The Witcher 4 targeting 2028 release, CD Projekt Red confirms ahead of Gamescom
CD Projekt Red has announced that The Witcher 4 is targeting a 2028 release window, giving fans a clearer idea of when to expect the next chapter in the fantasy RPG series. The update came via a video from joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski, released ahead of this year's Gamescom show.
In the video, Nowakowski described the project as the studio's "biggest, boldest, and most ambitious game to date." He confirmed that more than 500 developers are currently working on the title, which promises a huge and immersive open world, intense action-packed gameplay, and a deep, impactful story.
"We're not ready to share an exact date," Nowakowski said. "I can tell you this: The Witcher 4 is targeting a 2028 release window." He added that while the wait may feel long, the team is dedicated to delivering a quality experience. "I know it's a bit of a wait, but let the team cook. It will be worth the wait."
The use of the word "targeting" suggests that the release date could shift, a lesson the studio has learned from previous launches. The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 both experienced multiple delays before their final release dates, and CD Projekt Red appears to be leaving room for flexibility with this new entry.
The Witcher 4 is being positioned as a brand new saga, following the events of the previous games. While details on the story remain scarce, the game is expected to continue the narrative threads established in the series, with the protagonist Ciri set to lead the adventure.
The Witcher 3 expansion and Gamescom surprises
The announcement of The Witcher 4's release window came alongside news about the upcoming expansion for The Witcher 3, titled Songs of the Past. This expansion, which will be fully unveiled at Gamescom, is being developed by a team as large as the one that created the original The Witcher 3, potentially even larger.
Nowakowski teased that the studio has "a lot of the expansion to show off, including a taste of its dark story, and the new continent it will bring." The expansion will star Geralt rather than Ciri, though it remains unclear whether the story takes place before or after the events of The Witcher 3. The title's reference to the "past" leaves room for flashbacks or a setting that predates the main game's timeline.
CD Projekt Red also hinted at "one or two surprises" coming elsewhere at Gamescom, though the studio has not elaborated on what these might be.
A long wait ahead
For fans of the series, the 2028 target means there is still more than a year to wait before The Witcher 4 arrives. The studio has acknowledged the eagerness of its community, with Nowakowski noting that the release date is the question they hear most often.
The announcement gives players a concrete window to look forward to, even if it remains subject to change. With the development team now numbering over 500 people, CD Projekt Red is clearly investing heavily in the project, and the studio's track record suggests that the final product will be polished to a high standard.
As Gamescom approaches, more details about both The Witcher 4 and the Songs of the Past expansion are expected to emerge. The show will provide the first public look at the expansion, and attendees will have the chance to see the game and speak with developers.
For now, the wait continues, but the promise of a 2028 release gives fans a timeline to mark on their calendars.