The Witcher franchise is preparing for a triumphant return, and fans finally have a timeline to mark on their calendars. CD Projekt RED has officially confirmed that The Witcher 4 will arrive no earlier than 2028, making it one of the most anticipated releases in gaming history. The announcement comes just ahead of Gamescom 2026, where the Polish developer will showcase Songs of the Past, a brand-new expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt scheduled for 2027. This dual announcement signals a comprehensive strategy to keep the beloved franchise in the spotlight for years to come.

CD Projekt RED Confirms Ambitious Development Plans

In a video message shared on social media, Michal Nowakowski, CEO of CD Projekt, delivered the news that has set the gaming community ablaze. While inviting players to tune into Gamescom’s Opening Night Live hosted by Geoff Keighley, Nowakowski took the opportunity to address the elephant in the room — when exactly players can expect to step into the next chapter of The Witcher saga. The executive confirmed that over 500 incredibly talented developers are currently working on what the studio describes as “something truly special.”

“Our team is working tirelessly on a brand-new saga with Ciri at the helm,” Nowakowski stated, referencing the fan-favorite character who served as a central figure in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The decision to make Ciri the protagonist represents a significant shift for the franchise, which previously centered on the legendary monster hunter Geralt of Rivia. This transition was first teased during the Game Awards 2024, where a cinematic trailer introduced players to a more mature, battle-hardened Ciri ready to forge her own path.

A Massive Open World Experience Promises Unprecedented Scope

According to Nowakowski, The Witcher 4 will feature an immense, immersive open world combined with intense, action-rich gameplay and a deep, impactful narrative that the studio hopes will remain etched in players’ memories for years to come. These promises carry significant weight given CD Projekt RED’s track record with The Witcher 3, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest role-playing games ever created. The 2015 masterpiece won over 250 Game of the Year awards and has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, setting an extraordinarily high bar for its successor.

The studio describes The Witcher 4 as their “most grandiose, bold, and ambitious project to date” — a statement that speaks volumes considering the scope of their previous works. Development of the game utilizes Unreal Engine 5, marking a departure from the proprietary REDengine that powered previous titles. This technological shift is expected to enable more detailed environments, improved character animations, and larger-scale battles than ever before. Industry analysts suggest this engine change also positions CD Projekt RED for better cross-platform optimization and potentially smoother development cycles.

The Long Road to 2028 and What Lies Ahead

Addressing fan concerns about the lengthy wait, Nowakowski offered reassurance with a message of patience. “I know the wait is a bit long and you would like to play it sooner, but let the team polish the game. The wait will be worth it,” the CD Projekt boss promised. This emphasis on quality over speed reflects lessons learned from the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020, which faced severe criticism for technical issues and unfinished features. Since then, CD Projekt RED has rebuilt trust through consistent updates and the acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion, demonstrating their commitment to delivering polished experiences.

Notably, The Witcher 4 will not make an appearance at Gamescom 2026, with the event entirely dedicated to showcasing Songs of the Past, the third major DLC for The Witcher 3. While this news may disappoint some eager fans, it underscores the studio’s focused approach to marketing and development. After nearly a decade since The Witcher 3’s release, the franchise is positioning itself for a remarkable comeback that will keep fans engaged throughout 2027 and build anticipation for the main event in 2028. The gaming world watches with bated breath as one of the industry’s most beloved franchises prepares to write its next chapter.