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 hitting the shelves in 2026. Dive deeper into the latest updates and development news surrounding this much-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 won't be released within the next two years. During their fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, the studio highlighted financial goals tied to share-based incentive programs for the upcoming fiscal year. A key statement followed: "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 segment of the forum, when pressed for more details, CD Projekt Red remained secretive about the specific release window beyond 2026. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz stated, "We are not going to announce the precise launch date for the game yet. All we can share to provide 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 making significant progress. The game, also known as Project Polaris, has entered "full production," according to CD Projekt's Q3 financial update from the previous year. "Of all our projects, this one [Project Polaris/The Witcher 4] is currently the most advanced, and we're starting the most intensive phase of development. I wish to thank the team for its effort and am keeping my fingers crossed for further progress," Nielubowicz remarked.

First unveiled as Project Polaris in 2022, the project was officially titled The Witcher IV during The Game Awards 2024, following a captivating six-minute cinematic trailer. The game introduces a new protagonist, shifting the focus from Geralt of Rivia to his adoptive daughter, Ciri, who is now older and more seasoned, clearly stepping into her own as a formidable figure.

According to CD Projekt’s announcements on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022, The Witcher 4 will kick off a new trilogy. The subsequent titles, known as Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are slated to follow within six years of The Witcher 4's release.