If you tell me years ago that we’d see Ciri-the fan-favorite from The Witcher series-starring in her own Unreal Engine 5-powered open-world adventure, I’d have called you an optimist. But after watching CD Projekt Red’s latest tech demo for The Witcher IV, with Ciri exploring the bustling port village of Valdrest, I’m more intrigued than ever, even if I can’t help but squint at the marketing gloss. Here’s what grabbed my attention, and why I’m keeping both hype and skepticism in check.
Before I dig into the details, check out the official tech demo trailer to see what all the fuss is about:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | CD Projekt Red |
| Release Date | TBA (possible late 2026) |
| Genres | Action RPG, Open World, Fantasy |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
Let’s cut through the CG sizzle and see what really stands out for gamers here.
I’m always wary when a demo claims “Captured on PS5, 60 FPS, ray tracing”—it’s the right set of buzzwords, but we all remember Cyberpunk 2077’s infamous pre-launch demos. CD Projekt Red is clearly trying to rebuild trust after that mess, so seeing in-engine footage is a good move, but don’t assume what you see here is exactly what you’ll get at launch. This vertical slice is about selling the vision, not the reality.
That said, the tech here is genuinely exciting. Nanite Foliage means vegetation finally looks like something you’d see outside your window—not a bunch of pasted-on sprites. The Chaos Flash system, which enhances dynamic muscle movement (even on Ciri’s horse, Kelpie), hints at more life-like animation. As a Witcher 3 veteran, I’m all for a game world that feels truly alive instead of just pretty.
It’s clear CDPR wants to make Ciri the star this time, and that’s a bold play. She’s always been the most interesting wildcard in Witcher lore—a character with agency and power, not just another grizzled antihero. The new demo shows her arriving in Valdrest, a bustling Kovir port teeming with NPCs who actually seem to have a life. Dialogue scenes look more cinematic and natural—already a step up from Witcher 3’s stilted conversations.
This shift matters. A new Witcher protagonist keeps the series fresh and opens space for new stories and playstyles. But it’s also a risk: expectations are sky-high, and longtime fans will be watching every design choice closely.
For all the visual fireworks, there’s still plenty we don’t know. CD Projekt Red hasn’t shown real, moment-to-moment gameplay—just curated slices. How will the world actually feel to play in? Will systems like combat, exploration, and questing evolve as dramatically as the visuals? After seeing so many “target demos” in this industry, I’m reserving judgment until we get hands-on footage and real details about what players actually do minute-to-minute.
Also, there’s no mention of a firm release date. CDPR’s track record on timelines is… let’s say “adventurous.” Late 2026 feels plausible, but only if development avoids the crunch and chaos that plagued Cyberpunk. I’ll believe it when it’s burning a hole in my wallet.
If you loved the immersion of Witcher 3’s world but craved deeper tech and less janky NPCs, this demo hits the right notes. Ciri as protagonist is a breath of fresh air, both for character variety and narrative potential. But our community has been burned by “next-gen” promises before—so stay excited, but keep your expectations in check until gameplay and systems are actually revealed.
The Witcher IV’s Unreal Engine 5.6 tech demo offers real reasons to be excited—denser worlds, smarter NPCs, and Ciri as the lead. But after years of overpromised “target footage,” I’m keeping one eye on the hype and the other on the actual game. If CD Projekt Red delivers on this vision (and avoids past pitfalls), we could see the most alive Witcher world yet. Until then, watch the demo, join the speculation, and keep your expectations seasoned with a little gamer skepticism.
Source: CD Projekt Red via GamesPress