The acclaimed game that introduced players to Bathtub Geralt, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, was launched over ten years ago. Therefore, it came as a surprise this summer when CD Projekt Red announced a new expansion titled Songs of the Past, set to release next year. This expansion will accompany a complete remaster of the original game, which will be available for free to those who purchased it in 2015. Additionally, the studio is developing a sequel, The Witcher 4, expected to be released in 2028.
This new content is made possible through collaboration with Fool’s Theory, a studio established by former CD Projekt Red employees, which has taken on the majority of the development responsibilities. Marcin Blacha, the Vice President and story director at CD Projekt Red, stated, “We’ve had this narrative in our archives for many years. We’ve since shifted our focus to Cyberpunk 2077 and the upcoming The Witcher 4, in addition to other projects. However, recognizing that The Witcher 4 would require time, we identified an opportunity in our schedule for Songs of the Past. Thankfully, we found the right partner to help bring this story to life.”
A significant concern among fans is that the 2016 expansion, Blood and Wine, felt like a fitting conclusion to Geralt’s journey. After years of battling monsters, the renowned witcher retires to a peaceful life at his newly acquired vineyard. What more adventures could he possibly have?
The beloved bard Dandelion persuades Geralt to return to action, inviting him to his homeland of Letten. This seemingly charming region, known for its abundant harvests and lively festivals, conceals some dark secrets.
The team has also clarified that this expansion is not a prequel to The Witcher 4. Songs of the Past will center on the familiar, seasoned witcher rather than Ciri, the younger protagonist of the upcoming installment. The expansion will feature the familiar morally ambiguous storytelling that veteran Witcher players expect, with original voice actors Doug Cockle and John Schwab returning to reprise their roles as Geralt and Dandelion.
New gameplay elements will be introduced as well: CD Projekt has upgraded Geralt’s combat abilities and skill trees, and he will now utilize a chain weapon in addition to his traditional steel and silver swords. Additionally, new DNA-altering mutagens will allow players to modify Geralt’s biology, enhancing his supernatural abilities.
While The Witcher 3 is already regarded as a modern classic that concluded on a satisfying note, reviving Geralt for new adventures poses a risk. However, when his medallion begins to vibrate, the White Wolf remains prepared to respond to the call.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past is currently being developed for PC, Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a release slated for 2027.
