“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.

When comparing “Ballads of the Past” to Phantom Liberty, the implications become even more impressive. The Cyberpunk 2077 expansion, released in September 2023, featured an entirely new district called Dogtown, introduced the character Solomon Reed portrayed by Idris Elba, and offered approximately 15-20 hours of additional gameplay. Critics and players alike praised Phantom Liberty for essentially feeling like a standalone game, featuring its own complete narrative arc, new gameplay mechanics, and substantial world-building elements. If CD Projekt RED intends to deliver something comparable for The Witcher 3, fans can expect a truly massive addition to an already content-rich game.

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.

Industry analysts have noted that this announcement comes at a strategic time for CD Projekt RED. The company has been working on multiple projects, including a complete remake of the original Witcher game using Unreal Engine 5, codenamed “Canis Majoris,” as well as an entirely new Witcher saga. By releasing a substantial expansion for The Witcher 3 in 2027, the studio maintains engagement with their existing fanbase while building anticipation for future titles. The decision to partner with external studios like Fool’s Theory also demonstrates CD Projekt RED’s evolving approach to game development, allowing them to pursue multiple ambitious projects simultaneously.

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.