The Witcher 4: Latest News, Rumors, and Leaks for PC Gamers

As the anticipation for The Witcher 4 builds, CD Projekt Red has shared tantalizing glimpses of the next chapter in their iconic RPG series. Revealed at The Game Awards 2024, the game promises a new saga with Ciri as the protagonist, powered by Unreal Engine 5. But with a troubled history like Cyberpunk 2077’s launch, PC gamers are wise to approach the hype with caution. Here’s the latest news, rumors, and leaks about The Witcher 4 as of June 24, 2025, and why patience remains the best strategy.

A Stunning Tech Demo at Unreal Fest 2025

On June 3, 2025, CD Projekt Red unveiled a tech demo for The Witcher 4 at Unreal Fest, showcasing Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities. The demo featured a vibrant, detailed world with dense villages and ray-traced visuals running at 60 FPS on a base PS5. Highlights included advanced features like Nanite Foliage and ML Deformer, promising a “next-gen experience” with richer environments than The Witcher 3. A brief gameplay snippet showed Ciri investigating a manticore attack, hinting at familiar monster-hunting quests.

However, CD Projekt Red clarified that this was a tech demo, not actual gameplay, dispelling some media misreports. While the visuals are stunning, PC gamers should note that such demos often don’t reflect the final product. Past promises of graphical fidelity have led to disappointments, so temper expectations until more is shown.

Ciri Takes the Lead: A Bold Choice

The biggest reveal from the 2024 cinematic trailer is that Ciri, Geralt’s adoptive daughter, will be the protagonist of The Witcher 4. Now a full-fledged Witcher after completing the Trial of the Grasses, Ciri’s story will explore new regions like Kovir, a frigid, mountainous area free from the wars of The Witcher 3. CD Projekt Red’s narrative team insists this shift is canon, building on Ciri’s arc from the previous game, and urges fans not to judge her role until release.

Despite backlash from some fans who prefer Geralt, engineering production manager Jan Hermanowicz told GamesRadar+ that Ciri’s story will win players over once they “fully embrace” it. However, rumors about Geralt’s involvement persist, with voice actor Doug Cockle backtracking on claims that Geralt would appear but not as the lead. PC gamers should remain skeptical of narrative promises until gameplay proves Ciri’s fit as the star.

Console-First Development: Bad News for PC?

A recent update has raised concerns for PC gamers. CD Projekt Red confirmed a “console-first” approach for The Witcher 4, targeting 60 FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X, though achieving this on Xbox Series S is “extremely challenging.” Unlike The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, which were built for PC and scaled down for consoles, this shift prioritizes console optimization. The studio aims to avoid Cyberpunk 2077’s launch issues, where PC versions still faced bugs despite high-end hardware.

While the tech demo’s performance on PS5 is promising, PC gamers may worry about optimization. The demo’s use of hardware-based Lumen and lack of dual-upscaling support (e.g., FSR, DLSS) could mean uneven performance on diverse PC setups. CD Projekt Red’s focus on consoles suggests PC versions may require post-launch patches, reinforcing the need to wait for reviews.

Rumors of a Witcher 3 DLC: A Bridge to The Witcher 4?

Rumors are swirling about a new story DLC for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, potentially developed by Fool’s Theory and slated for 2026. Sources like Redanian Intelligence suggest this expansion could tie up lore loose ends, setting the stage for The Witcher 4’s narrative. With The Witcher 3’s next-gen remaster in 2022 and console mod support planned, this DLC could be a marketing move to build hype for the new saga.

For PC gamers, this rumor is intriguing but unconfirmed. A DLC could refresh interest in The Witcher 3, but it also raises questions about resource allocation, as CD Projekt Red juggles multiple projects, including Cyberpunk 2 and a Witcher 1 remake. Given the studio’s history, PC gamers should wait for official confirmation before getting excited.

Development Updates and Release Timeline

The Witcher 4 is now in full production, but a release date remains distant, likely beyond 2027 per CD Projekt Red’s 2024 earnings report. The studio is working on multiple projects, including Cyberpunk 2, a new IP codenamed Hadar, and two spin-offs, Canis Majora and Sirius. The Witcher trilogy (The Witcher 4, 5, and 6) is expected to span into the 2030s, with each sequel taking about three years to develop. A rumored 2026 beta test has been debunked, so PC gamers should brace for a long wait.

CD Projekt Red is keen to avoid another Cyberpunk 2077 launch disaster, emphasizing rigorous testing and new tech to ensure quality. While this is encouraging, PC gamers know that promises of polish don’t always hold up, as seen with past releases. Stay patient and monitor updates from reliable sources.

Why PC Gamers Should Stay Cautious

The excitement for The Witcher 4 is undeniable, with its Unreal Engine 5 visuals, Ciri’s new role, and promises of an immersive open world. But PC gamers have been burned before by CD Projekt Red’s ambitious promises. Cyberpunk 2077’s launch taught us that early hype can lead to buggy, unoptimized experiences, even on powerful PCs. The console-first approach and lack of a clear release date further suggest that PC versions may need post-launch fixes.

Adopt the patient gamer mindset: wait for gameplay footage, reviews, and community feedback on platforms like Reddit and X before diving in. If you’re itching for a Witcher fix, revisit The Witcher 3’s Game of the Year Edition, often discounted on Steam, or keep an eye on the rumored DLC. Patience will ensure you experience The Witcher 4 at its best—polished, optimized, and worthy of the Continent.

What’s Next for the Continent

As CD Projekt Red pushes forward with The Witcher 4, the studio is crafting what they call “the most immersive and ambitious open world Witcher game ever.” With Ciri at the helm and new regions like Kovir to explore, the game could redefine the series. But with development still years away and rumors like the Witcher 3 DLC adding intrigue, PC gamers should stay grounded. Keep tabs on official updates, avoid fake beta test scams, and let the developers prove their vision before you saddle up with Kelpie.

The Continent awaits, but only time will tell if The Witcher 4 delivers on its promises. For now, keep your silver sword sharp and your skepticism sharper.