CD Projekt Red's latest update regarding The Witcher 4, the next major installment in its celebrated action-RPG series, reveals a significant delay. The studio confirmed during its earnings call on Tuesday that the game will not be released before 2027, and it is unlikely to arrive by the end of 2026. While the game was initially teased with a first-look trailer at The Game Awards 2024, CD Projekt Red has not yet confirmed its release date or supported platforms.
A Long Wait for The Witcher Fans
The news comes as part of the Polish developer’s efforts to update investors, with CFO Piotr Nielubowicz acknowledging that the game would not meet the December 31, 2026 deadline for the company’s first incentive program. This means that The Witcher 4 is highly unlikely to be released in 2026, and 2027 might be the earliest it can make its debut. Should delays occur during development, the launch could be pushed into 2028, coinciding with the release of next-generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft, which are reportedly aiming for launches around 2027.
Cross-Generational and Multi-Platform Title
Given the timing, it’s reasonable to assume that The Witcher 4 will be a cross-generational title, available on both current-generation consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, as well as the upcoming next-generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft. In addition to consoles, the game will also launch on PC, further broadening its reach. CD Projekt Red announced that the game would move into full-scale production in November 2024, indicating that work on the title is well underway.
A New Era for The Witcher Series
When The Witcher 4 was first announced in March 2022 under the codename Project Polaris, CD Projekt Red emphasized that it would be the first entry in a new trilogy of Witcher games. The upcoming title will mark the beginning of a new saga that will bring in fresh narratives and characters. While Geralt of Rivia has been the central figure throughout the series, The Witcher 4 will see Ciri, the fierce and skilled monster slayer, step into the protagonist role.
Ciri’s shift to the central character signifies a new direction for the franchise, and fans will likely be excited to see how her journey unfolds across a new, expansive open-world setting. As expected from a CD Projekt Red game, the studio promises a rich, dark-fantasy world that will challenge players with intricate storytelling and immersive gameplay.
Unreal Engine 5: The Next Level of Witcher Games
One of the most anticipated features of The Witcher 4 is its use of Unreal Engine 5, which promises to bring cutting-edge graphics, physics, and gameplay mechanics to the series. The technology behind Unreal Engine 5 is expected to push the boundaries of what an open-world game can achieve, delivering unmatched realism, dynamic environments, and high-fidelity detail in both character models and the vast world players will traverse.
Given the scope of the game, the next-gen hardware should provide the necessary power to run The Witcher 4 at its best. This technological leap will offer gamers a truly immersive experience, where exploration, combat, and story-driven quests come together in a way that has never been seen before in the Witcher universe.
The Return of Ciri
Players can expect Ciri to take the mantle of the protagonist in The Witcher 4, with Geralt of Rivia stepping aside as a secondary character. Ciri’s past as a professional monster slayer will likely come into play as she faces new challenges in a world teeming with danger, magic, and dark forces. As a character, Ciri has long been a fan favorite, and her role as the central figure in the next installment is set to offer a fresh and exciting perspective on the Witcher saga.
A New Chapter for CD Projekt Red
The Witcher series has become a cornerstone of CD Projekt Red’s success, and the company is looking to continue that momentum with the release of The Witcher 4. As the first installment in a new trilogy, the stakes are high. The game's world, characters, and narrative will need to captivate fans who have invested countless hours into Geralt's story, as well as attract new players to the series. The Witcher franchise has built a rich legacy, and The Witcher 4 will have the opportunity to build upon that with innovative gameplay and deeper storytelling.
The Future of The Witcher Franchise
While fans will have to wait a few more years before The Witcher 4 arrives, the future of the franchise is looking brighter than ever. The decision to begin a new saga, featuring a new protagonist and a fresh direction, signals that CD Projekt Red is prepared to evolve the series while staying true to its core elements. With the technological advancements of Unreal Engine 5 and the backing of next-gen consoles, the potential for The Witcher 4 to be a standout entry in the RPG genre is immense.
As development progresses, fans can look forward to more updates from CD Projekt Red, including details on gameplay mechanics, narrative developments, and platform releases. While the wait may be long, it’s clear that The Witcher 4 will be worth it.