Fans of The Witcher series will need to temper their excitement as CD Projekt, the game's developer, has officially announced that The Witcher 4 will not see a release in 2026. Dive deeper to learn more about the game's development and what to expect moving forward.
The Witcher 4 Will Not Come Out In 2026
No Specific Release Window Yet
Enthusiasts of The Witcher video game series will have to wait a bit longer for the next installment. CD Projekt Red has confirmed that The Witcher 4 won't be hitting the shelves within the next two years.
During their fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, the studio outlined financial objectives tied to share-based incentive programs for the upcoming fiscal year. A significant statement followed: "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 the Q&A session of the forum, a participant sought clarification on this statement. However, CD Projekt Red remained discreet about the specific release window post-2026. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz clarified, "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 regarding the release timeline, The Witcher 4, known internally as Project Polaris, is making significant progress. The game has entered "full production," as highlighted in CD Projekt's Q3 financial update from last 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."
First unveiled as Project Polaris in 2022, the game was officially named The Witcher 4 (stylized as The Witcher IV) during The Game Awards 2024, accompanied by a stunning six-minute cinematic trailer. The game introduces a new protagonist, shifting the focus from Geralt of Rivia to his adoptive daughter, Ciri, who is depicted as older and more mature, ready to carve her own path in the Witcher universe.
According to CD Projekt's announcements on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022, The Witcher 4 is set to be the first entry in a new trilogy. Following The Witcher 4, two more titles, currently known as Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are planned to be released within a six-year window after the launch of The Witcher 4.
