CD Projekt RED dropped a few new details about The Witcher 4 during their latest AnsweRED podcast episode. Nothing massive like a trailer or release date, but enough to better understand the direction the sequel is taking.
After listening to the episode, it sounds like Ciri is going to feel very different from Geralt, not just because of the different gameplay, but also because she will be much more expressive than he ever was.
The Music Is in Good Hands
First, reassuring information for longtime fans was shared! Marcin Przybyłowicz, the composer behind The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, is officially returning.
Considering how important the soundtrack was to The Witcher 3’s atmosphere, that alone is a good sign that CD Projekt is heading in the right direction. Of course, music is not everything, but it is a really nice detail.
Ciri Looks Much More Mobile
The team also confirmed a few really cool gameplay additions:
- A proper jump mechanic
- The ability to move underwater
- Magic that can be cast even when Ciri is moving around
- More than 80 movement animations
That last point is one of the most interesting. The developers said they are putting heavy emphasis on realism and immersion, especially through movement. Compared to Geralt, who was powerful but fairly grounded and deliberate, Ciri sounds like she will be faster, more agile, and more reactive. And in a way, it does make sense lore-wise as well.
Being able to use magic while moving is also a massive change, and could definitely make combat feel more interesting.
A More Expressive Protagonist
CD Projekt also mentioned they are using more advanced tech to make Ciri noticeably more expressive than Geralt was in The Witcher 3.
That means that we will get improved facial animation, body language, and better transitions during gameplay and dialogue. It is a small upgrade on paper, but if done well, it can make a big difference in how immersed and connected we will feel to the character.
More Different NPCs in the World
Another improvement teased was a wider variety of NPCs compared to the third game. That could mean less repetition in towns and cities, with half the NPCs looking the same. This was something players definitely noticed in The Witcher 3.
They also went over the challenges they faced when creating different body types and diversity for The Witcher 4, for both NPCs and monsters:
- More varied body types increase animation complexity
- Every action must be adapted across different builds
- Disabilities (e.g., crutches) require unique locomotion systems
- In The Witcher 3, shortcuts were used (e.g., removing limbs without adjusting balance)
- In The Witcher 4, higher standards mean no such shortcuts
- More Gameplay layers:
- Spell casting
- Movement
- Cloth physics
- Facial motion
- Player input responsiveness
- Monsters are fully keyframed (no real mocap equivalent)
- Built from layered real-world animal references
- Example: Manticore combines lion, scorpion, etc.
- Must avoid unintended emotional tone (e.g., “too cute”)
- Highly iterative process
- Boss monsters can take years of production work
The devs went over many more details during the Podcast, so feel free to check it out if you are interested in learning more!
Still No Release Date
What we still do not have is a release date. CD Projekt RED did not hint at any timing, so The Witcher 4 remains only in development for now. However, the devs are clearly working hard to give us another amazing and immersive game.
Latest predictions aim towards a 2027 release window, but so far, nothing has been confirmed, so take this with a grain of salt.
But these details make it clear that this is not just “The Witcher 3 again with a new story.” The focus on movement, expression, and upgraded gameplay suggests the studio is trying to modernize the experience and give us something truly special with Ciri at the center.
For guides and information, check out our latest news!