The Witcher franchise is stepping into a new era, but CD Projekt Red is making it very clear that they’re approaching it differently this time. After several years of restructuring, new tech pipelines, and a renewed focus on long-term planning, the studio has been steadily shaping the next mainline Witcher title; one that’s expected to kick off an entirely new saga.
For months, fans speculated that the series might return sooner than expected. Hiring spikes, tech demos, and engine updates all fueled quiet hopes that a 2026 launch could be within reach. Some even believed the studio might stealth-announce a surprise window during this year’s financial calls.
However, that hope didn’t last. Midway through their latest investor briefing, CD Projekt Red confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not be launching in 2026. The team stated that Polaris (the internal codename) remains in full production, progressing steadily but nowhere near a release window that early. According to the studio, there are no major development issues, but the project simply isn’t far enough along for a 2026 debut to be realistic.
What makes this even more notable is the roadmap attached to it. CDPR reiterated that Polaris is the beginning of a new Witcher trilogy, and the plan is to deliver all three entries across roughly six years after the first game ships. To commit to that schedule, the opening chapter needs to be polished, stable, and built on solid foundations.
So, yes. The wait will be longer, but it’s intentional. CD Projekt Red wants this new saga to start right, not fast. Stay tuned to VGNW and follow us on X for every update as The Witcher series gears up for its next chapter.
Is The Witcher 4 releasing soon?
No. CD Projekt Red explained that the game is still in full production and not close to an early launch window.
What is Polaris in The Witcher series?
Polaris is the codename for the next mainline Witcher game and the starting point of a brand-new trilogy.
