The wait for information on The Witcher 4 (codenamed Polaris) has been long, but a recent surge of leaks, developer podcast revelations, and hiring announcements has finally given fans their most detailed look yet at CD Projekt Red’s ambitious sequel. From Ciri’s overhauled movement to a combat “dream team,” the next chapter in the saga is shaping up to be a significant evolution.
Ciri Takes Center Stage with Unprecedented Detail
With the gaming world already aware that players will step into the boots of Ciri, the professional monster slayer and Child of Destiny, new details are emerging about how her journey will look and feel. According to CD Projekt Red’s official AnsweRED Podcast, the game’s motion capture is utilizing cutting-edge technology to specifically focus on portraying Ciri’s emotions, contrasting with the more stoic Geralt seen in previous entries.
The technical leap to Unreal Engine 5 is enabling a level of physical nuance that was previously impossible. The animation team is currently implementing a locomotion system that utilizes over 80 distinct animations just for basic movement. This massive library is designed to eliminate the “clunkiness” some fans associated with Geralt’s movement in The Witcher 3, aiming for “super realism” to make Ciri feel weighty, responsive, and alive as she navigates the terrain of the game’s rumored primary setting, Kovir.
Gameplay Overhauls: Magic on the Move
Beyond improved visuals, Ciri’s gameplay mechanics are receiving a significant overhaul to reflect her unique status as a “Source.” Leaked timestamps from the development podcast reveal that Ciri will have the ability to cast spells while walking or moving—a major departure from the static casting animations of the previous games.
To further enhance exploration and freedom, the developers have confirmed the addition of a dedicated jump button and the ability to swim underwater, suggesting a much more vertical, interactive, and diverse world to explore.
The combat system itself is being refined with a focus on impact and spectacle. The team is reportedly speeding up motion capture data by 20% compared to real-life actors to ensure every strike and dodge feels snappy and impactful. Additionally, specialized animators are being dedicated solely to boss fights to guarantee these encounters feel like high-stakes, cinematic spectacles.
A Living, Breathing World
One of the most ambitious goals for the sequel is creating a world that feels genuinely populated and reactive. Developers have placed a high priority on “NPC variety” to avoid the repetitive character models that often break immersion in large-scale RPGs. The open world itself is being designed to be far more interactive than The Witcher 3, featuring more reactive environments and diverse social dynamics.
The Combat “Dream Team”
To address long-standing community feedback regarding the series’ combat, CD Projekt Red has assembled an industry all-star team. The Lead Combat Designer for both Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West is serving as the project’s Combat Director. Joining them is a Senior Combat Designer who previously worked on the critically acclaimed God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarok. The studio has even recruited a cinematic animator from the acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to join their Warsaw studio.
Also, Read
- The Witcher Remake Has a Reported Release Year, and It’s a Long Wait
- New Witcher 3 Mod Lets You Play as Ciri in a Prequel Quest, as Official DLC Rumors Swirl
- New Witcher 3 Mod “Dawn Over Kovir” Lets You Play as Ciri, Teasing the Future
When Will We See It?
While The Witcher 4 isn’t expected to hit shelves before 2027, fans won’t have to wait that long for a proper look. The AnsweRED Podcast hinted that a much closer look at the game is planned for Unreal Fest 2026, running from June 16–18, which is expected to kick off the official marketing campaign.
In the meantime, persistent rumors suggest a final Witcher 3 DLC is being developed to act as a narrative bridge between the two games, potentially launching in May 2026 to celebrate the game’s 11th anniversary.
To ensure these ambitious systems feel polished at launch, CD Projekt Red is taking a “console-first” development approach this time, a strategy designed to avoid the optimization issues that plagued the release of Cyberpunk 2077. The future of The Witcher franchise has never looked brighter.