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 see a release in 2026. Dive deeper into the latest updates and development insights for this highly anticipated game.

The Witcher 4 Will Not Come Out In 2026

No Specific Release Window Yet

Enthusiasts of The Witcher video game series will have to exercise patience, as CD Projekt Red has clarified that the next installment isn't slated for release within the next two years. During their fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, the studio highlighted certain financial goals related to share-based incentive programs for the upcoming fiscal year. This was 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."

During the Q&A session of the forum, when pressed for further details, CD Projekt Red remained coy about a specific release window or year beyond 2026. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz responded, "We are not going to announce the precise launch date for the game yet. All we can share 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

With this clarification, fans can adjust their expectations regarding the full launch of The Witcher 4. However, the game is already in active development, having entered "full production" as reported in CD Projekt's Q3 financial update last year. Nielubowicz expressed his gratitude and optimism, saying, "Of all our projects, this one [Project Polaris/The Witcher 4] is currently the most advanced, 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 project was unveiled with its official title, The Witcher IV, during The Game Awards 2024, following a stunning six-minute cinematic trailer. The game will pivot from the iconic Geralt of Rivia to feature another cherished character, his adoptive daughter Ciri, who is now older and ready to carve her own path.

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