In the early days of The Witcher series, Dice Poker served as a fun diversion in The Witcher 1 and The Witcher 2. However, no mini-game has matched Gwent’s popularity. After its introduction in The Witcher 3, Gwent was so well-received that the CD Projekt RED team launched a standalone version for a more in-depth experience. It seems plausible that the series' next installment, The Witcher 4, will also come with an updated version of Gwent with new or reworked features and mechanics. Though nothing is confirmed, let alone the fact that Gwent will indeed return, there is a lot that CD Projekt RED could do about new features and mechanics introduced to the game in The Witcher 4.
CD Projekt RED’s official announcement about The Witcher 4 confirmed that the upcoming game will introduce a new saga to the franchise. This could lead to many changes and enhancements in Gwent. The game stepped into its production phase in 2024 with 400 developers working on it. This could mean that the turn-based card game might see features such as a new trading system, additional mechanics, and special character abilities if it makes its way to The Witcher 4.
Geralt Isn’t The Character Who The Witcher 4’s Protagonist Should Take Inspiration From
The Witcher 4 has big shoes to fill, so its next protagonist needs to move away from the franchise's iconic white-haired hero.
New Gameplay Mechanics Could Reinvent Gwent In The Witcher 4
The CD Projekt RED team has clarified that the coming installment of The Witcher series will not repeat the old mechanics. In a Q&A session about the creative direction of The Witcher 4, CEO Michał Nowakowski stated that the fans should not expect "The Witcher 3 in new clothing." On the contrary, the latest installment in the franchise will come with "new gameplay elements and mechanics." This statement also hints at the possibility of these new features being integrated into Gwent. Nowakowski also said the company will build the game "on the shoulders of what came before."
So, fans could see the same turn-based card gameplay with added elements to elevate the gameplay. A potential improvement could be the introduction of a gambling mechanic where players could wager cards or in-game currency in high-stakes matches. The game can also benefit from a new card trading system that allows players to exchange cards with each other. This could add to taking Gwent’s gameplay in a more community-driven direction with increased player interaction. Another speculation about the upcoming Gwent is the introduction of special character abilities and unique cards that diversify the gameplay. Updates such as these have the potential to turn Gwent from just a mini-game to a core element of The Witcher franchise.
Switching to Unreal Engine 5 Could Dramatically Improve Gwent
The CD Projekt RED team didn't reveal many details about The Witcher 4 yet. However, the studio has confirmed the transition from REDengine to Unreal Engine 5 for the game’s development. CD Projekt RED's multi-year partnership with Epic Games is alleged to be the reason behind this switch. Unlike previous titles, the move to Unreal Engine 5 offers an immersive experience that could also impact Gwent. The previous standalone game was built using Unity. So, Unreal Engine 5 would be a major upgrade that will provide superior graphics and smoother gameplay while also increasing the game’s visual appeal.
The Witcher 4 Could Expand Gwent With Co-op Modes As Well
Fans haven't seen multiplayer modes in previous Witcher installments. But with The Witcher 4 introducing a new saga, the game could introduce new co-op modes. An online mode in Gwent could expand it further and introduce new team-based abilities or special combos. This expansion could also include more competitive elements such as ranked matches, global leaderboards, and tournaments. These features and online duels would align closely to its standalone version for PC and mobile.
In 2019, Gwent developers discontinued their support of the standalone game for console players. If Gwent were to go online in The Witcher 4, it could offer a new way for console players to get in on the action once again. Another potential enhancement for Gwent in The Witcher 4 could be the introduction of in-game purchases. This could include the option to buy packs with random cards to add an element of unpredictability to the game. However, it is important to note that all of this is purely speculative at this point. With The Witcher 4 unlikely to release before 2025, fans will have to wait and see what the developers have in store.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 93 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- May 19, 2015
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Engine
- REDengine 3
- Cross-Platform Play
- yes
- Cross Save
- yes
WHERE TO PLAY
- Expansions
- The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone, The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine
- Franchise
- The Witcher
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- verified
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 52 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- yes
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
