Ethan Crossfield 
CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Gwent will return in The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past, giving fans a major reason to watch the expansion’s first official in-game presentation at Gamescom Opening Night Live. The showcase is scheduled for August 25 at 11 a.m. PT and 2 p.m. ET, where players are expected to see the expansion in action for the first time.
What happened
The confirmation came from CD Projekt Red community manager Marcin Łukaszewski ahead of the Gamescom presentation. While the studio has not detailed the exact form of Gwent’s return, the message ends uncertainty over whether The Witcher 3’s most recognizable side activity will appear in Songs of the Past.
Gwent became one of the defining features of The Witcher 3 and later expanded into its own spin-off. Its continued popularity made a return a natural expectation for many fans, but CDPR had not previously confirmed it for the new expansion. That has now changed before the broader reveal.
Why it matters
Gwent is more than a minor collectible activity in The Witcher 3. It is closely tied to the game’s exploration, characters, quests, and regional identity, so bringing it back can help Songs of the Past feel like a genuine continuation rather than a separate story add-on.
The expansion was announced in May as a full-scale project, with CDPR using the term “expansion” to emphasize its scope. Its size is expected to be comparable to Blood and Wine, and the project is believed to connect to The Witcher 4, although the source material does not establish how that connection will work.
Previous expansions show how Gwent can be used to reinforce a setting. Hearts of Stone added cards across several existing factions, along with neutral and unique cards. Blood and Wine went further by introducing the Skellige deck and a dedicated tournament in Toussaint. Songs of the Past could follow a similar model, potentially pairing new cards and opponents with its own locations and story, but CDPR has not confirmed those details.
What to watch next
Gamescom Opening Night Live should answer some of the biggest questions surrounding the expansion, including its setting, story direction, and the scale of its Gwent content. The trailer may prioritize the campaign’s action and narrative, meaning the newly confirmed card game feature could receive only a brief appearance.
Songs of the Past is currently confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a planned 2027 release. The Gamescom reveal should provide more information, but fans should not assume that every major feature or connection to The Witcher 4 will be explained during the presentation.
Key takeaways
- Gwent is officially returning in The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past.
- The first official in-game look arrives during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25.
- The presentation starts at 11 a.m. PT and 2 p.m. ET.
- The expansion is planned for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S in 2027.
- The scope is expected to be comparable to The Witcher 3’s Blood and Wine expansion.
Expert View
Confirming Gwent before the main reveal is a smart move for CD Projekt Red because it addresses one of the community’s most persistent questions without giving away the expansion’s central story. The feature also provides a useful bridge between The Witcher 3’s established identity and whatever new setting Songs of the Past introduces. Until the trailer arrives, however, the important distinction is that Gwent’s return is confirmed while its cards, tournaments, opponents, and broader role remain unknown.
