It’s been over a decade since the last game in “The Witcher” franchise, but that’s soon going to be changing. Developer CD Projekt Red has officially confirmed that “The Witcher 4” is targeting a release date sometime in 2028. While some terrific titles are coming out between now and then, like “Grand Theft Auto 6,” you might want to experience some games that are similar to “The Witcher 4” while you’re patiently awaiting its arrival.
Of course, it’s difficult to truly replicate the experience of the game’s predecessor, “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” which is one of the highest-rated titles of all time. However, whether you like its open-world exploration, choice-driven narrative, or fantasy setting, there are games out there that offer an equally satisfying experience that should hold you over until “The Witcher 4.” Below, you can see the five best games to play while you await the further adventures of Geralt of Rivia.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
Naturally, if you’re anxiously waiting for the arrival of “The Witcher 4,” then you’re likely a fan of the franchise in general. However, with “The Witcher 3” being far and away the most popular and most-played game in the franchise, many fans have either never experienced “The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings” or haven’t played it in quite some time. Originally released in 2011, this RPG (still and always following the titular Witcher, Geralt of Rivia) was overshadowed in a jam-packed year of video games, but it has more than withstood the test of time.
“The Witcher 2” certainly has its quirks, with a janky and punishing combat system leading the list, and it’s not open-world like “The Witcher 3.” All of that aside, though, the game is fantastic from a narrative and world-building perspective, as it really lays the groundwork for future events in the franchise. It’s the perfect way to get yourself back into the spirit of “The Witcher” franchise without having to load up yet another playthrough of “Wild Hunt.”
The Blood of Dawnwalker
If you’re looking for a game outside “The Witcher” franchise but still want a similar experience to those games, why not try a title that’s directly inspired by “The Witcher” itself? “The Blood of Dawnwalker” was developed by Rebel Wolves, a new studio that employs some of the former developers who worked at CD Projekt Red during the making of “The Witcher 3.” Immediately upon booting up “The Blood of Dawnwalker,” the inspiration is clear, as the setting, dialogue, and combat are all very “Witcher”-esque.
While you’re not playing as a magical monster hunter, “The Blood of Dawnwalker” is set during an alternate version of 14th-century Europe where vampires have taken over the reins of a small settlement. Your character, Coen, eventually becomes half-vampire himself and must use his newfound powers to save his family. It’s a gripping, 35-hour campaign that features a large open world full of activities and interesting side activities, as well as an overarching time mechanic that forces you to make some impossible choices before the end credits roll. All of this plus terrific combat, writing, and characters make “The Blood of Dawnwalker” one of the best open-world games of 2026.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
If the open world and fantasy setting of “The Witcher” franchise are specific things that you seek out in video games, then look no further than “Dragon’s Dogma 2.” This 2024 RPG is the revitalization of a long-dormant franchise, and it certainly scratches that open-world exploration itch that will also no doubt be satisfied by “The Witcher 4.” While “Dragon’s Dogma 2” doesn’t necessarily have a great story (mileage varies) or character-building, the roughly 40-hour campaign is full of plenty of choices to make as you progress to the complicated ending — and beyond, if you do things right.
What makes “Dragon’s Dogma 2” truly unique, though, is its party system. Along your journey, you can recruit followers (pawns, made by other players) to be included in your own party, and all of these followers have different temperaments, skills, and stats that allow them to be helpful in specific ways. This is a major form of progression in the game, as you can (and must) uniquely tailor your party to certain situations or to make up for your own character’s shortcomings.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
While “The Witcher” series is completely rooted in fiction, “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” takes an alternative approach. Set during the real Holy Roman Empire, the game places you right in the center of an age of conflict in the medieval land of Bohemia (now a part of the Czech Republic). While certain characters and events have been dramatized or fictionalized for the game, most of the lore around you actually happened during the 15th century.
History aside, though, “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” is a brutal open-world RPG that places you in the shoes of Henry of Skalitz. As Henry, you embark on an epic journey across Bohemia in an effort to avenge your family. Throughout the game, you’ll take part in large-scale wars and utilize unique, directional combat that takes true skill to understand and master.
You’ll also have some survival aspects to deal with, as the world of Bohemia is ruthless and unforgiving. When you’re not starving or dying to enemies, though, you’ll engage with a beautifully diverse world and experience a main story you won’t soon forget. “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” is also a terrific game if you’re waiting for Fable in 2027.
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
In a genre so saturated with great games, it can be easy to skip over an RPG or two, and “Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon” is certainly one that might have gone under your radar. While it seemingly takes more inspiration from “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” (to say nothing of an intriguing, mythologically Gaelic stew), it’s also plain to see some of “The Witcher” DNA present as well. It’s a narrative-driven, open-world RPG that offers roughly 60 hours of content through its story and side activities, so you won’t run out of things to do for a while.
You don’t play as a designated character in “Tainted Grail,” but, more like “Skyrim,” you’re free and even encouraged to try out a host of different builds based on the skills and proficiencies you acquire throughout the game. With your character, you’ll go through a main story that’s full of twists and turns where you’ll have to make meaningful choices that all intertwine with each other. Some won’t be gentle. Just like “The Witcher” series, the writing and voice acting are both top-notch in “Tainted Grail,” while the combat is a mix of melee and magic. Just be careful at night.
