CD Projekt Red is gearing up for an accelerated development of The Witcher 4, targeting a release in 2028.
The Witcher 3 offers Geralt one final adventure before Ciri takes the spotlight.
CD Projekt Red has finally announced a release window for The Witcher 4, and fans will have to be patient until 2028 for the next main entry in the series.
Joint CEO Michał Nowakowski confirmed this timeline in a video posted on The Witcher’s official social media accounts prior to Gamescom. The studio is not yet ready to specify an exact release date, and The Witcher 4 will not be showcased at Gamescom this year.
Currently, over 500 developers are collaborating on the game, which Nowakowski described as the studio's largest and most ambitious project to date. The Witcher 4 will launch a new saga with Ciri as the central character, following her introduction as the protagonist at The Game Awards in 2024.
To our cherished fans, players, and community: As we approach #gamescom in a few days, CD PROJEKT RED Joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski warmly invites YOU to join us there to learn about the future of The Witcher franchise! pic.twitter.com/Jyam30SrQH— The Witcher (@thewitcher) August 24, 2026
Geralt's last adventure is set for 2027.
Players won't have to wait until 2028 to revisit The Witcher universe. The Witcher 3 is getting a new expansion titled Songs of the Past, scheduled for 2027. CD Projekt Red plans to reveal more details at Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25 and at their booth during the event. Songs of the Past will be released more than ten years after The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was launched in 2015, though an exact release date in 2027 has yet to be announced.
CD Projekt Red has already showcased some of the technological advancements behind The Witcher 4 with its Unreal Engine 5 demonstration, featuring dense crowds, enhanced foliage rendering, ray tracing, and a target of 60 fps on the basic PS5.
The 2028 timeline might complicate a physical disc release for PlayStation.
The 2028 timeframe places The Witcher 4 amid significant controversy in console gaming. Sony has confirmed it will cease the production of physical game discs for new PlayStation releases starting in January 2028, despite considerable backlash from players who prefer physical ownership, resale options, and long-term access.
CD Projekt Red has not disclosed whether The Witcher 4 will have a physical release or confirmed its final platform list. However, if it launches on PlayStation as planned in 2028, a disc version appears unlikely given Sony's new policy.
On a brighter note for PC gamers, GOG has indicated that future CD Projekt Red titles will continue to be released on its platform. This means The Witcher 4 should also receive a DRM-free version. GOG allows users to download offline installers and does not require its Galaxy launcher for game access. The platform also emphasizes game preservation, offering players greater control over their purchased games and how they access them over time.
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CD Projekt Red is gearing up for an accelerated development of The Witcher 4, targeting a release in 2028.
CD Projekt Red has announced that The Witcher 4 is set to release in a 2028 timeframe, while The Witcher 3 will make a return next year with the upcoming Songs of the Past expansion.
