Fans of the acclaimed The Witcher series will need to temper their excitement as CD Projekt Red has confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not be gracing our screens in 2026. Dive deeper to learn more about the game's latest updates and its ongoing development.
The Witcher 4 Will Not Come Out In 2026
No Specific Release Window Yet
Enthusiasts of The Witcher video game series will have to exercise a bit more patience for the fourth installment. CD Projekt Red has officially stated that the game won't see the light of day within the next two years.
During their fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, the studio outlined certain financial objectives aimed at share-based incentive programs for the upcoming fiscal year. They added a crucial note: "Even though we do not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026, we are still driven by this financial goal."
In a subsequent Q&A session, an attendee sought further clarity on this statement. CD Projekt Red, however, kept their cards close to their chest regarding any specific release window or year beyond 2026. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz explained, "We are not going to announce the precise launch date for the game yet. All we could share now to give more visibility to investors is that the game will not be launched within the time frame of the first target for the incentive program, which ends December 31, 2026."
Full Speed Ahead In Production
While fans may need to adjust their expectations for the full release of The Witcher 4, the game is already making significant strides in development. It has entered "full production" as noted in CD Projekt's Q3 financial update from the previous year. Nielubowicz expressed optimism, stating, "Of all our projects, this one [Project Polaris/The Witcher 4] is currently the most far along, and we're starting the most intensive phase of development. I wish to thank the team for its effort and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for further progress."
Originally announced as Project Polaris in 2022, the game was officially titled The Witcher IV during The Game Awards 2024, where a six-minute cinematic trailer stunned audiences with its unexpected reveal. The Witcher 4 shifts the spotlight from the iconic Geralt of Rivia to another cherished character within the franchise—Geralt’s adoptive daughter, Ciri, who appears older and more seasoned, ready to step into her mentor's shoes.
As per CD Projekt's earlier announcements on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022, The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of a new trilogy. The subsequent titles, known currently as Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are slated to follow within a six-year period after the release of The Witcher 4.
