“Huge. Massive. Monstrous”: CD Projekt RED Compares Third Witcher 3 Expansion to Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty
CD Projekt RED has officially unveiled ambitious plans for “Ballads of the Past,” a third major expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt that the studio describes as nothing short of colossal in scope. In a recent announcement that has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, the Polish developer made it abundantly clear that this upcoming content is far from a typical downloadable content package — it represents a full-fledged expansion that aims to match or even exceed the scale of their critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077.
The expansion, being developed in partnership with Fool’s Theory, is scheduled for release in 2027 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles. This collaboration marks another significant partnership for CD Projekt RED, as Fool’s Theory has previously worked on various projects within the gaming industry and brings substantial development expertise to the table. The studio’s decision to revisit The Witcher 3 nearly a decade after its original 2015 release speaks volumes about the enduring legacy of Geralt’s adventures and the passionate fanbase that continues to support the franchise.
What Phantom Liberty Comparison Means for Scale
When drawing comparisons between “Ballads of the Past” and Phantom Liberty, the significance becomes even more striking. The Cyberpunk 2077 expansion, which launched in September 2023, introduced a completely new area known as Dogtown, brought in the character Solomon Reed played by Idris Elba, and provided roughly 15-20 hours of extra content. Both critics and gamers commended Phantom Liberty for essentially functioning as a standalone title, complete with its own full story arc, fresh gameplay systems, and considerable world-building components. Should CD Projekt RED aim to deliver something similar for The Witcher 3, fans should anticipate a genuinely substantial addition to an already feature-packed game.
Building on a Legacy of Award-Winning Expansions
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt originally launched with two major expansions — Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. Hearts of Stone, released in October 2015, added approximately 10 hours of content and introduced the memorable antagonist Gaunter O’Dimm. Blood and Wine, which arrived in May 2016, was even more ambitious, offering a completely new region called Toussaint with roughly 30 hours of additional gameplay. Combined, these expansions set an industry standard for post-launch content and won numerous awards. The announcement of a third expansion after all these years suggests that CD Projekt RED believes there are still untold stories within the Witcher universe worth exploring.
Strategic Timing and Development Partnerships
Industry analysts have observed that this reveal arrives at an opportune moment for CD Projekt RED. The company has been developing several projects, including a full remake of the first Witcher game utilizing Unreal Engine 5, codenamed “Canis Majoris,” along with an entirely new Witcher saga. By launching a major expansion for The Witcher 3 in 2027, the studio keeps their current fanbase engaged while cultivating excitement for upcoming releases. The choice to collaborate with external developers such as Fool’s Theory also reflects CD Projekt RED’s changing strategy toward game development, enabling them to pursue multiple ambitious ventures at the same time.
What the Title Reveals About the Story
The choice of title — “Ballads of the Past” — has already sparked considerable speculation among fans and lore enthusiasts. The Witcher universe, based on Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novels, is rich with history, legends, and untold stories that span centuries. Ballads and songs play a significant role in the games, most notably through Dandelion’s performances and the famous “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher” from the Netflix adaptation. The title suggests a narrative that may delve into historical events, legendary figures, or perhaps even flashback sequences exploring crucial moments from the Witcher timeline that have only been referenced in previous games.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, CD Projekt RED’s commitment to supporting The Witcher 3 over a decade after its release represents an unusual but welcome approach to game longevity. With the next-generation update released in December 2022 already breathing new life into the title, “Ballads of the Past” promises to give both veteran players and newcomers alike a compelling reason to return to the Continent. The 2027 release window gives the development team ample time to deliver on their ambitious promises, and if their comparison to Phantom Liberty holds true, fans may be in for one of the most significant gaming expansions in recent memory.