The Witcher 4 (Project Polaris): Everything We Know as of December 2025

Ten years after The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt redefined open-world RPGs and with the trilogy selling over 75 million copies, CD Projekt RED is building an ambitious new saga. The Witcher 4 (codenamed Project Polaris), the first entry in a planned new trilogy, is in full production with a team of nearly 450 developers.

Announcement and Development Timeline

• March 2022: CDPR announces a new Witcher saga in partnership with Epic Games, using Unreal Engine 5.
• October 2022: Project Polaris officially revealed as the codename for the next mainline Witcher game.
• December 2024: Cinematic reveal trailer drops at The Game Awards, confirming Ciri as the new protagonist and showing a lynx medallion.
• Late 2024: Game transitions into full production with over 400 developers allocated.
• Q3 2025: Team reaches 447 members, the largest in CDPR history for a single project.

CDPR plans a new trilogy released over roughly six years, meaning Witcher 4 likely targets 2028 or later, followed by two sequels at approximately three-year intervals.

Studios and Key Team Members

Development is primarily led from Warsaw (new dedicated headquarters opened in 2025), with support from Kraków, Wrocław, Vancouver, and Boston. Around 100 veterans from The Witcher 3 remain on the project.

Ongoing hiring includes senior talent from studios like Warhorse and Blizzard.

Engine and Technical Features

• Unreal Engine 5: Long-term partnership with Epic Games enables next-gen visuals, Nanite geometry, Lumen lighting, and seamless open-world streaming.
• Open World: Larger and more detailed than The Witcher 3, with improved NPC routines, dynamic weather, and deeper simulation.
• Performance Focus: Targeting high frame rates on current-gen consoles from the start.

Story, Setting, and World

A brand-new saga centered on Ciri as a fully trained Witcher belonging to the School of the Lynx. The story explores mature themes, player choice with greater consequences, and a world reacting meaningfully to decisions. New regions will be introduced alongside familiar Northern Realms locations.

Gameplay and Multiplayer

Single-player, story-driven open-world RPG with refined combat, deeper alchemy and sign systems, expanded exploration, and meaningful side content. No multiplayer or live-service elements planned.

Release Date, Platforms, and Marketing

• Expected Window: 2028 or later (no official date; CDPR avoids early announcements after past lessons).
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC.

Only one cinematic trailer released so far (December 2024). Major gameplay reveals expected 2-3 years before launch.

Rumors, Leaks, and Community Buzz

• Ciri's School of the Lynx is entirely new canon created for the game.
• The Witcher 1 Remake (Project Canis Majoris) is in parallel development by Fool's Theory.
• Fans speculate on potential Geralt cameos, but CDPR emphasizes Ciri's independent story.

What's Next?

2026-2027: Continued production growth, possible marketing buildup. Gameplay debut likely in 2027. With Cyberpunk 2077 fully redeemed and resources focused, The Witcher 4 aims to set a new benchmark for narrative RPGs. The White Wolf's legacy continues through the Lion Cub of Cintra.