CD Projekt Red unveils 'Songs of the Past' expansion for The Witcher 3
A surprise third expansion arrives in 2027, bringing Geralt to Dandelion's homeland alongside a technical remaster.
CD Projekt Red and Fool's Theory have unveiled a gameplay demo for "Songs of the Past," an unexpected third expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Revealed at gamescom 2026, the project serves as a final narrative chapter for Geralt of Rivia before the franchise moves toward its next major installment.
The expansion centers on a quest to locate the missing bard Dandelion in his homeland of Letten, specifically within a region known as The Garden of Thorns. Developed by Fool's Theory—a studio comprised of several CD Projekt Red veterans—the content is expected to mirror the scale of the previous "Blood & Wine" expansion, potentially offering players approximately 30 hours of gameplay.
Beyond the narrative, the demo showcased significant mechanical updates. Players will see the return of the silver chain as a usable weapon, which adds extra flair to the proceedings while maintaining the series' signature combat feel. Additionally, the expansion introduces a redesigned skill tree layout to refine character progression.
A Technical Bridge
This release arrives 12 years after the original 2015 launch of The Witcher 3, following the acclaimed "Hearts of Stone" and "Blood & Wine" expansions. To modernize the experience, "Songs of the Past" will launch alongside a comprehensive remaster of the base game. This update will implement path-tracing lighting and higher-resolution textures, leveraging modern hardware to refresh the visual fidelity of the open world.
Industry Implications
The collaboration between CD Projekt Red and Fool's Theory suggests a strategic effort to provide closure for Geralt's journey while utilizing a veteran-led external partner to maintain the game's legacy. By pairing a massive content drop with a technical overhaul, the developers are effectively bridging the gap between the generational-defining RPG of the mid-2010s and the next generation of the series currently in development.
Looking Ahead
While the 2027 release date for the expansion and remaster is set, the broader future of the franchise remains the primary point of interest. The industry is watching to see how this final chapter for Geralt sets the stage for the upcoming fourth game in the series, though specific details regarding that title's protagonist and release window remain unconfirmed.