Witcher 4 Targets 60 FPS, Series S Faces Challenges

CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has confirmed that The Witcher 4, currently in development under the codename Project Polaris, is targeting a 60 frames per second (FPS) performance on current-generation consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

This ambitious goal was highlighted during a recent interview with Digital Foundry, where Charles Tremblay, the studio’s Vice President of Technology, provided insights into the project’s technical direction. However, achieving this target on the Xbox Series S poses significant challenges, with Tremblay describing it as “extremely challenging,” indicating that the team is still working to find a viable solution.

Witcher 4

The decision to prioritize a 60 FPS target stems from lessons learned from past projects, notably the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077 on last-generation consoles. Historically, CDPR has focused on PC development, pushing graphical and technical boundaries before scaling down for consoles, a strategy that led to performance issues and criticism.

To avoid repeating this, the studio has adopted a “console-first” development approach for The Witcher 4, using Unreal Engine 5 to build the game with console performance in mind from the outset. This shift aims to ensure a stable experience across platforms, with the PS5 serving as a lead platform for optimization, as demonstrated by a tech demo showcased at Unreal Fest 2025 running at 60 FPS.

The Xbox Series S, however, presents unique difficulties due to its lower hardware specifications compared to the Series X and PS5. With less memory, a weaker GPU, and a mandatory compatibility requirement for Microsoft’s ecosystem, CDPR faces hurdles in maintaining the same performance level.

Tremblay noted that while the team has not yet extensively optimized for the Series S, it remains a priority, though no concrete solution has been finalized. This could potentially lead to compromises, such as a lower frame rate or reduced graphical fidelity, though CDPR has not confirmed any specific plans.

Witcher 4 Targets 60 FPS, Series S

The studio’s experience with optimizing Cyberpunk 2077’s next-gen update for the Series S, including a later-added 60 FPS mode, suggests they are capable of addressing such challenges, but the complexity of The Witcher 4’s open-world design—featuring ray-traced lighting and dense environments—adds to the difficulty.

The tech demo, while impressive, is not representative of the final game, as it lacks full gameplay elements like combat and includes placeholder assets. CDPR acknowledges that significant work remains to achieve the 60 FPS goal across all platforms.

Release estimates vary, with some sources suggesting a potential launch no earlier than 2027 or 2028, reflecting the early stage of development. Fan reactions, as seen in online discussions, range from excitement about the console-first approach to skepticism about Series S performance, with some anticipating a possible 30 FPS mode as a fallback.

CDPR’s focus on stability and performance could set a new standard for the franchise, but the Series S challenge remains a critical hurdle to overcome.

Speaking during a recent behind-the-scenes technical update, members of the Witcher 4 development team shared insights on performance goals, the ambitious scope of the game’s engine, and the current state of platform optimization.

“We want all players to enjoy a smooth experience, especially with fast-paced combat and dynamic environments. 60 FPS is our target for PS5 and Series X—but with the Series S, we’re facing real limitations due to hardware constraints,” a lead developer said.

While The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt saw a significant upgrade for current-gen consoles, The Witcher 4 is being built from the ground up using a revamped version of REDengine—now with support for ray tracing, denser environments, and more advanced AI.

According to CDPR, the Xbox Series S may need a separate performance profile, involving several compromises:

• Lower base resolution (possibly 1080p or below)

• Scaled-back lighting and ray tracing features

• Reduced NPC density and environmental detail

Despite these challenges, the studio stressed that Series S users will still receive a “high-quality and fully immersive experience.”

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