Witcher 4 Release Moved to 2027 (and Beyond)
Witcher fans anticipating the next installment should prepare for a longer wait. The Witcher 4 release is now expected in 2027 or later. CD Projekt RED has adjusted expectations regarding the game's launch timeframe.
Officially Verified: Patience Required for Witcher Fans
CD Projekt RED's fiscal year 2024 earnings call provided this information. A 2025 or 2026 release is not planned. While a specific date remains unannounced, a 2026 launch is definitively off the table.
In their statement, CD Projekt RED clarified, "We are not quite yet ready to unveil a precise launch date for The Witcher 4 just yet. But out of transparency for our investors, we can safely say that the game is not due for launch before the tail end of 2026."
Reasons for the Delay: Scale and Development Time
The scope of The Witcher 4 contributes to the extended development time. Creating a game comparable to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a significant undertaking. Full production on Witcher 4 only began in late 2024. Large open worlds, detailed storytelling, and optimized gameplay require considerable time to develop, potentially extending beyond a few years.
The intended scale of Witcher 4 mirrors that of The Witcher 3. CD Projekt RED prioritizes quality, suggesting a longer development cycle is necessary to meet their standards.
2027: A Potential Year for Fantasy RPGs
The year 2027 could become a significant year for epic fantasy RPGs. Bethesda's Elder Scrolls VI is also anticipated to be released around a similar timeframe. Considering Bethesda's development timeline following Starfield, a late 2027 or later release for ES6 is plausible. The simultaneous release of both Witcher 4 and Elder Scrolls VI is a possibility.
What We Know About Witcher 4
Despite the extended wait, some details about the next Witcher game are known:
- Ciri as Protagonist: Geralt's role is shifting as Ciri takes the central stage, offering a new perspective on the Witcher world.
- Meaningful Romances: Compelling and significant romantic storylines for Ciri are planned.
- Gwent Returns: The card game Gwent will be included in Witcher 4.
- Size and Quality Focus: The game aims for a size comparable to Witcher 3, emphasizing depth and polish.
The Wait Begins, Potential for a Worthwhile Outcome
The Witcher 4 release is further away than initially hoped. This delay, while disappointing, may result in a more refined and enhanced game. In the meantime, revisiting The Witcher 3 remains an option. The prospect of a Witcher mobile game also exists.
