"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 hitting the shelves in 2026. Dive into the latest updates on the game's development and what's in store for the future.

The Witcher 4 Won't Launch in 2026

Enthusiasts of The Witcher video game series must brace themselves for a longer wait, as CD Projekt Red has announced that the highly anticipated fourth installment will not see the light of day within the next two years. During their fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation, the studio outlined financial goals linked to share-based incentive programs for the upcoming fiscal year. A significant statement followed: "Even though we do not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026, we are still driven by this financial goal."

The Q&A session at the forum further clarified this statement, with CD Projekt Red choosing to keep the specific release window or year under wraps post-2026. Chief Financial Officer Piotr Nielubowicz stated, "We are not going to announce the precise launch date for the game yet. All we can 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."

Development in Full Swing

While fans adjust their expectations for the game's release, it's reassuring to know that The Witcher 4 is in full production. CD Projekt's Q3 financial update from last year highlighted that "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," said Nielubowicz.

Originally announced as Project Polaris in 2022, the game was officially titled The Witcher 4 during The Game Awards 2024, following a captivating six-minute cinematic trailer. The game marks a significant shift by moving away from the iconic Geralt of Rivia and spotlighting another cherished character from the series—Ciri, now older and more mature, stepping into her own as a protagonist.

CD Projekt's X (formerly Twitter) posts from October 2022 revealed that The Witcher 4 will kick off 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.