The Witcher Creator Isn’t Done With Geralt as New Novel Enters Development

Geralt of Rivia might be stepping aside in the next major Witcher game, but his story on the page is far from finished. Creator Andrzej Sapkowski is already writing another novel about the monster hunter after recently returning to his younger years. So, where does that leave one of fantasy’s most recognisable characters? While gaming moves towards Ciri, the books are sticking with the Witcher who started it all.

Geralt leads once again

During an appearance at Copernicon in Toruń, Poland, Sapkowski confirmed that he has outlined his next Witcher novel and started writing it. Although plot details remain under wraps, one part of the story is already clear: Geralt will once again sit at the centre instead of handing the spotlight to another familiar face.

Asked whether someone such as Yennefer could receive a novel of her own, Sapkowski said he saw no sense in doing that. For readers wondering whether the books could follow the same changing-of-the-guard approach as the games, that answer points firmly back towards Geralt.

Young Geralt could return

Where the story takes him is another question entirely. Sapkowski has revealed nothing about the plot or where the novel belongs in the Witcher timeline, leaving plenty of Geralt’s life available to explore. His previous book, Crossroads of Ravens, offers one obvious possibility. Published in Poland in late 2024 before reaching English readers in September 2025, the prequel follows an 18-year-old Geralt during his early days as a witcher.

Could Sapkowski stay in that period? When asked about exploring more of Geralt’s formative years, he replied that the “sky is the limit,” although he stopped short of confirming another prequel. Separately, the author has considered returning to short stories, the format that helped begin the series. Those plans remain only an idea and are not the novel currently being written.

Don’t expect it anytime soon

Sapkowski hopes to finish the manuscript by the end of 2027, but that does not necessarily mean the book will immediately appear on shelves. Editing, publishing and translation still have to follow, and no official launch window has been announced. Looking at Crossroads of Ravens gives some idea of the possible wait.

Its Polish edition appeared in November 2024, while the English version followed roughly ten months later. A similar turnaround could put the new novel in front of Polish readers in late 2027 or 2028, provided Sapkowski meets his goal. International audiences may then have to wait longer.

The Witcher isn’t slowing

Away from publishing, The Witcher is entering a particularly busy stretch of entertainment. CD Projekt Red plans to release The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past next year, giving Geralt another gaming adventure before the series moves in a different direction.

By 2028, The Witcher 4 is expected to put Ciri front and centre as the start of a new trilogy. That makes it one of the top upcoming video game releases and an important part of the gaming trends shaping the franchise’s next few years.

Netflix has more on the way as well, with its fifth and final season expected around the same period as Songs of the Past. Between fresh game development, another novel and the closing chapter of the TV adaptation, Witcher entertainment is moving quickly.