The 2015 release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has long held the title of premier fantasy RPG, but a new contender arrives in 2026. Crimson Desert, developed by Pearl Abyss, draws from multiple acclaimed titles to potentially redefine the genre. Rumors also swirl around upcoming DLC for The Witcher 3 that could bolster its standing.
Since its 2015 launch, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has stood as the benchmark for fantasy role-playing games, praised for its detailed open world, engaging characters, and epic narrative. Developed by CD Projekt Red, it has outshone predecessors like Dragon Age and The Elder Scrolls, while recent entries such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Avowed have not fully displaced it in the eyes of many players.
Enter Crimson Desert, Pearl Abyss's ambitious open-world title slated for 2026. This game aims to blend mechanics from a wide array of influences, including the third-person perspective and storytelling of The Witcher 3, environmental manipulation akin to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, parkour elements from Assassin’s Creed, and combat styles reminiscent of Monster Hunter and Dark Souls. Its developers seek to create a comprehensive fantasy RPG experience, potentially surpassing The Witcher 3 by incorporating modern innovations absent in the older title.
While Crimson Desert's success remains unproven, its scope positions it as a strong rival in the genre, especially against competition like Grand Theft Auto 6. Meanwhile, speculation persists about new DLC for The Witcher 3, reportedly in development by Fool’s Theory—the studio handling the series remake. This expansion could introduce fresh story content bridging to future installments and include quality-of-life updates similar to those applied to Cyberpunk 2077. If released in 2026, it might refresh the classic, giving players more reasons to return.
These developments signal an exciting year for fantasy RPG enthusiasts, with both projects vying to set new standards without diminishing The Witcher 3's lasting legacy.
