CD Projekt Red recently revealed exciting details about The Witcher 4, including new regions and monsters, in an interview with Gamertag Radio.
The Witcher 4 Explores Uncharted Territories and Creatures
A Glimpse into Stromford and the Bauk
Following the Game Awards 2024, The Witcher 4 game director Sebastian Kalemba and executive producer Gosia Mitręga spoke with Gamertag Radio's Parris, confirming the introduction of fresh locations and terrifying monsters.
Ciri's journey will lead players to previously unseen parts of the Continent. Kalemba identified the village shown in the trailer as Stromford, a place where unsettling rituals involving young girls are performed to appease a sinister entity.
This entity, revealed as the monster Bauk, is inspired by Serbian mythology. Kalemba described Bauk as a cunning and fearsome foe, promising a challenging encounter. And Bauk is just the beginning – players can expect to face numerous new and formidable creatures.
Kalemba expressed great enthusiasm for the new areas and monsters but remained tight-lipped about specific details, promising a truly novel experience within the familiar setting of the Continent.
A subsequent Skill UP interview on December 15, 2024, confirmed that Witcher 4's map size will be comparable to The Witcher 3. Given Stromford's location in the far north, Ciri's adventures will extend beyond the territories explored by Geralt.
Next-Generation NPCs in The Witcher 4
The Gamertag Radio interview also highlighted advancements in NPC development. Addressing previous criticisms about reused models in The Witcher 3, Kalemba emphasized the increased diversity and depth of NPCs in The Witcher 4. Each NPC will have a unique backstory and will lead their own lives, impacting their interactions with Ciri and other characters. The close-knit nature of a village like Stromford will influence these interactions, promising a more realistic and engaging experience.
CD Projekt Red is also significantly improving NPC models, focusing on enhanced visuals, behavior, and facial expressions to create a more immersive world.
While details are still scarce, these revelations point towards a significant leap forward in NPC interaction and overall immersion. For more information on The Witcher 4, be sure to check out our dedicated article!