Geralt Returns: First Look at The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past Shows CD Projekt Red Still Reigns Supreme

After a whirlwind trip to Gamescom 2026, I had the privilege of getting an early look at The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past, and let me tell you, it’s everything we hoped for and more. Eleven years after the original release, CD Projekt Red is proving that their commitment to crafting unforgettable stories remains unwavering.

A Seamless Return

The first thing that struck me was how effortlessly Songs of the Past picks up where we left off. There’s no jarring time skip; you’re right there after the events of Wild Hunt, heading straight to Letten. It felt like coming home, and that’s a testament to CD Projekt Red’s dedication to preserving the essence of what made The Witcher 3 so special.

Geralt: A Character You Know and Love

One of the most remarkable aspects is how well-defined Geralt remains. From his first, thoughtful “hmm” upon waking up hungover and discovering Dandelion’s absence, you feel that familiar connection rekindled. Doug Cockle’s performance is as nuanced and gruff as ever, a true testament to the consistency of character development across such a long period. The writing team deserves immense credit for maintaining this level of fidelity.

Trusting the Player

In an industry often plagued by over-writing and patronizing narratives, CD Projekt Red demonstrates a quiet confidence in their audience. They allow players to read between the lines, uncovering hidden meanings and appreciating the subtle nuances woven into the story. This approach elevates the experience, fostering a deeper connection with the world and its inhabitants.

A Glimpse of Letten’s Secrets

During the demo, we witnessed a scene where Geralt inadvertently crashes a breakfast between Lilla and their “Grandmama” (likely the Countess de Lettenhove). The tension is palpable as Lilla challenges her elder, while the Countess attempts to maintain composure. This seemingly innocuous interaction reveals underlying conflicts and sets the stage for deeper mysteries to unfold.

The Familiar Quest Structure, Elevated

While Witcher quests often follow a familiar structure – investigate a problem, fight something, get paid – CD Projekt Red consistently elevates this formula with moral ambiguity and emotional depth. In Songs of the Past, we were shown a quest involving Count Humbert de Lettenhove, driven mad by his love for a witch. The story is steeped in tragedy and romance, echoing the best moments from the original game.

The demo concluded with a glimpse of the looming boss fight against a humanoid figure entwined with plant life. Even within this brief encounter, the narrative richness and emotional resonance were undeniable. The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past promises to be a worthy addition to an already legendary franchise, reaffirming CD Projekt Red’s position as masters of storytelling in gaming. I eagerly await further details and prepare for another unforgettable journey into the Continent.