"Witcher 4 2026 Release Rumors Debunked"

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 on the game's development and what's next for the beloved franchise.

The Witcher 4 Will Not Come Out In 2026

No Specific Release Window Yet

CD Projekt Red has made it clear that fans will have to wait longer for The Witcher 4, as the game is not set to launch within the next two years. During their fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, the studio outlined financial objectives related to share-based incentive programs but emphasized, "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's Chief Financial Officer, Piotr Nielubowicz, remained vague about the exact release timeline beyond 2026. He 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 the release date remains uncertain, fans can take comfort in knowing that The Witcher 4 is in full production. CD Projekt's Q3 financial update from last year confirmed that the game, also known as Project Polaris, has entered its most intensive development phase. 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 Witcher 4 was officially titled during The Game Awards 2024 with a six-minute cinematic trailer that introduced a new protagonist. The game will shift focus from Geralt of Rivia to his adoptive daughter, Ciri, who appears older and ready to follow in her mentor's footsteps.

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 slated to follow within six years of The Witcher 4's release.