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 to unprecedented heights. Following feedback on Cyberpunk 2077's NPCs and the somewhat stereotypical characters in The Witcher 3, the studio aims to craft a truly vibrant and believable world.

Game director Sebastian Kalemba outlined their new philosophy in a recent interview: “Our guideline is: every NPC should appear to be living their own life, with their own unique story.”

This commitment is evident in the debut trailer, showcasing the secluded village of Stromford. Villagers adhere to local superstitions, revering a forest deity. One scene depicts a young girl offering prayers in the forest until Ciri arrives to battle a monster.

Kalemba further elaborated: “We're striving for maximum realism in our NPCs – from their physical appearance to their facial expressions and actions. This will foster a level of immersion unlike anything seen before. We're genuinely aiming for a new standard of excellence.”

The developers emphasize that each village and inhabitant will possess distinctive traits and narratives, reflecting the beliefs and cultural nuances of isolated communities.

The Witcher 4's release is slated for 2025, and fans are keenly anticipating further revelations on the game's innovative approach to world-building and character design.