In December 2024, CD Projekt Red unveiled The Witcher 4: Polaris at The Game Awards, signaling the beginning of a new trilogy in the acclaimed Witcher series. This installment marks a significant departure from its predecessors, introducing fresh narratives, characters, and a technological leap forward.
Departing from the familiar face of Geralt of Rivia, Polaris introduces Ciri as the main protagonist. This choice aligns with CD Projekt Red's vision to explore new facets of the Witcher universe. Ciri's character evolution is central to the game's narrative, offering players a fresh perspective and gameplay experience.
Set in the expansive region of Kovir, Polaris promises a richly detailed open world. The game's environments are brought to life using Unreal Engine 5.6, featuring advanced technologies like Nanite for detailed geometry and Lumen for dynamic lighting. These innovations ensure a visually stunning and immersive experience.
The world is designed to be reactive, with player choices influencing the development of regions, villages, and cities. This dynamic world-building enhances replayability and narrative depth, allowing players to shape the game's world through their decisions.
Polaris aims to delve into darker and more mature themes, drawing inspiration from psychological horror films. This shift in tone introduces unsettling characters and supernatural elements, enriching the game's narrative complexity. The story explores Ciri's journey as she confronts ancient threats, including a monster demanding ritual sacrifices in a remote village.
The transition to Unreal Engine 5 represents a significant technological leap for CD Projekt Red. This engine provides enhanced capabilities for creating expansive open worlds and complex AI systems. Features like Fast Geometry Streaming enable rapid world loading, while advanced NPC animations contribute to a more lifelike environment.
The game's technical demo, showcased at the State of Unreal 2025 event, demonstrated these advancements by running at 60 frames per second on a standard PlayStation 5, highlighting the team's optimization efforts.
Polaris introduces new characters to enrich the Witcher universe. Branco, portrayed by Jake Lampert, is a world-weary warrior who becomes an ally to Ciri. His character adds depth to the narrative, providing guidance and support on Ciri's journey.
The game also expands the Witcher universe by introducing new regions such as Kovir and Poviss, as well as previously unexplored southern territories of Nilfgaard. These areas offer fresh environments and challenges, enhancing the game's world-building and exploration elements.
As of early 2025, Polaris is in full production, with over 400 developers working on the project. The game's development has been streamlined through CD Projekt Red's partnership with Epic Games, tailoring Unreal Engine 5 to the specific needs of the Witcher series.
The official release window for Polaris is set for 2027, with the possibility of a 2026 launch. This timeline reflects the studio's commitment to delivering a polished and expansive game.
The Witcher 4: Polaris represents a bold new direction for the franchise, combining innovative gameplay, a compelling narrative, and cutting-edge technology. With Ciri at the helm, players can expect a richly detailed world filled with complex characters and moral choices. As CD Projekt Red continues to develop this ambitious project, Polaris stands poised to redefine the Witcher experience for both new players and longtime fans.