The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is now 10 years old, and in honor of such a milestone, Microsoft recently released a special-edition Xbox controller to celebrate the beloved game. When The Witcher 3 launched back in 2015, it brought the fantasy franchise into the spotlight. Of course, The Witcher books and previous games were still well-known, but The Witcher 3 brought the IP into the pop culture mainstream.
Since then, a live-action series on Netflix has garnered five seasons, while comic books and animated spin-offs continue to expand the franchise further. However, one of the most exciting developments since The Witcher 3's launch is that a fourth chapter is officially on the horizon. Announced at the 2024 Game Awards, confirmation of The Witcher 4 thrilled many gamers, as it promised a compelling new chapter for the series. While the wait for The Witcher 4 will likely be a long one, The Witcher 3's special-edition controller is hopefully a sign that its successor will get the same treatment at launch.
Death Stranding 2 Could Feature a Similar Narrative Beat as The Witcher 3
Death Stranding 2 and The Witcher 3 are incredibly different games, but the former seems to be taking a page from the latter's story.
The Witcher 4 Hopefully Has its Fair Share of Limited-Edition Items Waiting in the Wings
Despite Being a Decade Old, The WItcher 3's Xbox Controller Sold Out in Seconds
Unfortunately, The Witcher 3's Xbox controller has already been embroiled in a bit of controversy, as it seems like scalpers have bought up a considerable number of them. This is a common issue with special-edition items, and even though it's frustrating for fans who want a fair shot at buying such products, it illustrates just how popular The Witcher 3 still is. It's unclear when CD Projekt Red's follow-up will be ready for players, but when that day finally comes, there will hopefully be plenty of special-edition items to revel in.
The Witcher 3 was released on May 18, 2015. Not only was the game a commercial success, it took home the coveted title of Game of the Year at the 2015 Game Awards.
The Witcher 4 Limited-Edition Products Wish List
- The Witcher 4-themed console bundles
- Special-edition controllers
Even though Geralt won't be the main character in The Witcher 4, the excitement for the follow-up is bound to hit new heights leading up to the game's launch. It's likely to be several years before the game is officially ready, and this could mean that The Witcher 4 is potentially set up to be a major launch title for next-gen consoles.
Rumors about both the next-gen Xbox and PlayStation have claimed that the two consoles could be eyeing a 2027 or 2028 release date. A recent CD Projekt Red investors call also confirmed that the developer does "not plan to release The Witcher 4 by the end of 2026." If 2027 is the game's launch target, teaming up with Sony or Microsoft to bring forth special-edition next-gen console bundles would be a no-brainer. With The Witcher 3 still pulling in new players, the audience for The Witcher 4 is bound to grow even more, and it would be shocking if Sony and Microsoft didn't capitalize on the franchise's growing brand recognition.
All rumors and claims about the next-gen Xbox and PlayStation should be taken with a grain of salt.
The Witcher 4 Promises a New Era of the Beloved Fantasy Franchise
- This time around, Ciri will take up the mantle as the lead character.
- Geralt has been confirmed to return, but in a different role.
- It has yet to be revealed which other The Witcher 3 characters will return.
Between a new protagonist and the possibility that the game could launch on brand-new consoles, The Witcher 4 is in an exciting position. The game's reveal trailer was a thrillingly dark glimpse at what the game has to offer, and while CD Projekt Red hasn't even revealed an official plot synopsis yet, it's clear there will be plenty of action and drama to look forward to.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 93 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- May 19, 2015
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Engine
- REDengine 3
- Cross-Platform Play
- yes
- Cross Save
- yes
WHERE TO PLAY
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.
PLAY AS A HIGHLY TRAINED MONSTER SLAYER FOR HIRE
Trained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.
Gruesomely destroy foes as a professional monster hunter armed with a range of upgradeable weapons, mutating potions, and combat magic. Hunt down a wide variety of exotic monsters, from savage beasts prowling mountain passes to cunning supernatural predators lurking in the shadowy back alleys of densely populated cities. Invest your rewards to upgrade your weaponry and buy custom armor, or spend them on horse races, card games, fist fighting, and other pleasures life brings.
EXPLORE A MORALLY AMBIGUOUS FANTASY OPEN WORLD
Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity. Traverse a fantastical open world: explore forgotten ruins, caves, and shipwrecks, trade with merchants and dwarven smiths in cities, and hunt across the open plains, mountains, and seas. Deal with treasonous generals, devious witches, and corrupt royalty to provide dark and dangerous services. Make choices that go beyond good & evil, and face their far-reaching consequences.
