The Witcher 4 will surprise with realistic NPCs. “Each character will live their own story”

CD Projekt Red is raising the bar for NPC development in The Witcher 4, aiming to create a truly immersive and believable world. Following feedback on Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, the studio is focusing on making each non-player character feel like they have their own unique life and story.

Game director Sebastian Kalemba explained their new approach: “We have a rule: every NPC should look like they are living their own life with their own story.”

This commitment to realism is evident in the first trailer, showcasing the village of Stromford. Villagers are shown observing local superstitions and worshipping a forest deity. A scene depicts a girl praying in the woods until Ciri's arrival disrupts the quiet scene.

Kalemba further emphasized the studio's dedication to detail: “We aim to make NPCs as realistic as possible – from appearance to facial expressions and behavior. This will create an even deeper immersion than before. We're really trying to set a new bar for quality.”

The developers intend to populate the game world with unique villages and characters, each reflecting the distinct cultures and beliefs of isolated communities.

With a planned 2025 release, The Witcher 4 promises a significant advancement in world and character design, leaving fans eagerly anticipating further details.