The Witcher 4 Confirmed for 2028 by CD Projekt Red

The Witcher 4 will not appear until 2028, CD Projekt Red has already stated, quashing expectations that the highly anticipated sequel could drop as soon as next year. While the company hasn’t provided a precise release window, the announcement does give fans a better sense of when to expect the next big chapter in the Witcher franchise.

The announcement comes at a fascinating time for the gaming business, with 2027 already shaping up to be an exceptionally busy future. Big releases like Final Fantasy 7 and Kingdom Hearts 4 could be competing for attention, and Persona fans may also have Persona 4 and Persona 6 to look forward to.

The Witcher 4 joining that roster would have made for a particularly busy year, with so many high-profile titles potentially releasing in the same period.

Some originally expected CD Projekt Red to surprise fans with The Witcher 4 toward the end of 2027. But those expectations now seem too rosy. Players will have to wait until 2028 instead, but the extra production time could allow the studio to further polish what’s slated to be one of the largest RPGs of the age.

CD Projekt Red also said it would display a lot of new Witcher material at Gamescom, and talk about what it has planned for the future. The studio is promising a substantial look at the project, including footage and playable material from the upcoming The Witcher 3 DLC. CD Projekt Red will likely use Gamescom as a stage to showcase its Witcher 3 DLC and will also do daily livestreams around the event.

The developer has indicated these broadcasts may include other surprises, potentially giving fans even more information on the future of the brand. Then there’s the question of what platforms The Witcher 4 will release on in 2028. The next generation of consoles is expected to be firmly established by then, which means it’s becoming increasingly probable that CD Projekt Red will develop the game with newer technology in mind.

But that doesn’t always imply current-generation systems are out of the picture. Big releases like GTA 6 have shown that it’s possible to cross generations, and there’s no reason why CD Projekt Red couldn’t try something similar. However, the 2028 launch date allows the studio a chance to take advantage of significantly more powerful hardware.

The game is expected to ship on PC and next-generation consoles, with other platforms possible depending on hardware capabilities.

And with the next Xbox and PlayStation systems potentially out by then, The Witcher 4 might serve as a de facto showcase for the new generation. Exact launch window remains to be determined. No exact date has been announced, but early 2028 could be feasible. When it does arrive, fans will have a clearer timeline: fresh Witcher 3 content first, with The Witcher 4 arriving in 2028.

Ultimately, releasing the projects in back-to-back years could be a perfect strategy for CD Projekt Red. The studio can focus on each project, rather than releasing both major Witcher titles in the same busy year. With Gamescom coming up and more news about Witcher 3 DLC coming out, fans may be hearing a whole lot more about the franchise before The Witcher 4 officially takes center stage.