The Witcher IV Unveils Breathtaking New Trailer and Tech Demo Running on Base PlayStation 5 With 60FPS Ray Tracing
CD Projekt Red has officially debuted the first in-engine trailer for The Witcher IV, offering fans a stunning glimpse of the long-awaited next chapter in the critically acclaimed franchise. Presented during this year’s State of Unreal event, the trailer sets an ambitious tone for what is poised to become the most technologically advanced and immersive entry in the series.
The trailer’s premiere was immediately followed by a comprehensive technical showcase demonstrating the capabilities of The Witcher IV’s game engine, running natively on a base PlayStation 5 at 60 FPS with real-time ray tracing—a feat few open-world RPGs have achieved to date.
A Next-Gen Evolution for the Witcher Universe
The technical showcase begins with Ciri as the central character, seen traversing a frosted landscape in the northern kingdom of Kovir, accompanied by her trusted horse, Kelpie. This demonstration revealed several cutting-edge technologies implemented in the new engine:
Multi-Character Motion Matching: Seamless animation transitions between Ciri and Kelpie while maintaining natural locomotion, a step beyond traditional motion capture fidelity.
Machine Learning Deformation: Real-time muscle deformation for Kelpie using AI-enhanced simulations, bringing a new level of anatomical realism with minimal performance overhead.
Nanite Foliage Rendering: Using Unreal Engine’s Nanite technology, CDPR has eliminated traditional LOD pop-ins for dense foliage, enabling lush, interactive environments without sacrificing framerate or visual fidelity.
These technologies collectively enable The Witcher IV to deliver an open world that is not only visually stunning but highly reactive. The environments demonstrate chain-reactive systems, where multiple world elements respond to player interaction in real time—highlighting a level of immersion and systemic depth beyond anything seen in previous entries.
A Glimpse of Lan Exeter: Kovir’s Winter Capital
The demo concluded with a jaw-dropping reveal of Lan Exeter, the winter capital of Kovir and a major port city. The cityscape features rich architectural detail, dynamic lighting, and living, bustling streets—all rendered in real time. It is clear that this will be a core setting in The Witcher IV, emphasizing political intrigue, expansive questlines, and next-gen world-building.
Despite the progress shown, CD Projekt Red confirmed that The Witcher IV is still in early development, with a target release no sooner than 2027. The developer has yet to confirm a precise launch window.
CD Projekt Red Aims To Redefine Open-World RPGs
With The Witcher IV, CDPR is aiming to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling and real-time rendering. Leveraging Unreal Engine 5 and a proprietary layer of enhancements, the studio’s direction for the franchise is bold—embracing AI-driven systems, dynamic world interactivity, and cinematic-level character animation.
Fans of the franchise and enthusiasts of next-gen RPGs alike now have a reason to look forward to what could become one of the most groundbreaking titles of the decade.
What are your thoughts on the new The Witcher IV tech demo? Are you excited to explore Lan Exeter and experience Ciri’s journey? Let us know in the comments below.
