Fans of the acclaimed The Witcher series will have to wait longer than expected for the next installment, as CD Projekt Red has officially confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not be released in 2026. Dive deeper to learn more about the latest updates and what to expect from the game's development.

The Witcher 4 Will Not Come Out In 2026

No Specific Release Window Yet

Eager fans of The Witcher video game series will need to temper their anticipation, as CD Projekt Red has stated that the eagerly awaited fourth installment will not hit the shelves 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, and notably mentioned, "Even though we do not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026, we are still driven by this financial goal."

When pressed for more details during the Q&A segment of the presentation, CD Projekt Red remained reticent about providing a specific release window or year beyond 2026. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz elaborated, "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 for the full launch of The Witcher 4, the game is already in the throes of active development. According to CD Projekt’s Q3 financial update from last year, the project, known as Project Polaris, has entered "full production." CFO Piotr Nielubowicz expressed 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."

Originally announced as Project Polaris in 2022, the game was given its official title, The Witcher IV, during The Game Awards 2024, following a stunning six-minute cinematic trailer. Fans were thrilled to learn that the new installment shifts the spotlight from Geralt of Rivia to his adoptive daughter, Ciri, who is now older and poised to follow in his legendary footsteps.

CD Projekt announced on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022 that The Witcher 4 will mark the beginning of a new trilogy. The subsequent titles, currently referred to as Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are planned to follow within a six-year window after The Witcher 4’s release.