Witcher 3 expansion Songs of the Past

CD Projekt Red has announced a new expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, titled Songs of the Past, for release next year. The expansion will launch alongside a full remaster of the original 2015 game, which will be free for anyone who purchased it at launch.

According to the source, the development is possible due to a partnership with Fool's Theory, a studio founded by CD Projekt Red veterans. Marcin Blacha, VP story director at CD Projekt Red, explained the studio had the story for the expansion for many years. He stated they saw a gap in their release calendar before The Witcher 4, which is due in 2028, and found the right partner to help execute it.

A Reluctant Return

The 2016 expansion Blood and Wine provided a natural conclusion to Geralt's story, with the monster slayer retiring to a vineyard. The new expansion addresses this by having Geralt's best friend, the bard Dandelion, call him back to action. Dandelion asks for Geralt's aid in his homeland of Letten, a seemingly idyllic land that hides sinister secrets.

Blacha confirmed the team thought through Geralt's retirement. "Geralt retired in Toussaint. But then his best friend comes calling," he said. "I don't think many of us would turn down that request."

Returning to Roots

The development team expressed excitement and nostalgia about returning to The Witcher's world after more than a decade. Blacha stated that with Songs of the Past, they wanted to return to the series' roots. This meant drawing on old beliefs and folklore, revisiting landscapes inspired by Poland's history and countryside, and staying true to the tradition of difficult moral dilemmas.

The team has also denied rumours that the expansion is a prequel to The Witcher 4. Songs of the Past focuses on Geralt, not the younger protagonist Ciri who will feature in the forthcoming title. The expansion features returning voice actors Doug Cockle and John Schwab as Geralt and Dandelion, respectively.

New Features for a Familiar Hero

While the narrative is familiar, CD Projekt Red has introduced new gameplay features. Geralt's combat and skill trees have been enhanced. He now wields a chain weapon alongside his traditional steel and silver swords. New DNA-modifying mutagens allow players to tweak Geralt's biology and, consequently, his supernatural abilities.

The Witcher 3 is considered a modern classic with a gratifying ending, making Geralt's return a risky move. Yet, as the source concludes, when his medallion hums, the White Wolf remains ready to answer the call.