The Witcher 4: CD Projekt Red Reveals 2028 Release Target and New Saga Details

The Witcher 4, currently in development by CD Projekt Red using Unreal Engine 5, is officially targeted for a 2028 release. Following a teaser trailer at The Game Awards on December 13, 2024, and rendering demonstrations at the State of Unreal event on June 3, 2025, the upcoming RPG shifts its narrative focus to Ciri, the heiress of Cintra.

The announcement establishes a clear timeline for the expansion of the dark fantasy franchise. While Geralt of Rivia’s primary saga concluded with previous entries, CD Projekt Red’s March 21, 2022 press release confirmed the return to the universe, teasing a Wolf School medallion half-buried in snow to signal the start of a brand-new saga.

Shifting Engine Architecture to Unreal Engine 5

CD Projekt Red is building the next installment on Unreal Engine 5.

During the June 3, 2025 Unreal State of Unreal showcase, technical demonstrations highlighted early graphical rendering for the project. These demos included Ciri’s mount, Kelpie.

Narrative Transition and Franchise Expansion

The narrative direction moves past the direct arc of Geralt, anchoring itself instead around Ciri. Drawing from Andrzej Sapkowski’s source material, the transition utilizes established character threads from previous titles.

In one of the multiple endings of The Witcher 3, Geralt’s adopted daughter takes up the path of a Witcher. The upcoming title leverages this specific narrative branching point to establish a new protagonist.

Parallel to the development of the main sequel, CD Projekt Red maintains engagement with the existing player base through ongoing content. An expansion titled Songs of the Past is slated to bridge narrative gaps, adding to the legacy left by previous expansions like Heart of Stone and Blood and Wine.

Projected Technical Specifications and Ecosystem Impact

• Core Engine: Unreal Engine 5
• Primary Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Narrative Focus: Ciri (Heiress of Cintra / Witcher path)
• Target Release Window: 2028
• Initial Teaser Debut: December 13, 2024 (The Game Awards)
• Rendering Tech Demo: June 3, 2025 (State of Unreal)