Fans of The Witcher series will need to wait a bit longer for the next installment, as CD Projekt has confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not be released in 2026. Here's the latest on the game's development and what to expect.

The Witcher 4 Will Not Come Out In 2026

CD Projekt Red has officially stated that The Witcher 4 won't hit the shelves within the next two years. During their fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, the studio outlined their financial goals for the upcoming year, but made it clear that The Witcher 4 won't be part of that timeline. "Even though we do not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026, we are still driven by this financial goal," they noted.

In a Q&A session following the presentation, CD Projekt Red's Chief Financial Officer, Piotr Nielubowicz, was asked for more details. He responded, "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 release, The Witcher 4 is already in full production. According to CD Projekt's Q3 financial update from last year, the game, also known as Project Polaris, is the most advanced of their current projects. "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 stated.

First announced as Project Polaris in 2022, The Witcher 4 was officially unveiled at The Game Awards 2024 with a six-minute cinematic trailer. The game introduces a new protagonist, Ciri, Geralt of Rivia's adoptive daughter, who is now older and more mature, stepping into her own as a Witcher.

CD Projekt has also shared 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.