Fans of The Witcher series will need to temper their excitement as CD Projekt, the game's developer, has officially confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not be hitting the shelves in 2026. Dive deeper to discover the latest updates on the game's development.
The Witcher 4 Won't Launch in 2026
No Specific Release Window Yet
Devotees of The Witcher video game series should brace for a longer wait, as CD Projekt Red has announced that the much-anticipated fourth installment won't be ready within the next two years. During the studio's fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, they outlined their financial goals for the upcoming fiscal year, adding 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, a participant sought further clarity on this statement. Yet, CD Projekt Red remained reticent about pinpointing a specific release window or year beyond 2026. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz emphasized, "We are not going to announce the precise launch date for the game yet. All we can 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 regarding the game's release, rest assured that The Witcher 4 is making significant progress. The title entered "full production" as per the CD Projekt Q3 financial update from last year. "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," Nielubowicz expressed.
Initially announced as Project Polaris in 2022, the project was unveiled with its official title at The Game Awards 2024 through a six-minute cinematic trailer. The Witcher 4 (stylized as The Witcher IV) will pivot from the iconic protagonist Geralt of Rivia to focus on his adoptive daughter, Ciri, now depicted as older and more mature, continuing her journey in her father's footsteps.
According to CD Projekt's previous announcements on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022, The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of a new trilogy. The subsequent titles, tentatively named Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are slated to be released within a six-year window following The Witcher 4.
