The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past launches in 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. CD Projekt Red confirmed the expansion arrives next year with pricing and exact dates set for reveal later this summer. Based on what we’ve seen from the studio, this marks Geralt of Rivia’s first major return since Blood and Wine in 2016. The news brings big changes for PC players, including new system specs that drop support for older Windows versions.
**Quick Facts**
- Release Window: 2027
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
- Developer: CD Projekt Red working with Fool’s Theory
- PC OS: Windows 11 64-bit required
- Minimum CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 / Intel Core i5-8400
- Minimum GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1660 / AMD RX 5500 XT with 6GB VRAM
- Memory: 12GB RAM
- Storage: 70GB available space
The Witcher 3 Songs of the Past Marks Geralt’s Return
CD Projekt Red has finally revealed The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past. This expansion sends players back to the Continent with Geralt of Rivia. It serves as the first major add-on since Blood and Wine launched nearly a decade ago. The studio teams up with Fool’s Theory, a Polish team known for RPG work, to co-develop this new chapter. From what we’ve seen, this partnership aims to blend classic Witcher storytelling with modern tech. The expansion hits PC and current-gen consoles in 2027. Exact pricing and a firm release date will arrive later this summer, likely during a major gaming event.
Windows 10 Support Ends for Witcher 3 Updates
Your PC needs fresh software to stay current. CD Projekt Red will require Windows 11 for all future updates to The Witcher 3. This shift follows Microsoft’s end of support for Windows 10. Without active security patches and GPU driver tuning, the devs cannot ensure quality on older systems. “We have to focus on platforms that receive regular updates,” the team stated. This change affects both The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Players on Windows 10 will no longer receive new patches or technical fixes for the base game after the next update drops.
New Hardware Specs Reflect Modern Gaming PCs
The updated specs set a firm floor for play. You will need an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 or Intel Core i5-8400 chip. Graphics cards must rank at least as high as the NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD RX 5500 XT. These cards need 6GB of video memory. System memory needs jump to 12GB RAM. You also need 70GB of storage space. These specs match budget gaming rigs from recent years. When The Witcher 3 first launched in 2015, it ran on much weaker chips like the GTX 660. The new bar ensures smooth play for the 2027 expansion content and brings the game in line with current standards.
How to Keep Playing on Older Setups
Not everyone wants to buy new parts. CD Projekt Red offers a fallback for these players. You can roll back to a past build of the game through Steam or GOG. This lets you keep playing on Windows 10 or with older GPUs. We tested similar rollback tools with other RPGs, and they work well for offline play. Just remember that these older branches will not get new fixes or the Songs of the Past content. You trade future updates for access on aging rigs. This approach mirrors what studios like Bethesda have done with Skyrim Special Edition branches.
Does This Affect Cyberpunk 2077 Too?
Yes. The same tech rules apply to Night City. Cyberpunk 2077 will share these new PC specs. Both games run on similar tech, so the shift affects both titles. If your rig handles the Phantom Liberty expansion, you likely meet the new Witcher 3 standards. This unified approach helps the studio streamline testing. Instead of juggling multiple OS versions, they focus on one modern platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past coming out?
The expansion launches in 2027. CD Projekt Red will share the exact date and price later this summer.
Can I play The Witcher 3 on Windows 10 after the update?
No, not the latest version. You must use the rollback feature to play on Windows 10, but you will miss new updates and fixes.
Do I need to buy Songs of the Past to get the technical updates?
No. The system spec changes apply to the base game itself. The expansion remains a separate purchase.
Is Geralt the main character in the new expansion?
Yes. CD Projekt Red confirmed Geralt of Rivia stars in this new story, marking his first lead role in new content since 2016.
What are the new minimum PC specs for The Witcher 3?
You need Windows 11, a Ryzen 5 2600 or i5-8400 CPU, a GTX 1660 or RX 5500 XT GPU with 6GB VRAM, 12GB system RAM, and 70GB storage.
Start preparing your PC now for The Witcher 3 Songs of the Past. Check your specs against the new requirements before the summer reveal to ensure you’re ready for Geralt’s return.
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