The Witcher IV Cover Art

The Witcher IV

Action Role-Playing (Action RPG), Open World, Narrative-Driven

star_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_border(12 Ratings)

Free

Codenamed 'Project Polaris,' this game marks the beginning of a new saga in The Witcher universe. Set years after the events of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the world grapples with a fragile new political order and the resurgence of monstrous threats in a land scarred by war. Players will step into the boots of a new generation of Witcher, from the newly established School of the Lynx, trained to face horrors both new and old. Featuring a new protagonist (or potentially a returning Ciri), the story will unravel a dark conspiracy that threatens the tenuous peace of the Continent. Built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5, the game promises a new level of visual fidelity, a more dynamic and reactive open world, and an evolution of the series' signature mature storytelling and choice-driven quests.

The Witcher IV

The Witcher IV Thumbnail
star_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_border(12 Ratings)FreeAction Role-Playing (Action RPG), Open World, Narrative-Driven

Codenamed 'Project Polaris,' this game marks the beginning of a new saga in The Witcher universe. Set years after the events of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the world grapples with a fragile new political order and the resurgence of monstrous threats in a land scarred by war. Players will step into the boots of a new generation of Witcher, from the newly established School of the Lynx, trained to face horrors both new and old. Featuring a new protagonist (or potentially a returning Ciri), the story will unravel a dark conspiracy that threatens the tenuous peace of the Continent. Built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5, the game promises a new level of visual fidelity, a more dynamic and reactive open world, and an evolution of the series' signature mature storytelling and choice-driven quests.

business Dev: CD PROJEKT REDprint Pub: CD PROJEKTevent Rel: update Upd:

Themes

Moral AmbiguityMonster HuntingPolitical IntrigueConsequences of ChoiceFolklore & MythologyWar's AftermathLegacy
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The Witcher IV Key Specifications

Key Specifications for The Witcher IV
SpecificationDetail
EngineUnreal Engine 5
GenreAction Role-Playing (Action RPG), Open World, Narrative-Driven
Expected Release2026-10-27 (Speculative)
DeveloperCD PROJEKT RED
PublisherCD PROJEKT
SettingThe Continent (Post-Witcher 3)
PerspectiveThird-Person
PlatformsPC (Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
MultiplayerSingle-player Only
Unique FeatureStart of a new Witcher saga, built on Unreal Engine 5; focus on a new generation of Witcher; signature mature storytelling with meaningful choices.

info_outline Note: 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_windows 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.**

info_outline GPU TGP Impact: Maximum TGP for the laptop's GPU will be critical to achieve stable framerates at higher settings.

info_outline 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.

info_outline CPU 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.

info_outline RAM Configuration Speed: 32GB of fast DDR5/DDR6 RAM in a dual-channel configuration will likely be the recommended standard for a smooth experience.

info_outline Display Panel GPU 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.

info_outline MUX Switch Optimus: A MUX Switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus will be crucial for maximizing performance.

info_outline Driver Updates OS Optimization: Game Ready drivers specifically optimized for this title upon release will be essential.

build Optimization Note: 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. 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.

computer

The Witcher IV System Requirements

1080p

tune Minimum (Target: 1080p, 30 FPS, Low/Medium Settings) – Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling 'Performance' or 'Balanced'

memory
CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (Speculative minimum desktop CPU, representing a solid 8-core baseline from previous years.)
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Laptop CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H / AMD Ryzen 7 5800H or better. (A modern 8-core performance laptop CPU will likely be the minimum entry point.)
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GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) (Speculative minimum desktop GPU, requiring at least 8GB VRAM and decent rasterization performance.)
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Laptop GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU (8GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB, High TGP). (A strong mid-to-high range laptop GPU from the previous generation will be necessary for a playable experience, likely relying on upscaling.)
storage
RAM: 16 GB (Dual-channel mode) (16GB will likely be the absolute minimum RAM requirement.)
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Storage: 150 GB SSD (SSD is mandatory, though a SATA SSD might suffice for minimum settings.)

tune Recommended (Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, High Settings) – High Preset, Ray Tracing Low/Medium, Upscaling 'Quality'

memory
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D (Recommended desktop CPU for a smooth 1080p/60FPS experience with high fidelity.)
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Laptop CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H / AMD Ryzen 7 6800H or newer high-performance CPUs. (A strong, modern laptop CPU is needed to maintain 60 FPS in dense city areas.)
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GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (10GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (16GB) (Recommended desktop GPU for high-fidelity 1080p gaming with some ray tracing.)
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Laptop GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU (16GB), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU (8GB, Max TGP). (A high-end laptop GPU with at least 8GB VRAM and high TGP will be needed for a quality 1080p experience.)
storage
RAM: 16 GB (Dual-channel mode) (16GB RAM is recommended, 32GB would offer more headroom.)
save_alt
Storage: 150 GB NVMe SSD (NVMe SSD is recommended for this tier.)

1440p

tune High (Target: 1440p, 60 FPS, High/Ultra Settings) – High/Ultra Preset, Ray Tracing Medium/High, Upscaling 'Quality' or 'Balanced'

memory
CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K or AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (Strong modern desktop CPU for a high-refresh 1440p experience.)
laptop_mac
Laptop CPU: Intel Core i9-13900HX / AMD Ryzen 9 7845HX or newer flagship CPUs. (A top-tier laptop CPU is necessary to prevent bottlenecks at 1440p.)
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GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti (12GB) or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (20GB) (High-end desktop GPU for an excellent 1440p experience with ray tracing.)
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Laptop GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop (12GB, Max TGP). (A future RTX 5070 Laptop GPU would likely be the target for this tier). (A flagship-class laptop GPU with high VRAM and maximum TGP will be required. Heavy reliance on DLSS/FSR Quality.)
storage
RAM: 32 GB (Dual-channel mode) (32GB RAM is recommended for smooth 1440p gaming at high settings.)
save_alt
Storage: 150 GB NVMe SSD (A fast NVMe SSD is mandatory.)

2160p

tune Ultra (Target: 4K, 60 FPS, High/Ultra Settings) – High/Ultra Preset, Ray Tracing enabled, Upscaling 'Performance'

memory
CPU: Intel Core i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D (Top-tier desktop CPU for a no-compromise 4K experience.)
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Laptop CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX / AMD Ryzen 9 (Future flagship model). (Only the absolute best flagship laptop CPUs will handle this target.)
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GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 (24GB) or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (24GB) (Flagship desktop GPU for 4K gaming. Future generation flagships (e.g., RTX 5080/5090) would be ideal.)
laptop_mac
Laptop GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop (16GB, Max TGP). (A future flagship RTX 5080/5090 Laptop GPU would be required for a native-like experience). (The absolute best laptop GPU available at the time of release, heavily reliant on DLSS/FSR Performance mode to achieve 60 FPS at 4K with high settings.)
storage
RAM: 32 GB (Dual-channel mode) (32GB of fast RAM is essential for 4K gaming.)
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Storage: 150 GB NVMe SSD (A fast NVMe SSD is mandatory.)

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The Witcher IV Laptop Recommendations

MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core I7 12700 H

developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 140W

storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz

1349

Details close

Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core I7 12700 H (Score: 900)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling 'Performance' or 'Balanced').

Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core I9 13900 H

developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W

storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz

999

Details close

Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core I9 13900 H (Score: 1058)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz

save Storage: 512GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling 'Performance' or 'Balanced').

Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060) more_vert

memory Intel Core I9 14900 H

developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W

storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz

1749

Details close

Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)

memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz

save Storage: 2000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling 'Performance' or 'Balanced').

Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core I9 12900 H

developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI 150W

storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

1397

Details close

Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12900 H (Score: 1030)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling 'Performance' or 'Balanced').

ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7 more_vert

memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS

developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W

storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz

799

Details close

Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7

memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP

storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling 'Performance' or 'Balanced').

ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7 more_vert

memory AMD Ryzen 7 680 H

developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3060 140W

storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

1299

Details close

Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7

memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 680 H (Score: 880)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling 'Performance' or 'Balanced').

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9 more_vert

memory AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS

developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 100W

storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

1489

Details close

Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9

memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS (Score: 820)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling 'Performance' or 'Balanced').

MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070 more_vert

memory Intel Core I7 13620 H

developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070

storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

1350

Details close

Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070

memory CPU: Intel Core I7 13620 H (Score: 843)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling 'Performance' or 'Balanced').

Alienware M18 with RTX 4070 more_vert

memory Intel Core I7 14700 H

developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070

storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz

1899

Details close

Model: Alienware M18 with RTX 4070

memory CPU: Intel Core I7 14700 H (Score: 860)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling 'Performance' or 'Balanced').

MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070 more_vert

memory Intel Core I9 14900 H

developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070

storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz

1699

Details close

Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070

memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)

storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz

save Storage: 2000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling 'Performance' or 'Balanced').

  • Core Requirements

  • desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 11 64-bit

    A 64-bit version of Windows 11 will likely be the recommended OS for a 2026 release to best utilize modern hardware and features like DirectStorage.

  • memoryDirectX: DirectX 12 Ultimate

    DirectX 12 Ultimate will be required for advanced graphical features such as mesh shading, sampler feedback, and full ray tracing support (lumen and nanite).

  • save_altStorage Note: 150 GB available space (NVMe SSD Mandatory)

    A fast NVMe SSD will be mandatory for the seamless world streaming and detailed textures expected from an Unreal Engine 5 title of this scale.

settings_applications Optimization Notes:

Upscaling: 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: 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.

map

The Witcher IV: Map Size and Regions

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.

extension

The Witcher IV: Post-Launch Content / 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.

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The Witcher IV Skills & Upgrades Overview

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.

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The Witcher IV: Cross-Platform / Crossplay

The game will be a single-player RPG. Cross-platform progression for save files (e.g., between PC and consoles) via the GOG Galaxy platform is a possibility, similar to what was offered for The Witcher 3.

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The Witcher IV Specific Game Elements

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The Witcher IV Weapons

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    Alchemical Bombs (Throwable Consumable (Craftable))

    Craftable bombs with various effects, such as Grapeshot (shrapnel), Samum (stunning), Dancing Star (incendiary), and Dimeritium Bomb (suppresses magic).

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    Crossbow (Ranged Weapon / Utility)

    A ranged weapon used for bringing down flying creatures, fighting underwater, or applying special bolt effects like bleeding or poison.

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    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).

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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The Witcher IV Vehicles

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    Boats & Skiffs (Water Traversal)

    Small boats, skiffs, or sailboats for navigating rivers, lakes, and coastal waters between landmasses or islands.

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    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.

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The Witcher IV Characters

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    The Protagonist (e.g., a School of the Lynx Witcher or Ciri) - Protagonist / Witcher (playable)

    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.

Top 3 Characters (Speculative):

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The

New Protagonist: A newly created Witcher from the School of the Lynx, or possibly a playable Ciri, exploring their place in the world. 2. A New Primary Antagonist: A cunning and powerful foe, perhaps a mage, a rival Witcher, or a political leader, driving the central conflict. 3. A Returning Mentor/Companion Figure: An older, established character from the original saga (such as Geralt, Ciri, Dandelion, or Triss) who acts as a guide or major supporting character.

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The Witcher IV Missions / Objectives

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    Companion & Character Quests

    Objective: Optional quests related to the personal stories of key supporting characters and allies, allowing the player to deepen their relationships and influence their fates.

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    Gwent Tournaments

    Objective: 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.

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    Main Story Quests

    Objective: 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.

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    Points of Interest (?)

    Objective: 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.

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    Secondary Questlines

    Objective: 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).

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    Treasure Hunts (Witcher Gear)

    Objective: 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).

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    Witcher Contracts

    Objective: 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.

Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Conceptual based on series structure):

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Main

Quest: Investigating the central conspiracy threatening the Continent, involving high-stakes political decisions and major story-defining battles. 2. Witcher Contracts: Classic monster-hunting missions involving investigation, tracking, and fighting unique and powerful monsters for a reward. 3. Major Secondary Questlines: Multi-part side quests with compelling narratives and characters, similar in depth to the Bloody Baron questline from The Witcher 3.

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The Witcher IV Companions / Summons

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    Quest-Specific Companions (Varies (Human, Dwarf, Elf, etc.))

    Ability: 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.

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    Roach (Horse) (Equine)

    Ability: 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.

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The Witcher IV Collectibles

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    Gwent Cards

    Location/Use: 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.

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    Hidden Treasure

    Location/Use: Marked by clues on maps or notes found on corpses. These lead to guarded chests containing valuable loot, crafting materials, or unique items.

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    Lore Books & Documents

    Location/Use: 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.

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    Monster Trophies

    Location/Use: 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.

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    Places of Power

    Location/Use: 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.

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    Witcher Gear Schematics

    Location/Use: 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).

Top 3 Collectibles (Speculative):

collections_bookmark
Witcher

Gear Schematics: Diagrams for crafting powerful, upgradeable Witcher school-specific armor and swords (e.g., School of the Lynx). 2. Lore Books & Historical Tomes: Collectible books that flesh out the world's history, bestiary, and political climate. 3. Gwent Cards: New decks and cards for an updated version of the popular in-game card game, Gwent.

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The Witcher IV Armor

  • shield
    Heavy Armor

    Focus/Stats: 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.

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    Light Armor

    Focus/Stats: Armor providing minimal protection but allowing for rapid stamina regeneration, ideal for Sign-intensive or agile, hit-and-run combat styles.

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    Medium Armor

    Focus/Stats: Balanced armor providing moderate protection and stamina regeneration. The most versatile type, often enhancing both combat and Sign intensity.

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    Relic & Magical Items

    Focus/Stats: Unique pieces of armor or accessories found as loot or quest rewards, offering powerful and unique perks not found on standard gear.

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    Rune Slots

    Focus/Stats: 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).

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    Witcher School Gear Sets (e.g., School of the Lynx)

    Focus/Stats: 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.

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The Witcher IV Clothing / Appearance

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    Armor Dyes

    Details: 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.

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    Common Armor & Clothing

    Details: 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.

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    Hairstyles & Beards (If custom character)

    Details: 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.

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    Witcher Gear Sets

    Details: 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).

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The Witcher IV Other Features & Info

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    Multiplayer Modes

    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.

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    User Interface

    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.

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    Sound and Music

    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.

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    Graphics and Visuals

    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.

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    Accessibility Features

    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.

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    Story and Setting

    The game is the start of a new saga, set after the events of The Witcher 3. While the world rebuilds and adapts to a new political landscape, a new, insidious threat emerges from the shadows, forcing a new generation of Witcher to rise. The story is expected to explore the legacy of past heroes like Geralt and Ciri, and the future of the Witcher order itself. Players will likely travel across both familiar and entirely new regions of the Continent, rendered in stunning detail with Unreal Engine 5.

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    Game Editions (Speculative)

    Expected editions include a Standard Edition (base game), a Deluxe Edition (base game, digital artbook, soundtrack, unique in-game item set), and a large physical Collector's Edition (Deluxe content plus a high-quality figurine of the protagonist, steelbook case, world map, Witcher medallion, etc.).

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    Top 5 Weapons/Tools (Speculative/Iconic)
    1. 1. Witcher's Swords (Steel & Silver): The dual-sword system will return, fundamental to fighting humans and monsters. 2. Enhanced Witcher Signs: Evolved forms of Aard, Igni, Quen, Yrden, and Axii, with more complex interactions and combinations. 3. Advanced Alchemy Set: A deeper system for crafting potions, decoctions, oils, and bombs, possibly with new ingredients and effects. 4. Crossbow: A returning tool for ranged combat and dealing with aerial or aquatic monsters. 5. Witcher Medallion: Will continue to serve as a key tool for detecting magic, monsters, and clues in the environment.
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    Top 3 Gameplay Mechanics
    1. 1. Narrative Choice & Consequence: A deep, branching narrative where player choices have significant and far-reaching consequences on the story, characters, and the game world. 2. Evolved Combat System: A more fluid and dynamic combat system that deeply integrates swordplay, Witcher Signs, alchemy, and environmental interactions, offering greater player expression and tactical depth. 3. Dynamic Open World: An open world powered by Unreal Engine 5, featuring more realistic ecosystems, dynamic weather, and NPC routines that create a truly immersive and believable setting for exploration and adventure.
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The Witcher IV Frequently Asked Questions

  • help_outline Is this game a direct sequel to The Witcher 3?
    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.
  • help_outline Who is the main playable character in The Witcher 4?
    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.
  • help_outline What engine is The Witcher 4 being built on?
    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.
  • help_outline When is The Witcher 4 expected to be released?
    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.
  • help_outline Will The Witcher 4 have multiplayer?
    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.
  • help_outline Will Gwent be in The Witcher 4?
    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.
  • help_outline Will my choices from The Witcher 3 carry over?
    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.