"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 released in 2026. Dive deeper into the latest updates and insights on the game's 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 is not slated for release within the next two years. During their fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, the studio outlined financial goals tied to share-based incentive programs for the upcoming fiscal year, followed by a significant statement: "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 session that followed, when pressed for more details, CD Projekt Red remained cautious about announcing a specific release window or year 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

While fans may need to adjust their expectations regarding the game's release, The Witcher 4 is already in full production. CD Projekt's Q3 financial update from last year highlighted that the project, initially announced as Project Polaris in 2022, is the most advanced among 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 remarked.

The game, officially titled The Witcher IV, was unveiled with a six-minute cinematic trailer at The Game Awards 2024, marking a significant shift by introducing Ciri, Geralt of Rivia's adoptive daughter, as the new protagonist. This move signifies a fresh narrative direction, showcasing Ciri as an older and more mature character stepping into her own as a Witcher.

CD Projekt's announcements on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022 revealed that The Witcher 4 is the first title in 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's launch.