CDPR Delays The Witcher 3's Songs of the Past Expansion to 2027: 'Best Possible Result' for Quality

When CD Projekt Red shockingly announced a surprise third expansion for The Witcher 3 in May 2026, fans were ecstatic. But the real surprise came when the studio revealed it had already been delayed. Originally slated for a 2026 launch, Songs of the Past won't arrive until 2027. In a move that signals a deliberate shift in CDPR's approach, joint CEO Michał Nowakowski explained the delay was made to "achieve the best possible result from the consumer standpoint." This article unpacks why this decision is a carefully considered bet that could make the expansion a worthy successor to Blood and Wine and a fitting send-off for Geralt before The Witcher 4.

The Delay Decision: Putting Quality Over Speed

Songs of the Past was always planned for a 2026 release. CFO Piotr Nielubowicz confirmed during a recent financial earnings call that early development assumed a launch this year. Yet after evaluating progress, CDPR made the call to push the expansion to 2027. "It was the best possible result," Nowakowski said, framing the decision as a direct application of lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077's disastrously rushed launch in 2020.

The expansion is being co-developed with Fool's Theory, a studio staffed with veterans who worked on the original The Witcher 3. Approximately 190 developers are involved, most from Fool's Theory, while 513 developers now focus on The Witcher 4. This split allows CDPR to maintain momentum on its flagship sequel while still giving Songs of the Past the attention it deserves.

CDPR is also updating The Witcher 3's minimum PC system requirements ahead of the expansion, ensuring that even players on older hardware can enjoy the new content without technical issues. This move echoes Nowakowski's emphasis on the "consumer standpoint", a clear signal that the studio is prioritizing polish over arbitrary deadlines.

Scope and Ambition: A 'Proper Big Expansion' Rivaling Blood and Wine

Nowakowski described the scope of Songs of the Past as "closer to Blood and Wine" than Hearts of Stone, calling it "a proper big expansion." For context, Blood and Wine offered an estimated 25 to 40 hours of gameplay, set in the stunning new region of Toussaint, and is widely considered one of the greatest RPG expansions ever made. If Songs of the Past matches that ambition, players can expect a substantial new adventure.

The expansion returns players to the role of Geralt of Rivia, a deliberate contrast to The Witcher 4, which stars Ciri. This choice allows CDPR to give Geralt one final, meaningful story before handing the torch to the next generation. Key art teases a mysterious sword that holds story significance, and new Gwent cards have been confirmed, promising fresh strategic depth for card game enthusiasts.

The decision to skip last-gen consoles (PS4 and Xbox One) further underscores the expansion's ambition. By targeting only PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the team can push graphical fidelity and gameplay mechanics without legacy constraints.

The Witcher 4 Connection: Prologue or Prelude?

Nowakowski described Songs of the Past as "in a way, a prologue" to The Witcher 4, but he was careful to clarify its relationship. "It is, in a way, a prologue, although it's not a prologue in a verbatim way in [that] it's a prologue for the actual Witcher 4," he said. The expansion serves as an indirect thematic bridge, reintroducing players to the world and setting the stage for the next era, rather than directly setting up The Witcher 4's narrative.

This mirrors how Blood and Wine concluded Geralt's story on a high note. Now CDPR is adding a coda, a final chapter that enriches the world before Ciri takes center stage. Because The Witcher 4 has no release date yet, Songs of the Past is expected to launch first, making it a natural lead-in for fans looking to re-immerse themselves in the Continent.

What We Know So Far: Launch Details, Platforms, and the Leaked Announcement

Songs of the Past is scheduled for 2027 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. There are no plans for PS4 or Xbox One versions. The announcement itself unfolded in an unusual way: it was originally planned for a May 28 REDStreams celebrating Blood and Wine's 10th anniversary, but the expansion listing was accidentally leaked on the RED Launcher on May 27, forcing an early reveal.

A guided demo (not hands-on) will be shown at Gamescom 2026 in August. CDPR has promised more details for late summer 2026, giving fans a clearer picture of what to expect. Meanwhile, The Witcher 3 has now sold over 65 million copies worldwide, demonstrating the massive audience eagerly awaiting this final chapter.

CDPR's Broader Strategy: Three Witcher Games in Six Years

The delay fits into a larger strategic picture. CDPR has announced plans to release three new Witcher games within a six-year period, making expansions for The Witcher 4 difficult to add without disrupting that packed roadmap. By delivering one massive, high-quality expansion for The Witcher 3 now, the studio can satisfy fans' appetite for more Geralt content without compromising its ambitious schedule.

The decision to invest in a "proper big expansion" rather than multiple smaller ones also reflects confidence in the franchise's future. Songs of the Past is more than a nostalgic trip; it's a calculated bet that a single, polished send-off will resonate more deeply than piecemeal content.

A Delayed Finale That Honors a Legacy

This delay is a sign of maturity from a studio that learned the hard way that rushing a product can damage both reputation and player trust. By prioritizing quality over speed, CDPR is giving its developers the time to craft an expansion worthy of Blood and Wine's legacy and a fitting farewell to Geralt of Rivia.

For fans, the wait until 2027 may feel long. But as CDPR's own history demonstrates, a delayed game can be a great game. If Songs of the Past delivers on its promise of 25 to 40 hours of story, new Gwent cards, and a narrative that bridges eras, it is positioned to become the definitive coda to one of gaming's most beloved RPGs. The White Wolf deserves nothing less.