Witcher 4 gameplay revealed- officially! Let us see what we know so far!
After years of waiting and months of speculation, The Witcher 4 gameplay reveal on June 3, 2025, at the State of Unreal event instantly became one of the most anticipated gaming moments worldwide—second only to the hype surrounding GTA 6. Fans of the Witcher franchise and RPG lovers everywhere were eager to see how CD Projekt Red would evolve the beloved series for the next generation. The first gameplay footage, powered by the new Unreal Engine 5.6 and running smoothly at 60 FPS on base PlayStation 5 hardware, gave players a stunning glimpse into Ciri Witcher’s new adventure in the mysterious Kovir region. While combat wasn’t showcased, the footage highlighted the rich exploration, fluid horse-riding, and a vibrant, living world, all wrapped in the signature art style that made Witcher 3 a classic.
Let’s dive into five fascinating things we know so far about the game including from what The Witcher 4 gameplay reveal has showed us!
The Witcher 4 Gameplay Reveal Highlights Ciri Witcher’s Exploration and Horse-riding
Unlike the action-heavy scenes many expected, The Witcher 4 gameplay reveal focused on Ciri Witcher navigating the lively port town of Valdrest in the new Kovir region. Instead of combat, the demo emphasized exploration and world interaction, giving us a better sense of life in this next-gen Witcher world.
One of the most exciting features shown was the refined horse-riding mechanics. Riding Ciri’s horse Kelpie felt fluid and realistic, with smooth transitions between trot, canter, and gallop. The horse’s detailed muscle movements and responsive handling make traveling through the varied landscapes feel not immersive but also rewarding. This is a significant evolution from Witcher 3, where horse riding, though functional, was often criticized for feeling stiff or clunky. These kinds of mechanics promise us a fresh gameplay feel, moving away from the sword-swinging focus of Witcher 3 to a more varied and atmospheric experience.
Despite Stunning Upgrades, Witcher 4 Retains the Iconic Art Style of Witcher 3
The most impressive aspect of The Witcher 4 gameplay is how it balances technical leaps with artistic continuity. While the visuals have received a major overhaul thanks to Unreal Engine 5.6 — including realistic lighting, detailed foliage, and ray tracing — the art style remains unmistakably “Witcher”.
The characteristic dark fantasy aesthetic that defined Witcher 3 is still front and center, ensuring that even at a glance, players instantly recognize the world as part of the same universe. This consistency in art direction keeps the franchise’s identity intact and avoids the trap of becoming overly realistic or losing the atmospheric mood that fans love. In other words, CD Projekt Red has managed to blend cutting-edge visuals with the signature style that made Witcher 3 so beloved, offering the best of both worlds.
The Witcher 4 Gameplay Explores a New Region That Expands on Witcher Lore
One of the most exciting revelations from the footage was the introduction of Kovir, a previously unexplored region in the Witcher universe. The gameplay showcased Valdrest, a bustling port town full of life, from NPCs going about their daily routines to street performers and lively marketplaces.
For fans of Witcher 3, this new locale promises fresh stories and rich political intrigue distinct from the well-trodden paths of Novigrad and Skellige. The winter capital Lan Exeter was briefly glimpsed, hinting at diverse environments and cultural settings within Kovir that will deepen the lore and expand the Witcher world in exciting ways. Ciri Witcher’s journey in this new region appears to be more personal and introspective, as the developers tease themes of destiny and identity, building on the narrative foundation laid in Witcher 3.
A Living, Reactive World Makes The Witcher 4 Gameplay Feel More Immersive Than Ever
Another standout feature of The Witcher 4 gameplay is the clear emphasis on a living, breathing world that reacts dynamically to the player. Unlike Witcher 3, where NPC interactions were often scripted and limited, the new game shows NPCs responding naturally to Ciri’s presence and actions.
Simple gestures, like dropping a coin to a beggar, provoke genuine gratitude, while street scenes like a performing bear attract crowds. These small but meaningful touches create a vibrant and believable environment that pulls players deeper into the experience.
Additionally, the demo ran without noticeable loading screens, highlighting advancements in streaming technology that allow seamless exploration — a major improvement over the occasional interruptions in Witcher 3.
The Witcher 4 Gameplay Kicks Off a New Trilogy with High Expectations
CD Projekt Red has confirmed that The Witcher 4 gameplay reveal is the first glimpse into a brand-new trilogy within the Witcher saga. With over 400 developers involved, this ambitious project aims to evolve the franchise beyond what Witcher 3 achieved.
Although no official release date has been announced, it is speculated that Witcher 4 won’t launch before 2027, as stated by the developers themselves. (Sad news, right?) However, this approach shows that CD Projekt Red intends to deliver a deep, polished experience that honors the legacy of Witcher 3 while pushing the boundaries of RPG design. So, yes, it is better that they take their time rather than giving us an unpolished boring game!
Let us hope Ciri Witcher, as the new protagonist, symbolizes this shift, representing both continuity and fresh beginnings for the beloved series.
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