Don't hold your breath for The Witcher 4. According to CD Projekt, the game won't be released until 2027 at the earliest.

In a financial call discussing future profit projections, CD Projekt 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. And although it's very ambitious, we stand a chance of achieving it within the given timeframe."

This statement effectively rules out a launch in 2024 or 2025, setting 2027 as the earliest possible release date. However, given the unpredictable nature of the video game industry, it's conceivable that The Witcher 4 might not see the light of day until 2028.

If it is a cross-gen title, with versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, could The Witcher 4 also work on the Nintendo Switch 2? While it seems unlikely, The Witcher 3 did eventually make its way to the Switch, showing that anything is possible.

Here's what we know: The Witcher 4 is the first installment in a new trilogy of Witcher games, set after the events of The Witcher 3. Notably, instead of Geralt, Ciri will take the lead role.

Speaking exclusively to IGN ahead of The Witcher 4 reveal, executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga explained the choice of Ciri as protagonist, saying, "It was always about her, starting from Saga when you read it in the books. She's an amazing, layered character. And of course, as a protagonist we said goodbye to Geralt previously. So this is a continuation. I guess for all of us it’s like she was meant to be. That was always her."

The Witcher IV Game Awards Trailer Screenshots

51 ImagesIn January, speaking to IGN about Netflix’s upcoming animated film, The Witcher: Sirens of The Deep, Geralt voice actor Doug Cockle supported CD Projekt’s decision to feature Ciri, even though it means Geralt will take a backseat.

"I'm really excited," he said. "I think it's a really good move. I mean, I always thought that continuing the Saga, but shifting to Ciri would be a really, really interesting move for all kinds of reasons, but mostly because of things that happen in the books, which I don't want to give away because people, I want people to go read. So yeah, I think it's really exciting. I can't wait. I can't wait to see what they've done."

And in February, the director of The Witcher 4 clarified that a new video featured the same in-game model of Ciri, dispelling rumors that her appearance had changed.

For more insights on The Witcher 4, check out our exclusive content, including a trailer breakdown and an interview with CD Projekt, where they discuss why The Witcher 4 will avoid a Cyberpunk 2077-style launch disaster.