The Witcher 4 Unreal Engine 5 Tech Demo: Fans Stunned by Ciri’s Next-Gen Adventure
At the State of Unreal 2025 event on June 3, 2025, CD Projekt Red (CDPR) and Epic Games unveiled a breathtaking tech demo for The Witcher 4, showcasing Unreal Engine 5.6’s power on a base PlayStation 5 at 60 FPS with ray tracing. The nearly 10-minute demo, set in the new region of Kovir, follows Ciri as she navigates rugged mountains, dense forests, and the vibrant port town of Valdrest alongside her horse, Kelpie. This technical showcase has ignited the gaming community with excitement, skepticism, and cautious optimism. Here’s what fans, critics, and developers are saying about this stunning glimpse into The Witcher 4’s potential.
A Visual Masterpiece Powered by Unreal Engine 5.6
The tech demo, while not final gameplay, offers a tantalizing look at The Witcher 4’s visual fidelity. Running on Unreal Engine 5.6, it leverages features like Nanite Foliage for hyper-detailed vegetation, FastGeo Streaming for seamless open-world loading, and MetaHuman technology with Mass AI crowd scaling for lifelike NPCs. Achieving 60 FPS with ray tracing on a base PS5 has left many in awe.
IGN called it “stunning,” noting it “gives us a good idea of what to expect” despite being a tech demo. Kotaku described it as a “true generational shift” for open-world RPGs, with visuals that make the 2027 release feel distant. On Reddit, user u/tinselsnips on r/PS5 praised the environmental interactivity, citing a moment where Ciri knocks over a fruit crate, triggering children to pick up apples and pigs to scavenge: “This level of immersion is peak for me.”
The demo’s Kovir region, with lush forests and a bustling town, has been a highlight. Techgenyz called the visuals “jaw-dropping,” emphasizing Nanite Foliage’s detailed leaves and pine needles, alongside Chaos Physics and ML Deformer for realistic character and creature movements. On X, @Okami13_ posted, “Looks absolutely incredible,” sharing a clip of the demo’s 4K footage.
Ciri’s New Look and Role Steal the Show
Ciri’s shift to protagonist has sparked lively discussion. The cinematic trailer, also revealed at the event, shows a grown-up Ciri investigating a manticore attack, wielding her sword Zireael and a magical chain. Kotaku noted subtle changes to Ciri’s model, with CDPR confirming to them that her face adapts her Witcher 3 look using MetaHuman tech, with tweaks like raised eyebrows for better animation. Some Reddit fans, like u/tukaunmaikhaamakhaa, approved: “Her face looks much closer to her Witcher 3 version now. Good on CDPR.” Others felt the _Game Awards 2024 trailer’s look was more distinct.
CDPR’s executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga told IGN that Ciri was the “organic, logical choice” for protagonist, citing her layered character from Andrzej Sapkowski’s books. A Reddit user commented, “Ciri’s journey gives so much freedom for exploration. This feels like the right move.” However, some fans want more Geralt, though CDPR confirmed his voice, by Doug Cockle, appears in the trailer, hinting at a key role.
Technical Triumphs and Past Promises
The demo’s 60 FPS performance with ray tracing on a base PS5 has been a major talking point. DSOGaming called it “the best PS5 game I’ve seen,” noting minimal stutters and aliasing, though they cautioned the final product may differ. CDPR’s joint CEO Michał Nowakowski called it a milestone, stating, “This is a testament to the great cooperation between our teams [with Epic Games].” Epic’s Tim Sweeney praised CDPR as “the perfect partner” for pushing Unreal Engine’s open-world capabilities.
CDPR’s Cyberpunk 2077 launch issues linger, however. Reddit users expressed skepticism, with one warning, “Cdprojecktred hasn’t launched a stable game ever… Don’t be fooled by a pretty tech demo.” Another said, “After Cyberpunk, I can’t take this at face value. Will wait for reviews.” CDPR’s engineering director Colin Walder told Inven Global they’re testing on consoles early to avoid past mistakes.
Immersive World and Interactive Details
The demo’s dynamic world has impressed. GameSpot described Valdrest as a “bustling market town” with reactive NPCs, noting hostility toward Ciri’s Witcher status for added social depth. The Verge praised the demo’s handling of “bustling scenes and foliage” and improved horse mechanics. A Reddit user highlighted a chain reaction where Ciri’s collision with a fruit crate led to children and pigs interacting with spilled apples, calling it “peak immersion.”
Nerdist dubbed it “the best-looking entry yet,” emphasizing Unreal Engine 5.6’s tools for a “visually stunning” and “alive” world. The CDPR-Epic partnership, announced in 2022, is yielding tools like the Unreal Animation Framework and FastGeo Streaming, benefiting other developers via Unreal Engine 5.6.
Cautious Excitement and Long Wait Ahead
The 2027 release estimate has tempered excitement. PCGamesN reported CDPR’s confirmation that The Witcher 4 won’t arrive before then, with some speculating it could be a PS6 launch title. Reddit users voiced frustration, with one stating, “Will buy this 3 years after release. Based on CDPR’s track record…” Others remain optimistic: “If this tech demo is any indication, we might be looking at another groundbreaking RPG.”
The cinematic trailer’s dark, monster-filled narrative has resonated. GAMINGbible called the manticore attack scene “gorgeous,” promising the “most visually stunning” Witcher game yet. On X, @IGN shared new screenshots of Kovir’s people and locations, amplifying hype.
Final Thoughts
The Witcher 4 Unreal Engine 5.6 tech demo has electrified the gaming community with its breathtaking visuals, dynamic world, and Ciri’s starring role. While fans and critics are dazzled by the technical achievements—60 FPS with ray tracing, lifelike NPCs, and immersive environments—CDPR’s past launch issues keep some skeptical. As development continues, the collaboration with Epic Games promises to push open-world RPGs to new heights, but the 2027 wait remains a challenge. For now, the demo sets a high bar, and the gaming world is watching to see if The Witcher 4 can deliver on its ambitious vision.