CD Projekt RED Unveils First Gameplay Footage of The Witcher 4

CD Projekt RED Reveals Exciting First Look at The Witcher 4 Gameplay

During the highly anticipated State of Unreal 2025 presentation, CD Projekt RED showcased the first-ever gameplay footage of The Witcher 4. This presentation highlighted the impressive capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, giving fans a sneak peek into the upcoming installment of the beloved franchise.

Captivating Visuals Powered by Unreal Engine 5

The gameplay demo was captured on a standard PlayStation 5 console running at 60 frames per second, featuring real-time ray tracing. This tech demo was a collaborative effort between CD Projekt RED and Epic Games, developed over three years to demonstrate the potential of the latest game engine technology.

Exploring the Northern Region of Kovir

The game’s storyline takes place in Kovir, a remote northern region of the Northern Kingdoms. This is the first time players get a glimpse of this area, which, according to the lore, is known for its wealth and harsh climate. Previously, Kovir was only briefly mentioned in the books and in earlier games, making this a significant reveal for fans eager to explore new territories.

New Characters and Interactions

One of the intriguing details shown was Ciri’s own horse, named Kelpi, just like Geralt’s horses. The developers highlighted how the game world interacts dynamically with players—such as when Ciri pushes a passerby, causing him to drop apples, or when a beggar nearby reacts genuinely to her presence, asking for coins. This demonstrates the depth of environmental interaction and NPC responsiveness.

Stunning Urban Environments and Ecosystem

CD Projekt RED also showcased a bustling city square, filled with approximately 300 NPCs, without any drop in frame rate. This feat underscores the technological advancements of Unreal Engine 5 in creating lively, populated environments that feel vibrant and alive.

Preview of Kovir’s Capital and Future Locations

To conclude the presentation, the developers provided a distant view of Lan Exeter, the capital city of Kovir and Poviss. This glimpse hints at the beautifully crafted urban landscapes players can expect in the game.

Leaks and Curiosities

Interestingly, prior to this reveal, there were reports that CD Projekt RED accidentally leaked some controls for The Witcher 4 while playing through the third game, hinting at early development stages or internal testing processes.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.