The anticipation for The Witcher 4 has been palpable among fans, but it seems the wait will extend beyond 2026. Developer CD Projekt has confirmed that the highly awaited fourth installment of the iconic The Witcher series won't be hitting the shelves anytime soon. Let's delve into the latest updates on the game and its development journey.
The Witcher 4 Will Not Come Out In 2026
No Specific Release Window Yet
If you're a fan eagerly awaiting the next chapter in The Witcher saga, brace yourself for a longer wait. During CD Projekt Red's fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, the studio clarified that The Witcher 4 won't be released within the next two years. The statement was made in the context of their financial goals for the next fiscal year, with the notable addition: "Even though we do not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026, we are still driven by this financial goal."
When pressed for more details during the Q&A session, CD Projekt Red remained cautious. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz stated, "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 the release date may be a distant prospect, The Witcher 4 is making significant strides in development. The game, also known as Project Polaris, has entered "full production" as per CD Projekt's Q3 financial update last year. Piotr Nielubowicz expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "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 Witcher 4 was unveiled with its official title at The Game Awards 2024 through a captivating six-minute cinematic trailer. This new installment bids farewell to the beloved protagonist Geralt of Rivia and introduces a new lead—Ciri, Geralt's adoptive daughter, now older and more mature, stepping into her own as a formidable witcher.
According to CD Projekt's previous updates on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022, The Witcher 4 is the first title in a new trilogy. The subsequent titles, known as Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are slated to follow within a six-year window after the release of The Witcher 4.
