The Witcher 4 in Unreal Engine 5 looks stunning: Here are some takeaways from the tech demo

By | June 4, 2025
The Witcher 4 character model showcasing Unreal Engine 5 graphics
The Witcher 4 character model showcasing Unreal Engine 5 graphics

The Witcher 4 has officially grabbed the attention of gamers and industry watchers alike, thanks to its jaw-dropping tech demo running on Unreal Engine 5. CD Projekt Red’s transition to Unreal Engine 5 from their in-house REDengine marks a new era for the beloved fantasy RPG franchise. Here’s everything you need to know about the impressive visuals and technological leaps showcased in the demo.

1. Unreal Engine 5 Powers a New Level of Visual Realism

The demo immediately impresses with Unreal Engine 5’s advanced rendering capabilities. From ultra-detailed character models to richly textured environments, the engine brings the world of The Witcher to life like never before. Thanks to features like Nanite virtualized geometry, the game can display intricate details—such as the fine weave of fabrics, individual strands of hair, and realistic skin textures—without sacrificing performance.

2. Lumen Lighting Creates Immersive Atmospheres

One of the standout technologies in the demo is Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen dynamic global illumination system. It delivers realistic lighting that reacts naturally to the environment, including soft shadows and reflections that change in real time as the player moves through different settings. Whether it’s the flickering of torches in a dungeon or sunlight filtering through forest canopies, the lighting adds emotional depth and realism to every scene.

3. Expansive, Living World Showcases Next-Gen Ambition

The Witcher 4 tech demo reveals a massive, open-world environment that feels alive and bustling. NPCs move with natural behavior, wildlife roam freely, and weather effects dynamically alter the mood and gameplay. This signals CD Projekt Red’s commitment to delivering a richly detailed RPG world where player choices matter, and exploration is rewarding.

4. Enhanced Animation and Facial Expressions

The demo also highlights significant improvements in character animation. The Witcher’s protagonist shows nuanced facial expressions and smooth, lifelike movements that enhance storytelling and immersion. This level of detail promises more emotionally engaging interactions and cutscenes that bring the characters’ personalities to the forefront.

5. Seamless Transitions and Reduced Load Times

Thanks to Unreal Engine 5’s architecture, the demo showcased near-seamless world streaming, minimizing load times as players traverse diverse landscapes. This means smoother gameplay without immersion-breaking pauses, a critical feature for a sprawling RPG like The Witcher.

6. Audio Design Complements Visuals Perfectly

Though primarily a visual showcase, the tech demo’s audio design deserves mention. Ambient sounds, from rustling leaves to distant thunder, are intricately layered, making the world feel truly alive and immersive.

What This Means for The Witcher Franchise

The move to Unreal Engine 5 signals CD Projekt Red’s ambition to elevate The Witcher series to the next generation of gaming. The combination of breathtaking graphics, deep world-building, and advanced technology promises an unforgettable experience for fans and newcomers alike.

With the tech demo setting a high bar, anticipation is sky-high for The Witcher 4’s release. It’s clear that CD Projekt Red is harnessing cutting-edge tools to craft a fantasy adventure that looks as mesmerizing as it plays.