Fans eagerly awaiting The Witcher 4 should prepare for a longer wait. CD Projekt has announced that the game won't be ready until 2027 at the earliest.
During a recent investor call outlining future financial goals, the studio stated: “While The Witcher 4 is not scheduled for release before the end of 2026, we are fully committed to achieving this financial objective. Though ambitious, we believe it is possible within the planned timeframe.”
This effectively rules out a 2024 or 2025 launch, pushing the earliest potential release to 2027. However, given the gaming industry's history of development challenges, there is speculation that the title could even slip into 2028. Will CD Projekt be able to stick to its schedule?
A 2027 release suggests The Witcher 4 may be developed for next-generation hardware. Sony is likely already planning the PlayStation 6, and Microsoft is rumored to be targeting a 2027 launch for its next Xbox console and a handheld device. Could this new Witcher adventure be a cross-generation title, similar to Cyberpunk 2077 at its launch in late 2020?
If it does release on both current and next-gen systems, could a version for the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 also be possible? While it may seem unlikely, the fact that The Witcher 3 eventually came to the original Switch shows that surprises can happen.
Here is what we currently know: The Witcher 4 will kick off a new trilogy set after the events of The Witcher 3. This time, the story will focus on Ciri as the main protagonist, rather than Geralt of Rivia.
In an exclusive IGN interview before the game's announcement, executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga explained that Ciri was the "natural and logical choice."
“Her story has always been central, right from the original book saga. She is a deeply complex and compelling character. Since we said our goodbyes to Geralt, this new chapter is a continuation. For the team, it feels like this was always meant to be her journey.”
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In a January interview with IGN about Netflix’s upcoming animated film, The Witcher: Sirens of The Deep, Geralt's voice actor, Doug Cockle, expressed his support for the decision, despite it meaning a reduced role for his character.
“I'm genuinely excited about this direction,” he said. “It's a smart move. I always thought continuing the saga with Ciri as the lead would be fascinating for many reasons, some of which are tied to book events I don’t want to spoil. I’m very eager to see what the team has created.”
In February, the game's director clarified that a newly released video featured the same in-game model of Ciri, addressing fan observations about potential changes to her appearance.
For more exclusive coverage, check out our detailed trailer analysis and an interview where CD Projekt discusses how The Witcher 4 aims to avoid a rocky launch like Cyberpunk 2077.
