The Witcher 4 Tech Demo: Unreal Engine 5 Opens New Worlds on Base PS5 at 60fps with Ray Tracing

Stunning The Witcher 4 Unreal Engine 5 Tech Demo: A Glimpse into a Next-Gen Open World

In a dazzling display of modern technology, Epic Games and CD Projekt Red have set a new standard for gaming with the tech demo of The Witcher 4 running on Unreal Engine 5. Unveiled at Epic’s State of Unreal 2025 event, this technical presentation isn’t the full game but offers a captivating peek at the cutting-edge features that promise to redefine open-world experiences.

A Technological Marvel

The demo is a showcase of several breakthrough innovations:

• High-Fidelity Visuals: The presentation leverages Unreal Engine 5.6 features—such as the ML Deformer for realistic character animation—and previews upcoming enhancements like Nanite Foliage in UE 5.7. These tools allow for beautifully dense landscapes while maintaining an efficient memory footprint.

• Smooth Performance: Running at a solid 60fps on a base PlayStation 5, complete with ray tracing enabled, the demo illustrates that next-gen graphics and performance aren’t just reserved for high-end rigs.

• Immersive Open Worlds: As Ciri navigates through the bustling market of Valdrest and the rugged terrains of the new region of Kovir, the demo gives fans a taste of the lifelike, dynamic environments that CD Projekt Red aims to deliver.

During the presentation, Epic explained the significance of this collaboration:

“When we launched Unreal Engine 5 three years ago, CD Projekt Red announced they would collaborate with us to bring large open-world support to the engine. Together at the State of Unreal, we revealed what we’ve been working on.”

This statement underscores the deep technical synergy driving these groundbreaking visuals and mechanics.

A Bold New Chapter in the Witcher Saga

The demo marks the dawn of a new trilogy for the Witcher series, with a significant narrative pivot. Instead of Geralt, fans will now follow Ciri as the main protagonist. The shift to Ciri is not just a storytelling decision—it’s a leap toward exploring fresh perspectives within the rich Witcher lore.

Speaking exclusively to IGN ahead of the reveal, executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga described Ciri as “the very organic, logical choice” for continuing the saga. This sentiment is echoed by Geralt’s voice actor, Doug Cockle, who shared his excitement on the move:

“I'm really excited. I think it's a really good move. I mean, I always thought that continuing the Saga, but shifting to Ciri would be a really, really interesting move for all kinds of reasons, but mostly because of things that happen in the books, which I don't want to give away because people, I want people to go read. So yeah, I think it's really exciting. I can't wait. I can't wait to see what they've done.”

Cockle’s enthusiastic endorsement adds another layer of anticipation, indicating that this change could be both refreshing and deeply engaging for longtime fans.

The Road Ahead

While the tech demo is breathtaking, The Witcher 4 itself remains a project for the future. CD Projekt Red has indicated that the earliest possible release will be in 2027—with some industry voices even speculating a 2028 launch. Despite the long wait, this demo builds substantial excitement by promising:

• A cross-gen experience that won’t limit the game to next-generation consoles alone.

• Environments teeming with life—from sprawling marketplaces to rugged natural landscapes—all rendered with unprecedented fidelity.

• A detailed, living world where technical innovations drive both visual splendor and interactive storytelling.

Rumors have swirled about potential platform exclusivity in light of upcoming hardware like Sony’s PlayStation 6 and next-gen Xbox devices, but the demo’s performance on a base PS5 strongly suggests a broad, cross-platform vision.

Conclusion

Though still years away, The Witcher 4 tech demo set at the State of Unreal 2025 establishes a compelling vision for the future of open-world RPGs. With cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 features, dynamic performance on current hardware, and a bold narrative shift to Ciri, the next chapter in the Witcher saga holds immense promise. As fans eagerly await further updates, this demo offers a thrilling glimpse into the next generation of gaming innovation.