During Gamescom Opening Night Live, CD Projekt Red surprised everyone by announcing The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past, a brand-new, massive expansion slated for a 2027 release.
A Return to the Continent
This marks an unprecedented return to one of the most beloved RPGs of all time, over a decade after its original launch. The cinematic teaser focused on a much older Geralt tracking a mythical beast through a snow-covered mountain range previously unseen in the Northern Realms. The narrative will reportedly delve into the forgotten history of the early Witcher schools, introducing a new sprawling hub region.
Additionally, CD Projekt Red announced that Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, the previous two expansions, will soon be completely free for all owners of the base game.
Engine and Visual Upgrades
While The Witcher 3 already received a next-gen update, Songs of the Past is pushing the REDengine even further. The developer confirmed the expansion will introduce:
- Overhauled Weather Systems: Dynamic blizzards that actively affect gameplay and tracking.
- Enhanced Path-Tracing: Upgraded Overdrive mode capabilities for high-end PC users, ensuring shadows and reflections are more physically accurate.
- New Combat Animations: Refining Geralt’s swordplay to feel heavier and more responsive.
We can expect a full gameplay deep dive closer to the end of the year.
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