"Witcher 4 2026 Release Rumors Debunked"

The Witcher 4 will not be released in 2026, confirmed CD Projekt Red. Read on for the latest updates on the game’s development status and what this means for fans.

The Witcher 4 Will Not Come Out In 2026

No Specific Release Date Set

Fans of The Witcher franchise will need to be a little more patient—CD Projekt Red has officially stated that The Witcher 4 will not launch before the end of 2026.

This update was revealed during the company’s fiscal year 2024 earnings presentation. The developer noted its financial goals tied to share-based incentive programs through 2025, followed by a key 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 subsequent Q&A session, the studio was asked for further clarification. However, CD Projekt Red did not provide a specific release window beyond 2026. CFO Piotr Nielubowicz emphasized, “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.”

Development Progressing Steadily

With this timeline now clarified, fans can adjust their expectations accordingly. That said, work on The Witcher 4 is well underway.

As disclosed in CD Projekt’s Q3 2024 financial report, the game—previously known as Project Polaris—is already in full production. "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," shared Nielubowicz.

Originally announced as Project Polaris back in 2022, the title was officially unveiled at The Game Awards 2024 with a cinematic trailer that excited fans worldwide. The Witcher 4 (stylized as The Witcher IV) marks a new era for the series, shifting the spotlight from Geralt of Rivia to his adoptive daughter, Ciri, who takes center stage as the matured protagonist.

According to earlier announcements made by CD Projekt on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022, The Witcher 4 kicks off a brand-new trilogy. The two upcoming titles, currently referred to as Project Canis Majoris and Project Orion, are expected to follow within six years of The Witcher 4’s eventual release.