Have you ever wanted to decide the fate of the Continent with just a flick of your thumb? It sounds wild, but the legendary monster slayer is trading in his silver sword for a deck of cards—at least for a little while. While we are all collectively holding our breath for the next big RPG epic, it looks like we’ve got a much faster way to jump back into the world of monsters and mages. CD Projekt RED isn't ready to release its next mainline entry into The Witcher series just yet, as The Witcher 4 was absent from recent shows like The Game Awards and won't arrive until "at least" 2027 according to CDPR. That said, we are getting a new Witcher game much sooner than next year, with Reigns: The Witcher, a new "swipe'em up" game from developer Nerial and publisher Devolver Digital, arriving on PC and mobile devices on February 25, 2026.
This isn't your typical grindy open-world experience. It is a game of high stakes, quick decisions, and—knowing Geralt—probably a lot of unintended consequences. You won't be parrying blows in real-time, but you will be navigating the geopolitical tensions of a world on the brink, all through the simple act of swiping left or right.
A Bard’s Tale: Geralt Through the Eyes of Dandelion
Reigns: The Witcher takes you back through Geralt's adventures, though not exactly in the same way they played out in the original story. Instead, all of his adventures are told through the bard, Dandelion. You'll swipe left or right at different points in the adventure to steer the story one way or another, before the tale ends with Geralt faced with an untimely demise, in one way or another.
How the Story Unfolds
The Narrative Maze: You are playing through Dandelion's "drunken ballads," which means things might get a little exaggerated.
The Decision Engine: Every swipe impacts your standing with four major pillars: the church, the people, the military, and your own gold reserves.
The "Log of Tales": At the end of every run, Dandelion adds to his log of tales to be told on stage, increasing your ability to string together a truly gripping story, even if it's one that doesn't exactly stay true to how you remember it happening originally.
The Legacy of Nerial: A Decade of Swiping
This is the sixth entry in Nerial's Reigns series, which will officially be a full decade old this coming August 2026. It is pretty impressive how a simple mechanic has grown into such a massive franchise. After the initial Reigns title and its Her Majesty follow-up, Nerial immediately started applying the formula to other franchises, to great success, with Reigns games based on Game of Thrones and Three Kingdoms. The studio also has a sci-fi variant called Reigns: Beyond, which was the most recent release before the upcoming The Witcher variant.
Nerial’s Portfolio of Chaos
Nerial is also the same studio behind one of 2022's more intriguing indie games, Card Shark, which turned plenty of heads with its striking visual style and deceitful gameplay. They clearly know their way around a deck of cards!
The Economic Impact of the Witcher Franchise
Even a "smaller" title like this has a role to play in the broader economics of the gaming industry. The Witcher is a global powerhouse. When CDPR delays a mainline title like The Witcher 4 to 2027, it creates a vacuum in the labor market and among fans. Spin-offs like Reigns help maintain economic growth and keep the supply chains of content flowing.
In the world of international politics, video games are often used as soft power. Poland, for instance, has seen a massive surge in foreign investment thanks to the success of CD Projekt RED. However, the economic repercussions of delays can be felt across the board, from stock prices to local developer hiring. By releasing Reigns: The Witcher now, they are bridging the gap and keeping the brand relevant during a time of significant international conflicts and shifting market trends.
Main Points: Why You Should Care
Release Date: February 25, 2026, on PC, iOS, and Android.
Gameplay: A decision-based narrative where you balance power and survival.
The Dandelion Factor: Stories are retold by your favorite bard, allowing for "what if" scenarios.
The Wait for Witcher 4: Since the big sequel is slated for 2027, this is your best chance for a fresh Witcher fix.
Rumors of DLC: Rumors persist that we might see a final The Witcher 3 DLC in May 2026 to bridge the gap to the next saga.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this a full RPG like The Witcher 3? A: No, it’s a narrative-driven "swipe'em up" game. Think of it as a "choose your own adventure" book with a deck of cards.
Q: Can I play as Ciri? A: While Geralt is the main focus, the game features many familiar faces like Yen, Triss, and Vesemir. It’s primarily Geralt’s journey as told by Dandelion.
Q: Will it be available on consoles? A: Currently, the announcement focuses on PC and Mobile (iOS/Android). Previous Reigns games eventually made their way to Switch, so there is hope!
Q: Does my choice actually matter? A: Absolutely. One wrong swipe can lead to Geralt being lynched by an angry mob or drowning in a bathtub. Each death feeds into Dandelion's next performance.
Conclusion
Even though we'll have to wait until 2027 for The Witcher 4, hopefully, this spin-off Reigns title isn't the last we hear about The Witcher in 2026, and we'll have an official word on the rumoured The Witcher 3 DLC that is said to arrive sometime this year. It is a strange time for the industry, where geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions affect how games are made and sold, but at least we can count on Geralt—and Dandelion's embellishments—to keep us entertained.
The growth of the Witcher universe into different genres shows that there is a massive appetite for these stories, regardless of the format. So, get your thumbs ready. Whether you choose to slay the beast or run a hot bath, the choice is yours on February 25th.
"Contact us via the web."
Sources
Reigns: The Witcher official Steam page - Reigns: The Witcher on Steam
Insider Gaming: New Witcher Spinoff Title Releasing Next Month - New Witcher Spinoff Title Releasing Next Month
80 Level: The Witcher 4 Will Not Be Launched Before 2027 - The Witcher 4 Will Not Be Launched Before 2027
Beebom: Is Witcher 3 Getting a New DLC in 2026? - Is Witcher 3 Getting a New DLC in 2026? Rumors and Leaks Explained
Libellés: Reigns: The Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, Nerial, Devolver Digital, Witcher 4 release date, international conflicts, geopolitical tensions, economics, economic impact, labor market, international trade, economic sanctions, macroeconomics, microeconomics, economic growth, foreign investment, supply chains, growth, mobile gaming 2026, Witcher 3 DLC rumors.
Reigns: The Witcher Launch Trailer
This video gives you a first look at the gameplay and visual style of Geralt's upcoming swipe-based adventure.
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