CD Projekt Red is developing a free-to-play create-your-own-character Witcher game, according to leaked reports. The project joins an expanding slate of Witcher content that includes the narrative-driven Songs of the Past and the mainline The Witcher 4.
The free-to-play model signals CD Projekt Red's strategy to broaden the franchise beyond traditional single-player RPGs. Rather than controlling Geralt of Rivia, players will build custom witchers, suggesting a focus on character progression and potentially multiplayer or shared-world features common to the F2P space.
This move comes as CD Projekt Red recalibrates its portfolio after Cyberpunk 2077's rocky launch in 2020. The studio has since invested heavily in Witcher expansion, announcing multiple projects across different genres and business models. Songs of the Past targets narrative players with a story-driven experience, while The Witcher 4 represents the traditional AAA single-player continuation. The free-to-play title targets the live-service and monetization angle.
The Witcher universe offers natural appeal for a character-creation system. The source material emphasizes witcher schools, mutations, and individual builds, mechanics that translate well to player-driven customization. A free-to-play approach removes friction for entry, potentially attracting audiences outside hardcore Witcher fans.
However, the free-to-play market carries execution risks. Games like Marvel's Avengers and Diablo Immortal demonstrated that legacy IP plus F2P monetization does not guarantee success. Player perception of cosmetics pricing, battle passes, and progression systems directly impacts retention.
CD Projekt Red has not officially announced this project. The company faces pressure to prove it can manage multiple ambitious titles simultaneously. With The Witcher 4 in development, Cyberpunk 2