Witcher 4 2026 Release Rumors Debunked

Fans of The Witcher series will need to temper their excitement as CD Projekt has officially confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not be released in 2026. Dive deeper into the latest updates and development news surrounding this highly anticipated game.

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 clarified that The Witcher 4 is not on track for a release within the next two years. During their fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, the studio outlined financial goals tied to share-based incentive programs for the upcoming fiscal year, followed by a significant statement: "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 that followed, when pressed for more details, CD Projekt Red remained cautious about sharing a specific release window or year beyond 2026. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz stated, "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 game's release, The Witcher 4 is actively being developed. CD Projekt's Q3 financial update from last year confirmed that the game, also known as Project Polaris, has entered "full production." Nielubowicz expressed optimism about the project's progress, 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 titled The Witcher 4 during The Game Awards 2024, where a six-minute cinematic trailer introduced fans to the new protagonist. The Witcher 4 shifts the focus from Geralt of Rivia to his adoptive daughter, Ciri, who is now older and more mature, stepping into her own as a formidable character in the Witcher universe.

CD Projekt announced on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022 that The Witcher 4 will kick off a new trilogy. The subsequent titles, currently known as Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are planned to be released within a six-year window following The Witcher 4's launch.