The Witcher 4: everything we know so far

The wait is over! After nearly a decade since the critically acclaimed *The Witcher 3* captivated gamers worldwide, the first trailer for *The Witcher 4* has finally dropped, introducing Ciri as the new protagonist.

For those unfamiliar, Ciri is Geralt's adopted daughter. With Geralt's trilogy concluded, the spotlight shifts to the next generation. The teaser depicts Ciri intervening in a village gripped by a dark ritual—a young woman offered as a sacrifice to a monstrous threat, highlighting a chilling display of mob mentality. Ciri's heroic intervention reveals a far more sinister plot than initially apparent.

While an official release date remains elusive, considering the development timelines of *The Witcher 3* (3.5-4 years) and *Cyberpunk 2077* (even longer), and the early stage of *The Witcher 4*'s production, a 3-4 year wait is a reasonable expectation.

Platform announcements are yet to come, but given the anticipated timeframe, a current-generation-only release seems likely. However, no platform exclusivity has been confirmed. We anticipate simultaneous launches on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. While a Switch port was achieved for *The Witcher 3*, it seems less feasible this time, though a potential Switch 2 release remains a possibility.

Though gameplay details are scarce, CD Projekt Red is unlikely to drastically alter the core gameplay mechanics of their flagship franchise. The CGI trailer hints at returning elements like potions, familiar phrases, and magical Signs. A potentially new addition is Ciri's chain, used both to ensnare the monster and channel magic.

Adding to the anticipation, Doug Cockle (Geralt's voice actor) previously confirmed Geralt's presence in the game, albeit in a supporting role, stating, "Geralt will be a part of the game…but it won't be about Geralt this time." The trailer features Geralt's voice, fueling speculation of a mentor-like role.

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