The world of video games is abuzz with excitement as CD Projekt Red, the renowned Polish game developer, gears up to unveil the highly anticipated installment of their critically acclaimed action role-playing series, The Witcher. Following the immense success of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the upcoming Witcher 4 promises to deliver a captivating and immersive experience that fans of the franchise have been eagerly awaiting. While the information is limited, we’ll do our best to preview Witcher 4.
Codenamed Polaris, CDPR released an update on The Witcher 4 on Oct. 4, 2022, stating the game was in pre-production and the first of three installments in a new triple-A RPG trilogy. Based on the word “pre-production,” the game seems years in the making. However, that leaves plenty of time to speculate.
Here are four things I’m looking forward to in the new Witcher trilogy.
A New Protagonist, Fresh Challenges
Witcher 4 needs to introduce players to a brand-new protagonist, breathing new life into the franchise. While Geralt of Rivia and Ciri’s story reached its conclusion in the previous game, CD Projekt Red should craft a captivating narrative around a fresh face. Players should step into the boots of a young Witcher, embarking on a personal journey filled with peril and moral dilemmas. Certainly, the developers should embed characters from the previous game throughout the Continent, and the choices made in the previous game should have lasting consequences.
Whether Ciri becomes a Witcher or the heir to the Emperor should be a massive story thread. These moments will make the game feel familiar, even with a new protagonist. Besides a new hero, the game needs a new storyline. A war-torn countryside filled with monsters won’t hit the same after three games in the same environment. Much like the Blood and Wine DLC, you can build an exciting world without the same clichés. Exploring the Continent’s far reaches will allow CD Projekt Red to weave new threads.
Witcher 4: Revamped Combat and Enhanced Gameplay
CD Projekt Red will aim to revolutionize the combat system in Witcher 4, building upon the successes of its predecessor. Therefore, expect a refined combat experience emphasizing fluidity, responsiveness, and player choice. The new Witcher should have an expanded arsenal of weapons, including swords, crossbows, and alchemical concoctions, allowing for more versatile combat strategies. Players can look forward to engaging in intense battles against a diverse range of fearsome monsters, each requiring unique tactics and preparation.
One of the most significant features of the Witcher series was the difficulty levels. Players could enjoy the game over vastly different skill gaps depending on their skill level and personal pain tolerance. For instance, players could appreciate the game as a typical RPG, with certain parts being more strenuous. Alternatively, you could drop yourself in the most brutal and frustrating game possible, an authentic Witcher experience. Every monster battle took planning, elixirs, and a bit of luck. And if you lost focus, you would stare at a “You Are Dead” screen. This simple process allowed gamers of all skill levels to enjoy the Witcher series.
Witcher 4: The Living, Breathing Continent
One of the hallmarks of the series has always been its richly detailed open worlds, and CD Projekt Red should aim to take this aspect to new heights in The Witcher 4. The game should feature a meticulously crafted Continent brimming with life, culture, and a myriad of quests. Similarly, players should explore vast landscapes, bustling cities, and dangerous wildernesses, encountering both familiar faces and new factions. The choices made throughout the journey will have far-reaching consequences, with dynamic storytelling ensuring a profoundly immersive experience.
We’ve seen an impressive array of coalitions in Witcher 3, and you often had to decide to help one or the other. Moreover, outside of particular story beats and quests, the factions felt frozen in time. It didn’t feel like you were helping the Scoia’tael reclaim their home from the Northern Kingdoms. It felt like you were introduced to a struggle, and after a myriad of quests, you would forget that part of the world even existed. In Witcher 4, that has to change. It would behoove the developers to allow the players to shape the world in their vision. Do you want to back the Redanians or the Nilfgaardians? Let that choice shape everything around you.
Lastly, we need to explore the rest of the Continent. The Northern Kingdoms don’t stop with Redania. There are mentions of Korvir, Poviss, and Holopole in the books, all of which have their own cultures, customs and monsters to explore.
Witcher 4: Visual Fidelity and Next-Generation Technology
Witcher 4 is set to capitalize on the power of next-generation hardware, delivering stunning visual fidelity and technical advancements. CD Projekt Red has been known for pushing the boundaries of graphical prowess, and this installment will be no exception. Therefore, expect breathtaking vistas, detailed character models, and immersive environments that bring the world of The Witcher to life like never before. Combined with improved performance and faster load times, the game aims to set a new benchmark for visual excellence. However, it should be noted that Cyberpunk struggled at launch due to its dedication to older generation consoles. That won’t be a problem for the next Witcher masterpiece.
As the release of Witcher 4 draws nearer, fans and newcomers alike are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this beloved series. With a promise of a fresh protagonist, revamped combat mechanics, an expansive and dynamic open world, and cutting-edge visuals, CD Projekt Red aims to deliver an experience that surpasses its predecessor. Witcher 4 holds the potential to captivate players, immersing them in a world of monsters, magic, and morally ambiguous choices. Brace yourself for an unforgettable adventure as the Witcher saga continues to unfold.