CD Projekt Red Confirms The Witcher 4 for 2028, Teases 'Dark Story' in Witcher 3 DLC 'Songs of the Past'

Summary

After making waves at Gamescom with an unexpected extra expansion for The Witcher 3, CD Projekt Red has officially confirmed that The Witcher 4 is targeting a 2028 release. This is the first concrete release window for the highly anticipated sequel, which has been in pre-production for years. The announcement gives fans a long-term goal but also shows that CDPR is taking its time to avoid another Cyberpunk 2077-style launch debacle. The Witcher 4 is expected to be built on Unreal Engine 5, signaling a major technical shift from the studio's in-house REDengine. Meanwhile, the surprise DLC for The Witcher 3, titled "Songs of the Past," is teased to have a "dark story." This extra content breathes new life into the 2015 classic and is likely to deepen the lore, possibly tying into the upcoming sequel. It's a smart move to keep the community engaged over the long wait. For players, the 2028 target means they'll have to stay patient, but it also suggests a polished, next-gen experience. For the broader industry, it highlights how AAA development cycles are expanding, and how studios are using post-launch content to sustain older titles. CDPR also hinted that more Witcher 4 details will be revealed over the next few years, ensuring the hype train stays on track.