CD Projekt has officially confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not be released in 2026. The long-awaited next chapter in the iconic RPG series is still in active development, but fans should expect a longer wait before the game hits shelves. Here's everything we know so far.
The Witcher 4 Will Not Launch in 2026
No Official Release Date Set
Hopes for a 2026 release have been officially dashed. During CD Projekt’s 2024 fiscal year earnings presentation, the studio clarified that The Witcher 4 will not launch by the end of 2026. This statement came in the context of the company’s share-based incentive programs, which have a target period ending December 31, 2026. The developers noted, "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 subsequent Q&A session, investors and fans alike sought more clarity on the game’s release window. However, CD Projekt remained cautious. CFO Piotr Nielubowicz emphasized that no precise launch date would be shared at this time. The only confirmation provided was that the game falls outside the timeline of the current incentive program, reinforcing that a 2026 release is off the table.
Development in Full Swing
While the release date remains under wraps, development is progressing at full speed. According to CD Projekt’s Q3 financial update, The Witcher 4—originally codenamed Project Polaris—is the most advanced of the studio’s current projects. The team has officially entered the most intensive phase of production.
Nielubowicz expressed confidence in the team’s progress, stating, "Of all our projects, this one 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."
A New Era for The Witcher Saga
Revealed during The Game Awards 2024 with a stunning six-minute cinematic trailer, The Witcher IV marks a bold new direction for the franchise. The game officially ushers in a new era by shifting the spotlight from Geralt of Rivia to his adoptive daughter, Ciri, now portrayed as a mature and powerful protagonist. The trailer showcased a darker, more evolved world, hinting at a deeply personal and epic journey.
Announced in 2022 as Project Polaris, this entry is the first of a planned new Witcher trilogy. Two additional titles—Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion—are expected to follow in the six years after The Witcher 4’s release, according to CD Projekt’s earlier statements on X (formerly Twitter). This long-term vision confirms the studio’s commitment to expanding the Witcher universe with a fresh narrative arc and next-generation storytelling.
