CD Projekt Red has officially confirmed that the next major entry in The Witcher franchise—often referred to as The Witcher 4—will serve as the starting point for an entirely new trilogy. Even more exciting for fans, the studio revealed that all three games are planned to be released within a six-year window. This marks one of the most ambitious production roadmaps in the history of the franchise and signals a renewed commitment to expanding the Witcher universe.
A New Era for The Witcher Franchise
The upcoming title is being developed under the codename Polaris, and it represents the launch of a new saga separate from Geralt of Rivia’s original storyline. While the studio has not revealed many narrative details, it has made clear that this trilogy will introduce a fresh perspective, new characters, and a more modern approach to world-building.
Polaris will also be the first Witcher game to fully utilize Epic’s Unreal Engine 5, allowing CD Projekt Red to build larger, more detailed environments while improving combat fluidity and cinematic quality.
Six-Year Release Timeline: What It Really Means
Announcing three major RPGs within six years is a bold move, especially considering the scale and complexity associated with CD Projekt Red titles. The studio explained that it has reorganized its development pipeline to allow different teams to work on projects simultaneously. This structure is intended to prevent earlier production bottlenecks that occurred during previous releases.
This timeline suggests:
- Shorter gaps between major Witcher games
- More consistent content updates for the community
- A long-term commitment to expanding the Witcher universe
If the schedule holds, the trilogy could be completed far faster than the original series, which unfolded over nearly a decade.
How Polaris May Change the Witcher Formula
While CD Projekt Red is keeping major plot elements secret, early statements hint at several innovations:
A New Protagonist
The new saga is expected to introduce a lead character who reflects the shifting political and magical landscape of the Continent. This opens the door to fresh story arcs and new factions.
Refined Open-World Exploration
The move to Unreal Engine 5 enables a more dynamic world, with advanced lighting, environmental physics, and denser regions packed with side quests and hidden lore.
Evolved Combat and Progression
The studio has emphasized its goal of modernizing combat mechanics and delivering more flexible progression paths tailored to different playstyles.
Why This Announcement Matters for the Gaming Community
The Witcher series remains one of the most influential RPG franchises in modern gaming. Each entry significantly shaped expectations for narrative-driven open-world games. The confirmation of a new trilogy signals that CD Projekt Red is investing heavily in the future of the franchise, even as it works on other large-scale projects.
For players, this means:
- A new long-term roadmap for one of gaming’s most beloved worlds
- High expectations of narrative depth and technical innovation
- The return of the dark fantasy themes that set The Witcher apart
What to Expect Next
More details about Polaris are expected as development progresses, including character reveals, gameplay previews, and the first official trailer. While the exact release date remains unannounced, the studio’s timeline suggests that the new Witcher saga will begin sooner than many fans expected.
As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: The Witcher universe is entering its most ambitious chapter yet.
