Epic Unveils Stunning Witcher 4 Demo Powered by Unreal Engine 5

Epic Games continues its tradition of showcasing the power of Unreal Engine with a stunning tech demo for Witcher 4, developed by CD Projekt Red. This latest demo, built on Unreal Engine 5.6, offers a vivid glimpse into the game's fantasy world, featuring the new protagonist Ciri exploring lush forests and a bustling marketplace called Valdrest.

What sets this demo apart is its technical sophistication: it runs on a base PlayStation 5 at a smooth 60 frames per second with raytracing enabled, demonstrating Unreal Engine 5.6’s ability to handle complex open-world environments with dense foliage and dynamic lighting. The demo also highlights significant improvements in horse technology since The Witcher 3, enhancing gameplay realism.

Epic’s live demonstration at the State of Unreal keynote included gameplay footage of Ciri riding through the world, showcasing fluid animations and environmental detail. This presentation not only excites fans but also signals the robust capabilities of Unreal Engine 5.6, which became available to developers starting June 2025.

CD Projekt Red’s transition to Unreal Engine 5 was announced in 2022, likely influenced by the technical challenges faced during Cyberpunk 2077’s launch. The Witcher 4 was officially revealed last year with a cinematic trailer introducing Ciri as the lead character, but the release date remains unconfirmed.

Why This Demo Matters for Game Development

This demo is more than just eye candy; it’s a showcase of how modern game engines can push the boundaries of open-world design. Developers can glean insights on optimizing performance for next-gen consoles while delivering rich, immersive worlds. The smooth integration of raytracing and complex environmental assets sets a new standard for visual fidelity.

For studios aiming to create expansive, detailed worlds without sacrificing frame rates, the Witcher 4 demo offers a compelling blueprint. It also highlights the importance of evolving gameplay mechanics, such as improved horse animations, to enhance player immersion.

Looking Ahead

While fans eagerly await news on The Witcher 4’s release, this tech demo solidifies Unreal Engine 5.6’s role as a powerhouse for next-generation game development. As more developers adopt this engine, we can expect increasingly sophisticated and visually stunning games across platforms.

Epic’s collaboration with CD Projekt Red also underscores the industry’s shift toward leveraging advanced engines to overcome past technical hurdles and deliver polished, high-quality gaming experiences.