"Witcher 4 2026 Release Rumors Debunked"

CD Projekt, the developer behind the acclaimed Witcher series, has officially confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not be released in 2026. Dive deeper to learn more about the latest updates on the game and its ongoing development.

The Witcher 4 Will Not Come Out In 2026

No Specific Release Window Yet

Fans eager for the next chapter in The Witcher series will need to exercise patience, as CD Projekt Red has announced that The Witcher 4 won't hit the shelves in the next two years. This revelation came during the studio's fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, where they outlined financial objectives for the upcoming fiscal year. Notably, they stated, "Even though we do not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026, we are still driven by this financial goal."

During the Q&A session that followed, an attendee sought clarification on the release timeline. However, CD Projekt Red remained discreet about a precise release window beyond 2026. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz explained, "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 of The Witcher 4 may be further off than anticipated, fans can take heart knowing that development is progressing at full speed. CD Projekt's Q3 financial update last year announced that the game, code-named Project Polaris, had entered "full production." CFO Piotr Nielubowicz expressed his 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 Witcher 4 was officially named and showcased with a stunning six-minute cinematic trailer at The Game Awards 2024. This new installment shifts the focus from the iconic Geralt of Rivia to his adoptive daughter, Ciri, who steps into the spotlight as the protagonist. Now older and more seasoned, Ciri continues the legacy of her mentor.

According to CD Projekt's announcements on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022, The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of a new trilogy. The subsequent titles, Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are slated to follow within a six-year window after The Witcher 4's release.