The Witcher IV Walkthrough

CD Projekt Red dropped a bombshell when they officially confirmed The Witcher 4 is in development. After the wild ride that was Cyberpunk 2077’s launch and redemption arc, CDPR is returning to the franchise that made them legendary. But this isn’t just Witcher 3 part two. Everything we know suggests they’re reinventing the entire formula while keeping what made the series special.

Geralt’s Story Is Done And That’s Actually Perfect

Let me get this out of the way immediately because everyone keeps asking. Geralt of Rivia’s story ended with Blood and Wine. That DLC gave him the perfect sendoff whether he retired to his vineyard or rode off into the sunset with Yennefer. CDPR confirmed multiple times that Geralt’s journey as a protagonist is complete.

Some fans are upset about this but honestly it’s the right call. Geralt’s character arc wrapped up beautifully. Continuing it would feel forced and undermine that ending. The Witcher universe is massive with centuries of history, multiple schools of witchers, and countless stories waiting to be told. Limiting themselves to one character would be a waste.

The Lynx Medallion Changes Everything We Thought We Knew

The official announcement trailer showed a witcher medallion in the shape of a lynx partially buried in snow. This single detail sent the community into overdrive trying to figure out what it means. The lynx isn’t associated with any known witcher school from the games or books.

Popular theory suggests this represents a brand new witcher school that either survived the pogrom that destroyed most schools or emerged after the events of Witcher 3. Another theory points to the School of the Lynx being formed specifically to train a new generation of witchers using different methods than the brutal Trials of the Grasses.

The medallion’s design looked more refined and intricate than the wolf, cat, or bear medallions we’ve seen. This could indicate a more sophisticated approach to witcher creation or simply CDPR flexing their improved graphics technology.

Ciri Seems Like The Obvious Choice But Maybe Too Obvious

Everyone’s first guess for the new protagonist is Ciri. She’s established, beloved by fans, has witcher training, and her story in Witcher 3 left plenty of room for continuation. The Witcher 3’s ending even had a path where she becomes a witcher herself.

But here’s where it gets interesting. CDPR has been weirdly cagey about confirming Ciri as the protagonist. They could easily just announce it and generate massive hype. The fact they’re staying quiet suggests either they’re saving the reveal for maximum impact or the protagonist is someone completely different.

• Ciri has Elder Blood powers that might be too powerful for balanced gameplay
• Her story could conflict with player choices from Witcher 3
• CDPR might want creative freedom without Witcher 3 baggage
• A new character lets them start fresh without expectations

What If We Create Our Own Witcher

The wildest rumor circulating suggests Witcher 4 might let you create your own custom witcher character. Choose your school, customize appearance, select background story, and forge your own path through the Northern Kingdoms.

This would be a massive departure from CDPR’s usual approach of defined protagonists. But it would also solve the problem of continuing stories after player choice-heavy games like Witcher 3. Your choices in this new game wouldn’t conflict with previous games because you’re playing a completely different character.

Unreal Engine 5 Means This Will Look Absolutely Insane

CDPR abandoned their proprietary REDengine in favor of Unreal Engine 5. This is huge for multiple reasons. REDengine was powerful but notoriously difficult to work with. The technical issues that plagued Cyberpunk 2077’s launch were partly blamed on engine limitations and the small number of developers who understood it.

Switching to UE5 gives them access to cutting edge features like Nanite for incredibly detailed environments and Lumen for realistic lighting. More importantly, UE5 is widely used so hiring experienced developers becomes way easier. This should translate to smoother development and fewer technical disasters at launch.

What UE5 Enables For Open World Fantasy

Imagine forests where every tree, every leaf, every blade of grass is rendered in ridiculous detail thanks to Nanite. Picture dynamic weather systems where rain actually pools in realistic ways and sunlight filters through clouds with physically accurate god rays thanks to Lumen.

The Continent could be brought to life with a level of visual fidelity that makes Witcher 3 look dated by comparison. Novigrad was impressive in 2015 but a UE5-powered city could have thousands of NPCs, every building interior accessible, and verticality that actually matters for gameplay.

Combat System Getting A Complete Overhaul

Witcher 3’s combat was functional but nobody would call it the game’s strongest element. You mostly just dodged, hit fast attack a bunch of times, cast Quen, repeat. It worked but got repetitive and lacked the depth of dedicated action games.

CDPR knows this. Job listings for Witcher 4 specifically mentioned combat designers with experience in advanced action combat systems. They’re looking at games like Dark Souls, God of War, and Monster Hunter for inspiration while keeping the witcher fantasy intact.

Signs Magic Could Actually Matter

In Witcher 3, signs were useful but limited. You’d cast Quen for shields, Igni for fire damage, Yrden for traps, and barely touch Axii or Aard unless forced to. The new game reportedly features a completely redesigned magic system that makes signs feel powerful and build-defining.

Rumors suggest signs might have upgrade trees that fundamentally change how they work. Imagine Igni evolving from a simple fire blast into a persistent flamethrower or explosive fireball depending on how you build your character. Or Yrden creating complex trap networks instead of just one slow circle on the ground.

The Timeline Jump Forward Opens Massive Possibilities

Multiple sources indicate Witcher 4 takes place years or even decades after Witcher 3. This time jump allows CDPR to show how the world evolved based on events from the previous games without getting locked into specific canon choices.

Nilfgaard either controls the North or doesn’t. Witchers might be even rarer or experiencing a renaissance. Technology could have advanced. New threats might have emerged. Magic could be fading or surging. All of this depends on when exactly the game is set.

Showing The Consequences Of The Conjunction’s Echo

Witcher 3’s ending involved stopping the White Frost and dealing with the Elder Blood prophecy. But those world-shaking events would have long term consequences. Maybe magic is behaving strangely. Perhaps new monsters are appearing. The balance between spheres could be shifting in unpredictable ways.

This gives CDPR room to introduce new monster types, new challenges, and new mysteries while staying true to established lore. They can have their cake and eat it too by acknowledging the past while creating fresh content.

Estimated System Requirements Based On Current Info

CDPR hasn’t released official specs but based on UE5’s demands and the visual fidelity they’re targeting, here’s what you’ll probably need.

Component	Estimated Minimum	Estimated Recommended	Estimated Ultra 4K
Operating System	Windows 10 64-bit	Windows 11 64-bit	Windows 11 64-bit
Processor	Intel Core i5-12400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X	Intel Core i7-13700K / AMD Ryzen 7 7700X	Intel Core i9-13900K / AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
Memory	16 GB RAM	32 GB RAM	32 GB RAM
Graphics Card	RTX 3060 / RX 6700 XT	RTX 4070 Ti / RX 7900 XT	RTX 4090 / RX 7900 XTX
DirectX	Version 12	Version 12	Version 12
Storage	100 GB SSD	150 GB NVMe SSD	150 GB NVMe SSD

These are educated guesses but expect Witcher 4 to be extremely demanding especially with ray tracing enabled. UE5 games have been pushing hardware hard and CDPR won’t hold back on visual ambition.

Multiple Regions Instead Of One Giant Map

One interesting leak suggests Witcher 4 won’t have a single massive open world like Witcher 3. Instead, you’ll get multiple large regions separated by travel sequences. Think more like Dragon Age Inquisition’s structure but with each area being dense and meaningful.

This approach has advantages. Each region can have unique visual identity, culture, and gameplay without the filler content needed to pad out one enormous map. Loading between regions means they can have drastically different environments without weird transitions.

Returning To Iconic Locations Decades Later

Imagine revisiting Novigrad, Skellige, or Oxenfurt after years have passed. Buildings have changed, political situations evolved, familiar faces aged or disappeared. This would create powerful moments for returning players while not alienating newcomers who never played Witcher 3.

The city of Cintra could finally be explorable beyond the flashback sequences. We might see Zerrikania, the mysterious southern land only mentioned in books and dialogue. Kovir and Poviss, wealthy northern kingdoms barely touched in previous games, could be major locations.

Branching Stories That Actually Branch This Time

Witcher 3 had choices but most led to similar outcomes with different dialogue. The major choices that mattered usually came at story climaxes rather than building throughout the game. CDPR allegedly wants Witcher 4 to have more meaningful branching where choices earlier in the game fundamentally alter later content.

This is technically challenging which is why most RPGs fake it with flavor changes rather than actual branching. But with longer development time and better tools from UE5, CDPR might finally achieve the branching narrative they’ve always wanted.

Faction System With Real Consequences

Instead of being neutral or reluctantly involved like Geralt, the new protagonist might actively choose sides in political conflicts. Align with Nilfgaard or the Northern Kingdoms. Support mage rights or aid witch hunters. Join a witcher school or forge your own path.

These allegiances would affect which quests are available, how NPCs react, and potentially even which ending paths you can access. Committing to a faction means closing off other options permanently, creating genuine replay value.

Monster Hunting Evolved Into Actual Investigations

Witcher contracts in Witcher 3 were mostly “follow the red footprints with witcher senses then kill the thing.” The new game reportedly features investigation systems inspired by detective games where you actually have to figure out what you’re hunting and how to prepare.

Talk to witnesses who give conflicting information. Study physical evidence. Consult your bestiary for clues. Choose the wrong preparation and face serious consequences. Make the right deductions and gain advantages before the fight even starts.

Ecosystem Approach To Monster Behavior

Monsters might behave differently based on environment, time of day, weather, and proximity to human settlements. A nekker colony near a village creates different gameplay than one deep in the wilderness. Predators hunt specific prey animals creating natural patterns you can exploit.

This ecosystem thinking would make the world feel more alive and turn monster hunting into a naturalist pursuit rather than just combat encounters. You’d need to understand monster behavior, not just know which oil to apply.

Character Customization Beyond Just Armor

Witcher games traditionally had limited character customization. You’re playing Geralt, so you look like Geralt with different outfits. If the new game features a custom protagonist, expect deep appearance customization and potentially even build variety through skill trees.

Even if Ciri or another established character is the protagonist, rumors suggest much more cosmetic options. Hairstyles, scars, tattoos, accessories, and armor dyes all let you personalize your witcher while maintaining their core identity.

Weapons And Armor Crafting Reimagined

The crafting system from Witcher 3 was serviceable but not exciting. Find diagram, gather materials, visit blacksmith, receive item. The new game allegedly features hands-on crafting where you make meaningful choices about materials and modifications.

Different steel types might affect weapon weight, durability, and damage. Armor materials could provide elemental resistances or mobility bonuses. Rune crafting might let you create custom enchantments rather than just slotting premade runes.

Multiplayer Elements Nobody Expected

This is the most controversial rumor. Sources claim Witcher 4 might include optional cooperative elements. Not a full multiplayer mode like people feared after Cyberpunk’s cancelled multiplayer, but limited co-op for specific content.

Imagine hunting particularly dangerous monsters with a friend playing another witcher. Cooperative witcher contracts where you coordinate tactics and strategies. Arena challenges where you face waves of enemies together. All completely optional and not affecting the core single player experience.

Why This Could Actually Work

Monster Hunter proved that cooperative hunting can be incredibly satisfying. The Witcher universe has multiple witcher schools that canonically work together sometimes. Two witchers tackling a contract makes lore sense and could create memorable moments.

The key is making it truly optional. Players who want pure single player experience get exactly that. Players who want to team up with friends get that option. Everyone wins if CDPR doesn’t force it.

Release Window Speculation From Industry Insiders

CDPR officially said Witcher 4 entered full production in 2024. Based on typical AAA RPG development cycles and CDPR’s history, we’re looking at 2026 at the absolute earliest, more realistically 2027 or even 2028.

They learned harsh lessons from Cyberpunk’s rushed release. They won’t make that mistake again. Witcher 4 will release when it’s actually ready, not when investors demand it. Given the complexity and ambition, I’d bet on late 2027 as the most probable window.

Console Generations And Platform Strategy

By the time Witcher 4 releases, we’ll likely be in the mid to late period of PS5 and Xbox Series X/S lifespans. The game will absolutely push those consoles to their limits. Don’t be surprised if there’s talk of PS5 Pro or next-gen console versions being the definitive experience.

PC will get simultaneous release this time. CDPR learned that console-first development caused problems with Cyberpunk. Building for PC from the start ensures better optimization across all platforms.

The Pressure Of Following Witcher 3’s Legacy

Witcher 3 is considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made. It won countless awards, sold over 50 million copies, and spawned a successful Netflix series. Living up to that legacy is damn near impossible and CDPR knows it.

This is why they’re taking their time and why they’re willing to make bold changes rather than just copying what worked before. A safe Witcher 3.5 would sell well but wouldn’t capture that lightning in a bottle magic that made Witcher 3 special.

Learning From Cyberpunk’s Mistakes

Cyberpunk 2077 taught CDPR valuable lessons about scope management, technical ambition, and marketing promises. They over-promised and under-delivered at launch creating a PR nightmare that took years to recover from.

With Witcher 4, expect much more conservative marketing. They’ll show actual gameplay only when it’s polished. They won’t promise features they can’t deliver. They’ll be transparent about development progress. The trust they lost with Cyberpunk needs to be earned back.

Why This Game Could Redefine Open World RPGs Again

Witcher 3 influenced an entire generation of open world games. Every developer started adding detailed side quests, morally gray choices, and massive open worlds after seeing CDPR’s success. Witcher 4 has the opportunity to do it again with new innovations.

The combination of UE5 technology, lessons learned from Cyberpunk, and CDPR’s talented team could produce something genuinely revolutionary. Not just iterating on existing formulas but creating new standards for what RPGs can achieve.

What Could Make Witcher 4 Revolutionary

• Dynamic quest systems that react to player choices in real time
• Ecosystems where player actions have cascading consequences
• Investigation mechanics that require actual deduction
• Combat that matches dedicated action games in depth
• Character customization that affects gameplay not just appearance
• Meaningful faction allegiances that fundamentally alter content
• Cooperative elements that enhance without compromising solo play

Potential Pitfalls To Avoid

• Over-promising features that can’t be delivered
• Scope creep that delays release indefinitely
• Technical issues from pushing UE5 too hard
• Abandoning what made Witcher special while chasing trends
• Forced multiplayer elements that nobody asked for
• Monetization schemes that feel exploitative

The Netflix Show’s Impact On Development

The Witcher Netflix series introduced millions of new fans to the franchise. Many came to the games after watching the show. This expanded audience changes how CDPR approaches Witcher 4’s narrative and accessibility.

They need to welcome newcomers who only know Netflix Witcher while satisfying book readers and game veterans. This balancing act is tricky but CDPR has experience making their games accessible to new players while rewarding longtime fans with deep lore.

Voice Acting And Mo-Cap Expectations

After Henry Cavill’s performance as Geralt in the Netflix series, fan expectations for voice acting and facial animations are higher than ever. CDPR will likely invest heavily in performance capture to ensure characters feel as alive as anything in modern cinema.

Doug Cockle, Geralt’s iconic voice actor, confirmed he’s involved with the project but wouldn’t say in what capacity. This suggests Geralt might appear in some form even if he’s not the protagonist. Maybe as a mentor, maybe in flashbacks, maybe just as a cameo that rewards longtime fans.

My Honest Predictions About What We’ll Actually Get

After analyzing everything available, here’s what I genuinely believe Witcher 4 will be. We’re getting a new protagonist, most likely Ciri but possibly a custom character. The game takes place 15-20 years after Witcher 3, showing an evolved Continent dealing with aftermath of previous games’ events.

Combat will be dramatically improved, matching modern action RPGs in responsiveness and depth. Monster hunting becomes more investigative and preparation-focused. The world is split into multiple large regions rather than one continuous map. Choices have more meaningful consequences through faction allegiances and branching narratives.

My confident predictions

• Release in late 2027 or early 2028
• Runs on Unreal Engine 5 with cutting edge graphics
• New protagonist that isn’t Geralt
• Multiple explorable regions with distinct identities
• Completely overhauled combat system
• Deep investigation mechanics for contracts
• Optional cooperative elements for certain content
• Massive marketing push showing only polished gameplay

Things I hope for but am less certain about

• Custom character creation with meaningful choices
• Branching narratives that actually change the story
• Dynamic ecosystem affecting monster behavior
• Faction systems with permanent consequences
• Seamless multiplayer integration that feels natural
• Mod support from day one on PC

Why The Wait Will Be Worth It

Look, waiting until 2027 or 2028 for another Witcher game sucks. We’ve been patient since 2016 when Blood and Wine released. But everything we know suggests CDPR is using this time wisely to create something genuinely special.

They’re not rushing to meet arbitrary deadlines. They’re learning from past mistakes. They’re leveraging new technology. They’re taking creative risks while respecting what made the series great. The end result should justify the wait.

When Witcher 4 finally releases, it won’t just be another sequel. It’ll be CDPR’s statement about what RPGs can accomplish with proper time and resources. It’ll set new standards for open world design, narrative complexity, and player agency. It’ll remind everyone why this studio is considered one of the best in the industry.

Just start saving for that GPU upgrade now because this thing is going to melt your current hardware.