CD Projekt Red recently shared exciting details about The Witcher 4, revealing new regions and terrifying creatures in an interview with Gamertag Radio.
Exploring Uncharted Territories and Confronting Novel Threats in The Witcher 4
First Glimpse: Stromford and the Bauk
In a post-Game Awards 2024 interview (December 14, 2024) with Gamertag Radio, game director Sebastian Kalemba and executive producer Gosia Mitręga confirmed the introduction of fresh locations and monsters. The village showcased in the trailer is named Stromford, a place where a chilling ritual involving young girls takes place to appease a terrifying entity.
This entity, revealed as the Bauk, is a fearsome creature inspired by Serbian mythology. Kalemba described it as a "tricky bastard," hinting at its cunning and the terror it inspires. Beyond the Bauk, players can anticipate a diverse array of new monsters.
While Kalemba expressed enthusiasm about these new elements, he remained tight-lipped about specific details, promising a completely novel experience within the familiar setting of The Continent.
A subsequent Skill UP interview (December 15, 2024) confirmed that The Witcher 4's map size will be roughly comparable to The Witcher 3. Given Stromford's location in the far north, Ciri's journey will extend beyond Geralt's previously explored territories.
Revolutionizing Non-Player Characters (NPCs)
The Gamertag Radio interview also highlighted significant advancements in NPC development. Acknowledging the reuse of NPC models in The Witcher 3, Kalemba emphasized the enhanced diversity and depth in The Witcher 4. The team aims to imbue each NPC with a unique life and backstory, impacting their interactions with Ciri and other characters. The close-knit nature of a secluded village like Stromford will further enrich these interactions.
Improvements extend to visual fidelity, behavior, and facial expressions, promising a more immersive experience.
While details remain scarce, the improvements to NPC interaction and the introduction of new regions and monsters promise a significant leap forward for the Witcher franchise. For more in-depth information on The Witcher 4, explore our dedicated article!