CD Projekt Red has had quite the week. Fresh off stealing the spotlight at Gamescom with a surprise announcement of brand-new DLC for a game that’s now a decade old, the Polish studio has followed up by confirming the release year that Witcher fans have been anxiously waiting to hear: The Witcher 4 is targeting a 2028 launch.
The Witcher 4 Release Window: It’s Official
After years of speculation, vague statements, and careful hedging, CD Projekt Red has locked in 2028 as the target year for the next mainline Witcher game. That means Geralt’s saga successor — widely believed to follow Ciri, based on the game’s reveal trailer — will arrive a full 13 years after The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt first launched in 2015.
While a 2028 window might feel like a long wait, it aligns with what we already knew about the project. The Witcher 4 (internally codenamed Polaris) is the first game CD Projekt Red is building on Unreal Engine 5, and the studio has repeatedly emphasized that it wants to avoid the rushed, troubled launch that plagued Cyberpunk 2077 back in 2020. A generous development timeline suggests the studio is prioritizing polish over speed — and after the redemption arc Cyberpunk 2077 enjoyed following its Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty expansion, that patience clearly pays off.
Songs of the Past: A Dark Story for a Classic
New DLC for a 10-Year-Old RPG
Just when everyone thought The Witcher 3’s story was fully told, CD Projekt Red dropped Songs of the Past at Gamescom — an unexpected new expansion for a game that most developers would have moved on from years ago. Supporting a title a full decade after release is practically unheard of in the AAA space, and it’s a testament to both the enduring popularity of The Witcher 3 and CD Projekt Red’s unusual relationship with its fanbase.
Expect Something Sinister
While details remain scarce, the studio has teased that Songs of the Past has a “dark story” in store for players. That’s an intriguing promise for a game already famous for its grim fairy tales, morally grey choices, and haunting side quests. Whether this new chapter leans into horror, tragedy, or something altogether more unsettling, it gives veteran monster slayers a reason to return to the Continent before the next era begins.
Why This One-Two Punch Matters
Strategically, the move is clever. By releasing new Witcher 3 content now and confirming The Witcher 4’s 2028 target, CD Projekt Red keeps the franchise firmly in the conversation during the long gap between mainline entries. Songs of the Past serves as a bridge — re-engaging lapsed players, introducing the series to newcomers who picked up The Witcher 3 in one of its countless sales, and building anticipation for what’s next.
For fans, 2028 may sting, but a dated target is far better than an open-ended “when it’s done.” It gives the community a real horizon to plan around — and plenty of time to squeeze one more playthrough out of The Witcher 3 before its successor finally emerges, as Rock Paper Shotgun wryly put it, from a lake full of drowners.
Prepare for the Return to the Continent
Want to revisit The Witcher 3 before the new DLC arrives, or top up your library while you wait for 2028? You can pick up game codes and gift cards at TURGAME.com, your go-to store for digital game keys at great prices across Steam, GOG, and more.
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun