The Witcher 3’s New Weapon Was ‘Impossible’ 11 Years Ago

Even though more than a decade has passed since its initial launch, The Witcher 3 continues to receive support from CD Projekt Red. A comprehensive remastered edition of the iconic role-playing game is slated for release later this month, followed next year by a brand-new expansion titled Songs of the Past. This upcoming add-on brings back beloved characters like Dandelion, introduces formidable new adversaries, and finally equips Geralt of Rivia with an iconic weapon that was entirely out of reach when the original title debuted back in 2015.

Readers of Andrzej Sapkowski’s original novels and short stories will recall that Geralt frequently utilizes a heavy chain during his perilous encounters with beasts. He famously brandishes one against a striga in the atmospheric opening cinematic of 2007’s original The Witcher game, yet the weapon was notably absent from that release as well as its two subsequent sequels. Fortunately, modern advancements in development technology have finally allowed CD Projekt Red to fulfill its original creative vision, bringing the chain weapon to life in The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past.

During a recent discussion with BBC News (subsequently highlighted by GamesRadar), game director Jakub Rokosz explained that the studio originally wanted to include the chain during the initial development phase of the base game. “It was impossible to execute at the time due to considerable technological hurdles,” Rokosz noted. “Several elements ultimately aligned when we tackled those persistent limitations during the remastering process. This allowed us to introduce a combat mechanic that feels organic and fluid, successfully translating the fantasy fans have long experienced in the books and promotional trailers.”

Senior quest designer Despoina Anetaki elaborated on the tactical advantages of the chain, emphasizing its effectiveness against the aggressive new foes introduced in the expansion. “It serves as an exceptional crowd-control tool against threats like the Swarmions, which tend to overwhelm the player and require you to maintain a safe distance,” Anetaki explained. Furthermore, the weapon enables players to reel distant adversaries directly into close-quarters combat for devastating follow-up strikes. “It offers a refreshing alternative for players who might have grown weary of relying primarily on the crossbow.”

While hands-on time with the upcoming expansion remains limited, journalists like Ford James of Polygon had the opportunity to observe the mechanics firsthand during an exclusive showcase at Gamescom. “Geralt’s newly implemented chain seamlessly pulls targets inward from a distance, stripping away defensive layers from enemies like the Swarmions and setting the stage for brutal execution animations, including one where a clean sweep severs an adversary’s head entirely,” James reported.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Songs of the Past is currently scheduled to launch in 2027, heightening anticipation across the gaming community, ahead of the eventual arrival of The Witcher 4 in 2028.

The creative mind behind one of the most celebrated visual modernization mods for The Witcher 3 is now collaborating directly with CD Projekt Red.

Source: Polygon