CD Projekt Red is working on a new expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, as revealed by sources linked to IGN Analistas is expected to launch in May 2026, coinciding with the company’s financial goals.
Polish sources indicate that the expansion appears to fill the gap until The Witcher 4, scheduled for 2027. The developer mentioned in calls with investors the possibility of new content impacting results in the current year. Rumores gained traction following reports from insiders such as Borys Nieśpielak and Mateusz Chrzanowski.
- Possible focus in Zerrikania, desert region east of Reinos of Norte and Império of Nilfgaard;
- Alternative in Kovir and Poviss, snowy areas that connect to the plot of The Witcher 4;
- Development by Fool’s Theory, studio of the remake of The Witcher 1;
- Estimated budget at PLN 52 million, with projected sales at 11 million copies.
The original game, released in 2015, has sold more than 50 million units and will receive next-gen updates in 2022.
IGN Revelations Polônia
IGN Polônia reported that it obtained information about the expansion years ago from a reliable source at the studio. Inicialmente, plans pointed to Zerrikania, highlighted by references in Blood and Wine, such as Escola of Manticora. The exotic region, with matriarchal society and dragon cults, contrasts with areas like Velen and Toussaint.
Developers have expressed interest in exploring the eastern desert, surrounded by mountains and deep forests. However, internal changes may have changed the focus to Kovir, a kingdom rich in glass and snowy mountains. The decision avoids overlap with The Witcher 4, which uses Unreal Engine 5.
https://twitter.com/SynthPotato/status/2009287613388083252?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwHistory of speculation
Reports began in 2025 with Borys Nieśpielak, who cited Fool’s Theory in the project. In December, Piotr Nielubowicz, chief financial officer of CD Projekt, mentioned new content to target employee incentives. Chrzanowski, of Noble Securities, predicted paid DLC in May 2026 as a bridge to Polaris.
Eurogamer corroborated the existence via a gap in sales targets. PPE.pl confirmed majority update, without location details. Insiders Poles accumulate evidence, but CD Projekt does not comment on rumors.
The expansion uses Red Engine, compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, with no previous generation support.
Details about Zerrikania
Zerrikania appears in the Andrzej Sapkowski books as an isolated land, with tattooed warriors and killer flies. In the game, Letho mentions escaping there in Ghosts of the Past, and Ciri gains Zerrikanian clothing in free DLC. Escola of Manticora, master of alchemy, can explain Ciri’s mutation as a witch.
Tabletop RPG art shows dragons and canyons. Região offers new monsters, such as basilisks, and quests linked to dragons. Contraste desert enriches the world, after Skellige’s icy islands and Toussaint’s vineyards.
Option of Kovir and Poviss
Kovir forms a kingdom with Poviss, known as Veneza nevada of Norte. Rico in mines and commerce, avoids the risk of anticipating The Witcher 4, set in cold areas. Reconstruir Pont Vanis in Red Engine would be costly before Unreal Engine 5.
Analysts see marketing risk in repeated snow. Zerrikania allows conflict-free experimentation. Ambas options expand lore, with Kovir cited in 2024 interviews about multiple regions in Polaris.
Involvement of Fool’s Theory
Fool’s Theory, partner of CD Projekt, handles the remake of The Witcher 1 and supports Polaris. Michał Nowakowski mentioned an extra project in a call for investors. Estúdio has experience in narrative RPGs, like The Thaumaturge.
Parallel development explains prolonged secrecy. Equipe uses Red Engine, facilitating integration. Expansão should match Blood and Wine in size, with cross-platform mod support expected in 2026.
Connection to The Witcher 4
Expansion acts as an interlude, preparing transition to Ciri as protagonist. Orçamento supports robust narrative, possibly mutated via Manticora. Lançamento in May begins campaign for Polaris, projected for Q4 2027.
CD Projekt plans trilogy in six years, with Witcher 5 and 6. DLC reinforces 60 million player base. Final Atualização allows mods on consoles, expanding replayability before new content.
Financial expectations
Chrzanowski estimates 11 million sales at $30, generating revenue for targets of PLN 700 million. Lacuna in incentives presses significant release. Relatório Noble raised target share price to PLN 283.
Project aligns with franchise bridge strategy. Vendas of The Witcher 3 exceeds 50 million, guaranteeing viability. CD Projekt focuses on E-A-T for credibility, with track record of post-launch support.