If there is one thing we know about CD Projekt Red (CDPR), it is that they dream big. Sometimes, maybe a little too big. But their latest update on the future of The Witcher franchise has the community buzzing with a mix of hype and healthy skepticism.
According to recent reports surfacing from their latest financial calls, the studio is sticking to their guns: they plan to release the entire new Witcher trilogy (starting with the game codenamed Project Polaris) within a six-year period. Yes, you read that right. Three massive open-world RPGs in the span of time it usually takes to make just one Elder Scrolls game.
Let’s break down what this means for the release date, the engine change, and whether we should actually believe them.
The Six-Year Roadmap: Ambitious or Impossible?
The “six-year plan” doesn’t mean the games are coming out six years from now. It means that once The Witcher 4 (Polaris) drops, the clock starts ticking. The second and third games in the new saga are scheduled to release within six years of that first launch.
If we look at the current development status, The Witcher 4 entered full production around late 2024 or early 2025. Historically, CDPR games spend about 3-4 years in full production. That puts the release window firmly in late 2027 or early 2028.
If they hit that 2027 target, the roadmap looks something like this:
| Game Title | Estimated Release | Development Status |
|---|---|---|
| The Witcher 4 (Polaris) | Late 2027 / Early 2028 | Full Production |
| The Witcher 5 | 2030 / 2031 | Pre-Production |
| The Witcher 6 | 2033 / 2034 | Concept |
The Unreal Engine 5 Factor
You might be asking, “How on earth are they going to release a massive RPG every three years?” The answer lies in the tech.
For the previous trilogy and Cyberpunk 2077, CDPR used their proprietary REDengine. While powerful, it was notoriously difficult to work with and required constant updating. For this new saga, they have ditched REDengine in favor of Unreal Engine 5 (UE5).
This is the secret weapon. By using UE5, they don’t have to build the tools from scratch. They can share assets, environments, and mechanics across all three games much more easily. Think of it like the Assassin’s Creed model—once the foundation is built, creating the sequels becomes much faster. They aren’t reinventing the wheel; they are just expanding the map.
Why Fans Are Skeptical
Despite the logical tech switch, the community isn’t entirely sold. We all remember the Cyberpunk 2077 roadmap and how that turned out. On Reddit, the sentiment is cautious. Users are pointing out that “plans” in the gaming industry are often just wishful thinking.
- The Polish Factor: Fans would rather wait 5 years for a polished game than get a buggy one in 3 years.
- Scope Creep: The Witcher games are known for their massive scope. Keeping that quality on a tight deadline is a huge risk.
- Burnout: Can the dev team sustain that pace without severe crunch?
Conclusion
If CD Projekt Red pulls this off, we are entering a golden age of RPGs where we won’t have to wait a decade between installments. The Witcher 4 in 2027 seems like a safe bet, and if the switch to Unreal Engine 5 pays off, that six-year trilogy plan might actually happen. Just don’t pre-order until we see gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is The Witcher 4 coming out?
While there is no official date, CD Projekt Red has confirmed it will not be released before 2026. Based on production cycles, a late 2027 release is the most realistic estimate.
2. Is Geralt the main character in the new trilogy?
Most likely not. The teaser image showed a Lynx medallion (not Wolf), and the developers have hinted that Geralt’s saga is finished. He might appear as a mentor or cameo, but the story will focus on a new protagonist, possibly Ciri or a custom character.
3. What engine is The Witcher 4 running on?
The new trilogy is being built on Unreal Engine 5. This is a shift away from the studio’s internal REDengine used for Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3.
4. Will The Witcher 4 be on PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Yes, it will target the current generation of consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X) and PC. By the time it releases in 2027, we might even be looking at cross-gen titles for the PlayStation 6.
5. Is the six-year plan realistic?
It is ambitious. However, by using a standardized engine (UE5) and reusing assets between the three games, it is technically possible. Many trilogies (like Mass Effect) managed similar release windows by sharing tech.