The Witcher 4 Game Shocks Fans With Ciri as Lead – Release Date Window Confirmed

CD Projekt Red just dropped a jaw-dropping look at The Witcher 4 game during the State of Unreal 2025 and while fans were dazzled by the PS5 demo, the studio made one thing clear: the Witcher 4 release date won’t arrive before 2026.

The new chapter in the franchise brings a seismic shift Ciri now takes center stage, officially replacing Geralt as the lead protagonist. The tech demo didn’t just tease a new face of the franchise, it blew the doors off what next-gen gaming can look like.

Unreal Engine 5.6 Brings Witcher to Life

The gameplay reveal ran in real-time on PlayStation 5 hardware and featured Unreal Engine 5.6 enhancements including ray tracing, nanite foliage, and fluid cinematic-to-gameplay transitions. The demo began with a cinematic, Ciri riding through a misty forest, then seamlessly shifted to gameplay without a cut. This was no pre-rendered sizzle reel. It was the real deal.

From the weight of Ciri’s horse Kelpie adjusting across muddy terrain, to NPCs reacting dynamically to her presence in a bustling port town, CDPR showcased a level of immersion that even Geralt never had. You could see the muscle tension in Kelpie’s gallop. Trees rustled as wind passed through them. The world felt eerily alive.

A Fresh Narrative Era: Geralt Out, Ciri In

During the presentation, CD Projekt Red emphasized that this is not a continuation of Geralt’s journey. “This is Ciri’s story now,” a rep said, reiterating that The Witcher 4 is the first game in a new trilogy.

The studio hinted that the decision wasn’t just narrative—it was generational. Ciri’s powers, moral conflict, and ties to both old and new factions offer a richer, more unpredictable canvas for modern storytelling.

And yes, for those asking, Geralt is not expected to return as a playable character.

Not Before 2026: Patience Required

The biggest bummer? CD Projekt Red confirmed there will be no Witcher 4 release before 2026. The game was first teased in late 2024, but developers say it’s still deep in development. While the tech demo was polished, it represented a vertical slice—meant to showcase possibility, not completion.

Trilogy Plans + Side Projects

This isn’t a one-off. CDPR revealed that The Witcher 4 kicks off a brand-new trilogy set in a post-Geralt world. Alongside this, fans can expect:

• A remake of the original 2007 Witcher game
• A multiplayer spin-off, codenamed “Sirius,” by The Molasses Flood

The team confirmed that these projects will run parallel, ensuring no compromise on narrative quality or technical ambition.

Will Witcher 4 Be a Cross-Gen Title?

With rumors swirling about Microsoft’s next Xbox launching in 2027, insiders speculate that Witcher 4 may arrive just in time to straddle console generations. That means PS5 players may get it first, with next-gen patches and full optimization arriving later.

Whatever the case, CD Projekt Red is treating this game like a “flagship experience”, one that could become the definitive fantasy RPG for the decade.

FAQs

When is The Witcher 4 release date?
CD Projekt Red has confirmed the game will not be released before 2026.

Who is the main character in The Witcher 4 game?
Ciri is the new protagonist, marking a bold shift from Geralt’s storyline.

What platform is Witcher 4 launching on?
The demo ran on PlayStation 5, but the game is expected to release on all major platforms including Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Will Geralt appear at all in Witcher 4?
CDPR hasn’t confirmed or denied cameo appearances, but he will not be a playable character.