys: Consumable keys found or purchased. Used to open Imp Statue Seals, which block off optional areas, dungeons, or rooms containing valuable loot, often requiring one or two keys per seal.
• Memory Stones: Found in specific towers or as quest rewards. Permanently increase the number of memory slots available for attuning Sorceries and Incantations.
• Paintings (Puzzles): Paintings found in various locations. Interacting with a painting shows an artist's depiction of a scene. The player must then find that exact location in the game world to find a 'ghost' of the artist, who drops a reward (often a unique item or Ash of War).

• Moral Ambiguity
• Monster Hunting
• Political Intrigue
• Consequences of Choice
• Folklore & Mythology
• War's Aftermath
• Legacy
• Found Family
• A New Generation

• Dark Fantasy
• Shattered World
• Demigods & Power
• The Tarnished & Exile
• Grace & Guidance
• Cycles of Death & Rebirth
• Ambition & Corruption
• Cosmic Horror (Subtle)
• Hidden Lore & Environmental Storytelling
• The Quest for Lordship

• Witcher's Steel Sword: Primary Melee (vs. Humans/Non-Monsters)
  A masterfully crafted sword designed for fighting humanoids. Will feature various styles (e.g., from different Witcher schools or regions), stats, and rune slots for customization and upgrades.
• Witcher's Silver Sword: Primary Melee (vs. Monsters)
  A silver-bladed sword essential for harming monsters and supernatural creatures. Like the steel sword, it will be craftable, upgradable, and come in many unique forms with slots for powerful enhancements.
• Witcher Signs: Tactical Magic
  Simple but effective magical signs used in combat and for utility: Aard (telekinesis), Igni (fire), Quen (shield), Yrden (trap/magic field), and Axii (mind influence). The new engine may allow for more dynamic and powerful applications and combinations.
• Crossbow: Ranged Weapon / Utility
  A ranged weapon used for bringing down flying creatures, fighting underwater, or applying special bolt effects like bleeding or poison.
• Alchemical Bombs: Throwable Consumable (Craftable)
  Craftable bombs with various effects, such as Grapeshot (shrapnel), Samum (stunning), Dancing Star (incendiary), and Dimeritium Bomb (suppresses magic).
• Potions & Decoctions: Buff Consumable (Craftable)
  Consumables that provide powerful temporary buffs to the Witcher's abilities, senses, or combat prowess. Decoctions, made from powerful monster mutagens, offer unique, long-lasting effects but have high toxicity.
• Oils: Weapon Buff (Craftable)
  Blade coatings applied to steel or silver swords to deal significantly increased damage against specific classes of enemies (e.g., Necrophage Oil, Cursed Oil, Beast Oil).

• Straight Swords, Greatswords, Colossal Swords: Sword (Various Sizes)
  A wide variety of swords offering different attack speeds, ranges, and damage scaling. From nimble short swords to massive, two-handed colossal swords. Can be infused with Ashes of War.
• Curved Swords, Curved Greatswords, Katanas: Slashing Blade (Often Dexterity Focused)
  Weapons emphasizing fast slashes, often causing bleed buildup (especially Katanas). Curved Greatswords offer a balance of speed and power.
• Thrusting Swords, Heavy Thrusting Swords: Piercing Blade (Often Dexterity/Counter Focused)
  Weapons designed for piercing attacks, effective against armored foes or for counter-attacks. Heavy Thrusting Swords offer more reach and stagger.
• Axes, Greataxes, Halberds: Chopping/Cleaving (Often Strength Focused)
  Weapons that deal significant physical damage, often with good stagger potential. Halberds offer reach and sweeping attacks.
• Hammers, Great Hammers, Colossal Weapons (Blunt): Blunt/Strike Damage (Often Strength Focused)
  Weapons that deal strike damage, effective against heavily armored or crystalline enemies. Colossal weapons are slow but devastating.
• Spears, Great Spears, Twinblades: Piercing/Slashing (Reach/Agility)
  Spears offer excellent reach for thrusting attacks. Great Spears are heavier versions. Twinblades are agile weapons that hit multiple times with spinning attacks.
• Daggers, Claws, Fists: Light Melee (Fast/Status Effects)
  Fast-attacking weapons, often used for applying status effects like bleed or poison quickly, or for critical hits (daggers). Can be dual-wielded effectively.
• Whips, Flails: Flexible Melee (Unique Properties)
  Whips offer range and can bypass shields. Flails deal strike damage and their charged attacks cannot be parried.
• Bows, Greatbows, Crossbows, Ballistas: Ranged (Physical Projectile)
  Various ranged weapons using arrows or bolts. Bows scale with stats, crossbows typically do not but can be used with lower stat investment. Greatbows and Ballistas are heavy artillery.
• Glintstone Staves: Magic Catalyst (Sorcery)
  Used to cast Glintstone Sorceries. Different staves scale with Intelligence and boost specific types of sorceries.
• Sacred Seals: Magic Catalyst (Incantation)
  Used to cast Incantations. Different seals scale with Faith (and sometimes Strength/Arcane) and boost specific types of incantations.
• Shields (Small, Medium, Greatshields): Defensive
  Used to block incoming attacks. Offer varying degrees of damage negation and guard boost (stamina reduction on block). Small shields are better for parrying, greatshields for absorbing heavy hits. Can be infused with Ashes of War for special abilities.
• Torches: Utility/Light Melee
  Provide light in dark areas. Some have unique properties like repelling certain enemies or dealing minor fire damage.

• Witcher School Gear Sets (e.g., School of the Lynx): Craftable and upgradable sets of themed armor (Chest, Gauntlets, Trousers, Boots) belonging to different Witcher schools. Each set provides protection and passive bonuses that synergize with specific playstyles (e.g., combat, signs, alchemy). The new School of the Lynx is expected to be a primary set.
• Heavy Armor: Armor sets providing high levels of protection and resistance to damage, at the cost of slower stamina regeneration. Suited for combat-focused, tank-like builds.
• Medium Armor: Balanced armor providing moderate protection and stamina regeneration. The most versatile type, often enhancing both combat and Sign intensity.
• Light Armor: Armor providing minimal protection but allowing for rapid stamina regeneration, ideal for Sign-intensive or agile, hit-and-run combat styles.
• Relic & Magical Items: Unique pieces of armor or accessories found as loot or quest rewards, offering powerful and unique perks not found on standard gear.
• Rune Slots: Swords and armor pieces will feature slots for Runestones and Glyphs, which provide smaller passive stat bonuses (e.g., increased attack power, Sign intensity, resistance to specific damage types).

• Armor Sets (Head, Chest, Gauntlets, Leggings): Players can equip four pieces of armor: Head, Chest, Gauntlets (Arms), and Leggings (Legs). Each piece provides defensive stats (Physical, Strike, Slash, Pierce, Magic, Fire, Lightning, Holy negation) and Poise (resistance to being staggered). Armor sets often have a cohesive visual style and can be mixed and matched. Some pieces or sets offer special passive effects (e.g., boosting a specific stat or spell type). Armor has weight, affecting equip load and roll speed.
• Light, Medium, Heavy Armor Categories: Armor pieces generally fall into light, medium, or heavy categories, influencing their defensive values, poise, and weight. Heavier armor offers more protection but requires higher Endurance for equip load to maintain faster roll speeds (Light, Medium, Heavy roll).
• Alter Garments Option: At Sites of Grace (with a specific item), some armor pieces can be 'Altered' to remove or change certain cosmetic elements (e.g., removing a cape), which might slightly alter weight and sometimes (rarely) stats.

• Witcher Gear Sets: Players will be able to craft and wear multiple pieces of Witcher armor, categorized as Chest, Trousers, Gauntlets, and Boots. These sets, belonging to various Witcher Schools (including the new School of the Lynx), will have distinct appearances and can be upgraded through several tiers (e.g., Basic, Enhanced, Superior, Mastercrafted, Grandmaster).
• Common Armor & Clothing: A wide variety of non-Witcher armor and clothing pieces can be found or purchased, offering different visual styles and stats, reflecting the fashion of the various regions of the Continent.
• Armor Dyes: A feature from The Witcher 3's 'Blood and Wine' expansion that is expected to return, allowing players to change the color of their equipped armor pieces for greater personalization.
• Hairstyles & Beards (If custom character): If the protagonist is a custom character, players can expect options for customizing hairstyles and beards at barbershops found throughout the world, a popular feature from The Witcher 3.

• Armor Sets (Full): Hundreds of full armor sets, each consisting of a Helm, Chest Armor, Gauntlets, and Leg Armor. Sets provide a cohesive visual style (e.g., Knight Set, Sorcerer Set, Vagabond Set, various faction armors like Carian Knight, Godrick Soldier, Cleanrot Knight) and offer varying levels of protection, poise, and weight. Some sets have unique passive effects when multiple pieces are worn, though this is less common than individual piece perks.
• Individual Armor Pieces (Mix & Match): Players can freely mix and match Helms, Chest Armor, Gauntlets, and Leg Armor from different sets to optimize stats (defense, poise, weight for desired roll speed) and achieve a unique fashion statement ('Fashion Souls').
• Alter Garments Feature: At Sites of Grace, using a Sewing Needle and Tailoring Tools, players can alter certain chest armor pieces to change their appearance, typically by removing a cape or other cosmetic flourish. This can slightly reduce the armor's weight and sometimes marginally affect stats.
• Talismans (Accessory Slots): While not 'clothing,' Talismans are equipped in dedicated slots and are crucial for character builds, providing significant passive bonuses. They have unique visual icons but do not change the character's outward appearance.

Players will develop their Witcher through deep skill trees focusing on Sword Combat (fast and strong attacks, parrying, new techniques), Signs (evolved versions of Aard, Igni, Quen, Yrden, Axii), and Alchemy (potions, decoctions, oils, bombs with a potentially more interactive crafting system). A new central progression system, possibly tied to the School of the Lynx, will offer unique abilities and character development paths. Gear (swords, armor) will be craftable, upgradable, and customizable with runes.

Expected to feature a massive, next-generation open world that is even more dynamic and reactive than The Witcher 3's. The world will likely be comprised of several large regions, potentially including parts of northern kingdoms like Temeria or Redania, as well as new, unexplored territories. A key focus will be on creating dense, living environments, from bustling cities to monster-infested wilderness, with dynamic weather and ecosystems.

Elden Ring features a massive open world, the Lands Between, composed of six major regions, each ruled by a Shardbearer demigod: Limgrave (temperate, introductory region), Liurnia of the Lakes (vast wetlands and magical academy), Caelid (scarlet rot-infested wasteland), Altus Plateau (golden, autumnal highlands leading to the capital), Mt. Gelmir (volcanic region home to Rykard), and Mountaintops of the Giants (snowy, desolate peaks). There are also extensive underground areas like Siofra River, Ainsel River, and Deeproot Depths, as well as Leyndell, Royal Capital. The world is seamlessly interconnected with numerous dungeons, caves, catacombs, castles, and points of interest. Map size is estimated to be very large, significantly exceeding previous FromSoftware titles (e.g., comparisons suggest around 70-80 sq km for the main overworld, with substantial underground areas adding to this).

• Roach (Horse): Primary Mount / Land Traversal
  The Witcher's trusty steed, essential for traversing the vast open world. Can be called at any time. Will likely feature customizable equipment like saddles and saddlebags that can increase inventory space or provide other minor benefits.
• Boats & Skiffs: Water Traversal
  Small boats, skiffs, or sailboats for navigating rivers, lakes, and coastal waters between landmasses or islands.

• Torrent (Spectral Steed): Mount / Exploration Tool
  The Tarnished's loyal spectral steed, summoned with the Spectral Steed Whistle. Allows for fast traversal across the vast open world of the Lands Between. Torrent can double jump using Spiritsprings (whirlwinds), gallop quickly, and is essential for mounted combat against certain enemies and bosses. Cannot be used inside most dungeons or Legacy Dungeons.
• Lifts & Elevators (Various): Mechanical Traversal
  Numerous mechanical lifts and elevators are found within Legacy Dungeons, caves, and other structures, providing vertical traversal and often leading to new areas or shortcuts.
• Teleporters & Waygates: Magical Traversal
  Fixed teleporters or waygates are found in specific locations, allowing for instant travel between two linked points, sometimes across vast distances or to secret areas.
• Spiritsprings: Environmental Traversal Aid
  Natural whirlwinds of air found in the open world. Riding Torrent into a Spiritspring allows for a massive vertical jump, enabling access to high cliffs and plateaus.

• The Protagonist (e.g., a School of the Lynx Witcher or Ciri): Protagonist / Witcher
  The main playable character. This will be a new character to the saga, potentially a custom character from the new School of the Lynx, or a returning Ciri, now a full-fledged Witcheress navigating a changed world.
• Ciri (Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon): Major Supporting Character / Potential Protagonist
  The Lady of Space and Time and Geralt's adopted daughter. Depending on the narrative path, she could be the main protagonist or a major NPC and mentor figure, dealing with the legacy of her powers and her role in the world's future.
• Geralt of Rivia (Likely Appearance): Mentor / Supporting Character / Legendary Witcher
  The legendary protagonist of the original saga. While his story is concluded, he is expected to appear in a supporting or mentor role, offering guidance to the new generation. His presence would connect the new saga to the old.
• A New Antagonist: Main Antagonist
  A new, complex villain driving the central conflict. Could be a powerful mage from a clandestine organization, a ruthless monarch with expansionist ambitions, or a supernatural entity unlike any seen before.
• Returning Friends & Allies (e.g., Dandelion, Zoltan Chivay, Triss Merigold, Yennefer of Vengerberg): Supporting Characters / Quest Givers
  Familiar faces from the original trilogy are likely to make appearances, providing side quests, story context, and connecting the new protagonist to the established world and its history.
• New Faction Leaders: Major NPCs / Political Figures
  Leaders of various kingdoms, factions, or organizations (e.g., Nilfgaard, Redania, sorcerer lodges, non-human groups) who will play a role in the political intrigue of the post-war Continent.

• The Tarnished: Protagonist
  The player-customizable character. An individual of a group exiled from the Lands Between long ago, now summoned back by the call of lost Grace after The Shattering, to seek the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord. Their specific origin class is chosen at character creation.
• Melina: Ally / Spectral Maiden / Guide
  A mysterious spectral maiden who offers the Tarnished an accord: she will act as their Finger Maiden (allowing them to turn Runes into strength) in exchange for being taken to the foot of the Erdtree. She provides guidance, lore, and is central to the main storyline.
• Ranni the Witch (Lunar Princess Ranni): Key NPC / Empyrean Demigod / Quest Giver
  An enigmatic demigod with four arms and a spectral face, who cast aside her Great Rune and her Empyrean flesh. She initiates one of the game's largest and most popular questlines, offering the Tarnished a chance to usher in a new age, the 'Age of Stars.'
• Blaidd the Half-Wolf: Ally / Ranni's Shadow
  A loyal and powerful half-wolf warrior bound to serve Ranni. He assists the Tarnished during Ranni's questline and has his own distinct character arc.
• War Counselor Iji: Ally / Ranni's Counselor / Blacksmith
  A giant, gentle troll blacksmith and Ranni's wise counselor. Provides advice and smithing services.
• Preceptor Seluvis: NPC / Carian Sorcerer / Schemer
  A sorcerer in Ranni's service, but with his own manipulative and sinister agenda involving puppets. Offers sorceries and a morally questionable questline.
• Iron Fist Alexander (Warrior Jar): Ally / Living Jar Warrior
  A large, sentient jar filled with the remains of warriors. He is a jovial and honorable character seeking glorious battle and travels the Lands Between. Assists the Tarnished in several boss fights.
• Fia, the Deathbed Companion: Key NPC / Quest Giver
  A companion who offers to hold the Tarnished, granting a temporary HP buff (Baldachin's Blessing) at the cost of a slight max HP debuff. Her questline involves Those Who Live in Death and leads to an alternate ending.
• D, Hunter of the Dead: NPC / Golden Order Fundamentalist
  A warrior dedicated to hunting Those Who Live in Death, associated with Gurranq and the Golden Order.
• White Mask Varré: NPC / Follower of Mohg, Lord of Blood
  One of the first NPCs the Tarnished meets, guiding them towards Mohgwyn Palace and PvP activities.
• Patches the Untethered: NPC / Recurring FromSoftware Character / Trickster Merchant
  The infamous trickster from previous FromSoftware games. Appears as a mini-boss and later a merchant, always up to no good but sometimes offering unique items.
• Shardbearer Demigods (Godrick, Rennala, Radahn, Rykard, Morgott, Mohg, Malenia): Main Bosses / Antagonists
  The children and descendants of Queen Marika who claimed shards of the Elden Ring (Great Runes) after The Shattering, plunging the Lands Between into war. They are the primary bosses the Tarnished must defeat.
• Queen Marika the Eternal / Radagon of the Golden Order: Central Lore Figure / Ruler of the Lands Between
  The vessel of the Elden Ring and eternal queen of the Lands Between. Her shattering of the Elden Ring initiated the game's conflict. Radagon is her other half/consort, a champion of the Golden Order.

• Main Story Quests
  A series of interconnected narrative quests forming the central storyline. This will involve investigating the game's primary conflict, making major decisions with far-reaching consequences, interacting with key political figures and factions, and confronting the main antagonist.
• Secondary Questlines
  Multi-part, story-rich side quests that are not essential to the main plot but offer deep narratives, complex characters, and significant rewards. These are a hallmark of the series, often as compelling as the main story (e.g., the Bloody Baron questline in The Witcher 3).
• Witcher Contracts
  Core Witcher gameplay. These missions involve taking a contract from a notice board or NPC to hunt down a specific, often powerful, monster. This requires investigation (examining the scene, talking to witnesses, tracking the beast) and preparation (alchemy, oils) before confronting and slaying the monster for a reward.
• Treasure Hunts (Witcher Gear)
  Quests that involve following a series of clues from maps and notes to locate hidden schematics for powerful, upgradeable Witcher School gear (armor and swords).
• Gwent Tournaments
  An expected side activity where players can participate in Gwent tournaments in major cities, challenging skilled players to win unique cards, money, and renown in the in-game card game.
• Points of Interest (?)
  Exploring the open world to clear out Monster Nests, Bandit Camps, find Hidden Treasure, discover Abandoned Sites that can be repopulated, and activate Places of Power for ability points.
• Companion & Character Quests
  Optional quests related to the personal stories of key supporting characters and allies, allowing the player to deepen their relationships and influence their fates.

• Main Story Path (Becoming Elden Lord / Other Endings)
  The overarching goal is to gather Great Runes by defeating Shardbearer Demigods, gain access to the Erdtree, and ultimately mend or replace the Elden Ring to become the Elden Lord. The specific steps and requirements vary based on player choices and progression through key Legacy Dungeons and boss encounters (e.g., defeat Godrick, Rennala, Radahn, Morgott, Rykard, Mohg, Malenia - though not all are strictly mandatory for every ending). This path involves interactions with Melina and other key NPCs.
• Legacy Dungeons (e.g., Stormveil Castle, Academy of Raya Lucaria, Volcano Manor, Leyndell Royal Capital, Crumbling Farum Azula, Elphael Brace of the Haligtree)
  Explore large, intricate, multi-layered dungeon environments filled with powerful enemies, traps, shortcuts, secrets, mini-bosses, and culminating in a major Shardbearer or story-critical boss fight. These are key progression points.
• Major NPC Questlines (Ranni, Fia, Millicent, Alexander, Blaidd, Nepheli Loux, Dung Eater, Goldmask & Brother Corhyn, etc.)
  Optional but often extensive and rewarding storylines involving key characters. Completing these questlines can lead to unique items, spells, Spirit Ashes, alternate game endings (especially Ranni's and Fia's), and deeper understanding of the lore. These often require specific actions, finding items, or defeating certain enemies across multiple regions.
• Minor Dungeons (Caves, Catacombs, Tunnels, Ruins)
  Smaller, optional dungeons found throughout the open world. Each typically contains a mini-boss at the end and rewards valuable items like Talismans, Spirit Ashes, Ashes of War, crafting materials, or upgrade materials.
• World Bosses & Field Bosses (Tree Sentinels, Night's Cavalry, Erdtree Avatars, Dragons, Death Rite Birds, Tibia Mariners, etc.)
  Powerful, often optional, bosses found roaming the open world or guarding specific locations. Defeating them usually yields unique weapons, Ashes of War, Sorceries/Incantations, or significant amounts of Runes.
• Clearing Evergaols
  Circular stone platforms that transport the Tarnished to an arena to fight a unique boss. Rewards often include powerful Ashes of War, weapons, or spells.
• Activating Great Runes
  After defeating a Shardbearer Demigod and obtaining their Great Rune, the Tarnished must find and ascend the corresponding Divine Tower to restore its power, allowing it to be equipped at a Site of Grace (requires a Rune Arc to activate its effect).
• Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Campaign (Expansion)
  A new major storyline set in the Land of Shadow, accessed by touching Miquella's withered arm in Mohgwyn Palace. Involves following in Miquella's footsteps, uncovering new lore, facing new demigods and enemies, and exploring a vast new map. (Details based on pre-release info)

The Witcher IV is confirmed to be a single-player, story-driven open-world RPG. A separate, standalone Witcher multiplayer game codenamed 'Project Sirius' is in development by a different studio (The Molasses Flood), but 'Project Polaris' will not feature multiplayer.

1. Cooperative Play: Players can summon up to two other players (phantoms) into their world to help with exploration, defeating enemies, and tackling bosses. Requires consumables like Furlcalling Finger Remedy. 2. Invasion (PvP): Players can invade other players' worlds as hostile Red Phantoms to engage in combat. 3. Duels: Players can summon others specifically for duels using red summon signs or participate in organized PvP in the Colosseums. 4. Hunter/Blue Sentinels: Players can be automatically summoned to help a host who has been invaded.

Available in Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition (digital artbook & soundtrack), Collector's Edition (Statue of Malenia, SteelBook, artbook, digital soundtrack), and Premium Collector's Edition (Collector's Edition content + 1:1 Malenia helmet replica). The 'Shadow of the Erdtree' expansion is a major paid DLC.

CD PROJEKT RED has a reputation for substantial post-launch support. The new saga is planned as a trilogy. It is expected that this first game will receive at least two large, story-driven expansions similar in scale to 'Hearts of Stone' and 'Blood and Wine,' introducing new regions, quests, characters, and monsters. Regular free DLCs with smaller content like armor sets and side quests are also likely.

• Q: Is this game a direct sequel to The Witcher 3?
  A: It is the start of a new saga set in the same universe after the events of The Witcher 3, but it will not be a direct continuation of Geralt of Rivia's main story. It will feature a new protagonist, though familiar characters may return.
• Q: Who is the main playable character in The Witcher 4?
  A: CD PROJEKT RED has not officially confirmed the protagonist. Speculation points towards either Ciri or a new, potentially customizable Witcher from the new School of the Lynx, which was teased.
• Q: What engine is The Witcher 4 being built on?
  A: The game is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, a shift from CD PROJEKT RED's in-house REDengine used for previous titles. This is expected to bring significant visual and technological advancements.
• Q: When is The Witcher 4 expected to be released?
  A: There is no official release date. Given the scale of development and that the game is the first in a new trilogy, a release date is not expected before 2026 at the earliest. The date listed in this data is purely speculative.
• Q: Will The Witcher 4 have multiplayer?
  A: No, CD PROJEKT RED has confirmed that the next mainline Witcher game ('Project Polaris') will be a single-player, story-driven open-world RPG, following the tradition of the series. A separate Witcher game ('Project Sirius') is being developed with multiplayer elements.
• Q: Will Gwent be in The Witcher 4?
  A: While not officially confirmed, the immense popularity of the Gwent card game in The Witcher 3 makes its return in some form highly likely, possibly with new decks, factions, and updated rules.
• Q: Will my choices from The Witcher 3 carry over?
  A: It's unknown if a save-import feature will be implemented. If the story is set many years later with a new protagonist, the world state might be based on a default 'canon' outcome of The Witcher 3, or players may be able to set their previous choices via a narrative summary at the start of the game, similar to what was done for The Witcher 3.

• Q: Is Elden Ring made by the same developers as Dark Souls?
  A: Yes, Elden Ring is developed by FromSoftware, the same studio renowned for the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. It shares many gameplay philosophies and mechanics with these titles.
• Q: Is George R. R. Martin's involvement significant in Elden Ring?
  A: George R. R. Martin, author of 'A Song of Ice and Fire' (Game of Thrones), collaborated with Hidetaka Miyazaki to create the foundational lore, mythology, and history of the Lands Between and its characters. He primarily contributed to the worldbuilding that existed before The Shattering, while FromSoftware developed the main game narrative and events within that established history.
• Q: Is Elden Ring an open-world game?
  A: Yes, Elden Ring features a vast, seamless open world called the Lands Between, which players can explore freely. This is a significant departure from the more interconnected but less 'open' level design of previous Souls games. It also includes large, intricate 'Legacy Dungeons' which are more akin to traditional Souls levels.
• Q: How does multiplayer work in Elden Ring?
  A: Elden Ring features both cooperative and competitive (PvP) multiplayer. Players can summon others to help with bosses and exploration, be invaded by hostile players, or engage in duels. This is done through various in-game items and systems like summon signs and the Colosseums.
• Q: What are Ashes of War?
  A: Ashes of War are equippable items that grant weapons new special skills (weapon arts) and can change their damage scaling properties (affinities like Heavy, Keen, Magic, etc.). They allow for extensive customization of weapon movesets and build crafting.
• Q: What are Spirit Ashes?
  A: Spirit Ashes are consumable items that allow the player to summon spectral allies (ranging from animals to warriors) to aid them in combat. They require FP (Focus Points) to summon and can only be used in areas with a Rebirth Monument. They can be upgraded to become more powerful.
• Q: Is Elden Ring very difficult?
  A: Elden Ring maintains FromSoftware's reputation for challenging gameplay, particularly its boss fights. However, the open-world structure, the ability to explore and level up elsewhere if stuck, and powerful tools like Spirit Ashes and Ashes of War provide players with more options to overcome challenges compared to some previous titles, making it potentially more accessible to a wider audience while still offering deep difficulty for veterans.

Being developed on Unreal Engine 5, the game is expected to set a new benchmark for visual fidelity in open-world RPGs. It will utilize UE5's Nanite technology for highly detailed environments and Lumen for dynamic global illumination and reflections, resulting in incredibly realistic lighting, shadows, and world detail.

Powered by FromSoftware's proprietary engine, Elden Ring presents a breathtaking and artistically stunning open world. It features diverse landscapes from lush forests and crumbling castles to fetid swamps and celestial realms. Known for its grand scale, intricate environmental details, imaginative enemy and boss designs, and atmospheric lighting. Ray tracing (shadows and ambient occlusion) was added post-launch on PC and current-gen consoles, enhancing visual depth.

The score will likely be composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz or composers in a similar style, featuring a blend of epic orchestral arrangements, Slavic folk music, and atmospheric soundscapes to create an immersive audio experience. Sound design will be crucial for monster encounters and environmental storytelling.

Original score primarily composed by Yuka Kitamura, Tsukasa Saitoh, Shoi Miyazawa, Yoshimi Kudo, and Tai Tomisawa. Features epic orchestral themes for boss battles, melancholic ambient pieces for exploration, and ethereal choral music for significant locations. Sound design is crucial for combat cues (enemy attacks, parry windows) and creating atmosphere in the diverse biomes and dungeons.

Expected to feature a modern, clean UI with customizable elements. Key features will include a 3D world map, a detailed journal for quests and characters, an intuitive inventory and crafting screen, and a streamlined radial menu for selecting signs and items in combat.

Features a minimalistic HUD displaying health (red), FP (blue), and stamina (green) bars. Equipped items (weapons, spells, consumables) are shown in quick slots. A compass at the top of the screen aids navigation. Menus for inventory, equipment, stats, map, and system settings are accessible. Status effects and buffs are shown with icons. Sites of Grace act as checkpoints and hubs for leveling/upgrading.

Following industry trends and CDPR's recent efforts, the game is expected to have comprehensive accessibility options, including extensive subtitle customization, colorblind modes, remappable controls, audio cues for gameplay, and potentially adjustable difficulty and gameplay modifiers to cater to a wide range of players.

Accessibility options are more limited compared to some modern AAA titles but include control remapping (extensive on PC), subtitle customization (size, background), options to disable camera auto-rotation, and some UI adjustments. The game's core difficulty remains a key design pillar, but Spirit Ashes and co-op can significantly aid players.

• SPECULATIVE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for The Witcher IV (Project Polaris), a future AAA open-world RPG built on Unreal Engine 5, targeting a late 2026 release. These are estimations based on technology trends as of mid-2025 and are subject to change upon official announcement.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, which is heavily dependent on TGP (Total Graphics Power) and a robust cooling solution. **A high-end gaming laptop from 2025-2026 will be necessary for an optimal experience.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: Maximum TGP for the laptop's GPU will be critical to achieve stable framerates at higher settings.
• Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: A high-performance cooling system (vapor chamber, multiple heat pipes, liquid metal) will be essential to prevent thermal throttling during demanding gameplay in the dense open world.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: A flagship mobile CPU (e.g., future Intel Core i9 HX / AMD Ryzen 9 HX series) will be needed to handle the complex systems, AI, and world streaming of a next-gen Witcher game.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: 32GB of fast DDR5/DDR6 RAM in a dual-channel configuration will likely be the recommended standard for a smooth experience.
• Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: A high-resolution (1440p+) and high-refresh-rate (120Hz+) display will require a top-tier mobile GPU and reliance on upscaling technologies to be fully utilized.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX Switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus will be crucial for maximizing performance.
• Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Game Ready drivers specifically optimized for this title upon release will be essential.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Will feature support for the latest versions of NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS with Frame Generation, which will be essential for achieving target framerates at high resolutions and with ray tracing enabled.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Ray Tracing Quality (Lumen/Shadows/Reflections), Nanite Geometry Detail, Virtual Shadow Map Quality, Global Illumination, and Texture Quality will be the most performance-intensive settings.
• Game Name: The Witcher IV

• Official PC system requirements from FromSoftware/Bandai Namco. Performance can vary significantly depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially with many effects or enemies), and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal performance and to reduce stuttering/loading times.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and excellent cooling. **Elden Ring, while scalable, can be demanding at higher settings and resolutions, particularly with its detailed environments and complex enemy encounters.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling during intense boss fights or exploration.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with good sustained CPU power will benefit, especially in areas with complex geometry or many NPCs/enemies.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM can provide a noticeable performance uplift.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended for optimal framerates.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: The game does not natively support DLSS or FSR in its initial releases, but this can vary with patches or be achievable via mods on PC. Ray tracing was added in a post-launch patch for PC (shadows and ambient occlusion).
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Antialiasing Quality, SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion), Grass Quality, Volumetric Quality, and Reflection Quality heavily impact performance. Ray Tracing features are very demanding.
• Game Name: Elden Ring

• Upscaling Tech: Will feature support for the latest versions of NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS with Frame Generation, which will be essential for achieving target framerates at high resolutions and with ray tracing enabled.
• Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Ray Tracing Quality (Lumen/Shadows/Reflections), Nanite Geometry Detail, Virtual Shadow Map Quality, Global Illumination, and Texture Quality will be the most performance-intensive settings.

• Upscaling Tech: The game does not natively support DLSS or FSR in its initial releases, but this can vary with patches or be achievable via mods on PC. Ray tracing was added in a post-launch patch for PC (shadows and ambient occlusion).
• Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Antialiasing Quality, SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion), Grass Quality, Volumetric Quality, and Reflection Quality heavily impact performance. Ray Tracing features are very demanding.

• G P U T G P Impact: Maximum TGP for the laptop's GPU will be critical to achieve stable framerates at higher settings.
• Advanced Cooling Thermals: A high-performance cooling system (vapor chamber, multiple heat pipes, liquid metal) will be essential to prevent thermal throttling during demanding gameplay in the dense open world.
• C P U Performance Sustain: A flagship mobile CPU (e.g., future Intel Core i9 HX / AMD Ryzen 9 HX series) will be needed to handle the complex systems, AI, and world streaming of a next-gen Witcher game.
• R A M Configuration Speed: 32GB of fast DDR5/DDR6 RAM in a dual-channel configuration will likely be the recommended standard for a smooth experience.
• Display Panel G P U Pairing: A high-resolution (1440p+) and high-refresh-rate (120Hz+) display will require a top-tier mobile GPU and reliance on upscaling technologies to be fully utilized.
• M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX Switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus will be crucial for maximizing performance.
• Driver Updates O S Optimization: Game Ready drivers specifically optimized for this title upon release will be essential.

• G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling during intense boss fights or exploration.
• C P U Power Limits: Laptops with good sustained CPU power will benefit, especially in areas with complex geometry or many NPCs/enemies.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM can provide a noticeable performance uplift.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended for optimal framerates.