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 see the light of day in 2026. Dive deeper into the latest updates on the game and its ongoing development.

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 hitting the shelves anytime soon, definitely not within the next two years.

During the studio's fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, they outlined certain financial goals tied to share-based incentive programs for the upcoming fiscal year. Following this, they made it clear: "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, when pressed for more details, CD Projekt Red remained discreet about any 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 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 in release, fans can take heart knowing that The Witcher 4 is moving forward. The game, known internally as Project Polaris, has entered "full production" as per the CD Projekt Q3 financial update from the previous year. "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," Nielubowicz remarked.

Originally announced as Project Polaris in 2022, the game was officially titled The Witcher IV during The Game Awards 2024, following a captivating six-minute cinematic trailer. The Witcher 4 introduces a new protagonist, shifting the focus from Geralt of Rivia to his adoptive daughter, Ciri, who is now older and more seasoned, ready to take on her own adventures.

According to CD Projekt's earlier announcements on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022, The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of a new trilogy. The subsequent titles, currently known as Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are planned to follow within a six-year period after The Witcher 4 hits the market.