Fans of The Witcher series will need to adjust their expectations, as CD Projekt has confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not be released in 2026. Dive deeper into the latest updates and the ongoing development of this highly anticipated game.
The Witcher 4 Will Not Come Out In 2026
No Specific Release Window Yet
CD Projekt Red has dashed hopes of a 2026 release for The Witcher 4, indicating that fans will need to wait longer for the next installment in this beloved series. During the studio’s fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, they outlined financial objectives linked to share-based incentives for the upcoming fiscal year, followed by a crucial 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 a subsequent Q&A session, attendees sought further clarification on this announcement. However, CD Projekt Red remained discreet about any specific release window or year beyond 2026. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz clarified, "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
Despite the delay, The Witcher 4, also known as Project Polaris, is progressing well, entering "full production" as reported in CD Projekt's Q3 financial update last year. CFO Piotr Nielubowicz expressed optimism, 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 IV during The Game Awards 2024, where a six-minute cinematic trailer was showcased. The Witcher IV marks a significant shift by moving away from the iconic protagonist Geralt of Rivia and focusing on his adoptive daughter, Ciri, who appears older and more mature, ready to follow in her predecessor’s footsteps.
According to CD Projekt’s announcements on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022, The Witcher IV is set to be the first in a new trilogy. The subsequent titles, Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are planned to be released within a six-year window following The Witcher IV's launch.
