Witcher 3 Surpasses Skyrim With 65 Million Sales: New DLC Songs of the Past Announced for 2027
Published: May 29, 2026 | By: smartly.sale Gaming Team
In a stunning achievement for CD Projekt Red, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has sold 65 million copies across all platforms , officially overtaking Bethesda's legendary Skyrim in the all-time bestseller rankings. This milestone, announced in CD Projekt's Q1 2026 financial report on May 28, cements Geralt's adventure as one of gaming's most enduring success stories—a remarkable feat for an 11-year-old title that continues to attract new players every day.
The news gets even better for Witcher fans. CD Projekt RED officially announced a new DLC expansion in 2027 called Songs of the Past, and the storied RPG hit yet another massive sales milestone, surpassing 65 million copies sold in its lifetime . For Filipino gamers looking to experience this legendary title, now is the perfect time to find best deals on Shopee Philippines for The Witcher 3 Complete Edition.
As of June 2023, Skyrim has sold over 60 million copies across virtually every gaming platform , which means The Witcher 3 has pulled ahead by approximately 5 million units—a significant margin in the competitive RPG landscape.
The Historic 65 Million Sales Milestone
The company has revealed that the game has reached a new sales milestone, selling 65 million units globally—that's another 5 million sales in just one year . This consistent performance demonstrates that The Witcher 3 isn't just coasting on nostalgia—it's actively growing its player base more than a decade after launch.
Breaking Down the Numbers
In 2023, CDPR revealed it had surpassed 50 million copies, so to know that it sold an additional 15 million copies in the last three years better contextualizes why CDPR greenlit Songs of the Past . That's an average of 5 million copies per year during a period when most games experience significant sales decline.
| Year | Copies Sold (Cumulative) | Annual Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 (Launch) | 4 million (2 weeks) | - |
| 2016 | 10 million | 6 million |
| 2019 | 40+ million | 30 million (3 years) |
| 2023 | 50 million | 10 million (4 years) |
| 2025 | 60 million | 10 million (2 years) |
| May 2026 | 65 million | 5 million (1 year) |
Financial Impact for CD Projekt Red
CD Projekt's Q1 2026 financials were solid, with the studio reporting revenues of 191M PLN ($53.48M), up 6% compared to the same period last year, with consolidated net earnings at 106M PLN ($29.68M) . The Witcher 3 remains a critical revenue driver for the company, proving that quality RPG experiences have incredible longevity.
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How The Witcher 3 Beat Skyrim
The battle between these two RPG titans has been a topic of passionate debate among gamers for years. Now, the numbers tell a clear story: The Witcher 3 has pulled ahead.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Bethesda Game Studios exec Todd Howard confirms that Skyrim has now sold 60 million copies, which is double the previous figure from years ago—back in 2016, Howard had said that Skyrim was at 30 million sales . While Skyrim's growth has been impressive, The Witcher 3's trajectory has been even more remarkable.
Platform Availability: A Key Factor
Interestingly, Skyrim had a head start with more platform releases. Skyrim originally launched on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC in 2011, then received ports to Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and even VR platforms. The Witcher 3, released in 2015, launched on fewer platforms initially but has demonstrated stronger per-platform performance.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
The Witcher 3 holds more than 200 game of the year awards and has been cited as one of the greatest video games ever made . While Skyrim revolutionized open-world RPGs in 2011, The Witcher 3 refined the formula four years later with superior storytelling, more meaningful side quests, and complex moral choices that actually impact the narrative.
After The Witcher on Netflix premiered in 2020, Witcher 3 sales rose by 500% , demonstrating the game's ability to capitalize on cultural moments in ways that Skyrim, despite its meme-worthy ubiquity, couldn't replicate.
Songs of the Past: New Expansion Details
The announcement of Songs of the Past has electrified the Witcher community. This will be the game's third major expansion, following the critically acclaimed Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine—both released in 2015-2016.
What We Know So Far
Songs of the Past stars Geralt of Rivia, and launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2027 . CD PROJEKT RED is co-developing the expansion with Fool's Theory, a team comprising industry veterans who worked on The Witcher 3, with more details on Songs of the Past to be released in late summer 2026 .
Development Partnership with Fool's Theory
Fool's Theory isn't a random choice—this studio is also developing the remake of the original Witcher game. Their expertise with the franchise and close collaboration with CD Projekt Red suggests Songs of the Past will maintain the high quality standards fans expect.
Gamescom 2026 Showcase Confirmed
A post on The Witcher's official X account reveals that players will be seeing the Songs of the Past expansion at Gamescom 2026, with developers inviting players to join them in the entertainment area where they will showcase the upcoming expansion . Mark August 25, 2026 on your calendar for this major reveal.
Release Timeline and Expectations
Songs of the Past is confirmed for a 2027 release, with CD Projekt Red not announcing a specific date beyond that window . As the rumors claimed, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's third expansion, Songs of the Past, was originally slated to launch this year before being pushed to 2027 .
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Where It Ranks Among Best-Selling Games
According to the latest figures provided by CD Projekt Red, the 65 million units sold place The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in the eighth position on the list of best-selling video games of all time . This is an extraordinary achievement that puts it in rarefied company.
Top 10 Best-Selling Games of All Time (2026)
| Rank | Game | Sales (Millions) | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minecraft | 238+ | 2011 |
| 2 | Grand Theft Auto V | 230+ | 2013 |
| 3 | Tetris (all versions) | 520+ | 1984 |
| 4 | Wii Sports | 82+ | 2006 |
| 5 | PUBG: Battlegrounds | 75+ | 2017 |
| 6 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 70+ | 2017 |
| 7 | Terraria | 70 | 2011 |
| 8 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 65 | 2015 |
| 9 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | 60 | 2011 |
| 10 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | 55+ | 2018 |
Outperforming Entire Franchises
The Witcher 3 has sold enough copies that, like GTA V, it's starting to outsell entire franchises—for example, The Witcher 3 has sold more copies than Sony's entire The Last of Us franchise and has also outsold the entireties of Saint's Row, Watch Dogs, Horizon, Splinter Cell, Dying Light, and Dark Souls .
This puts the achievement in perspective: a single game has outperformed multiple AAA franchises with numerous installments.
Why The Witcher 3 Keeps Selling
What makes The Witcher 3's sales trajectory so remarkable isn't just the total—it's the consistency. Eleven years after launch, the game continues to sell millions of copies annually. Here's why:
1. Exceptional Value Proposition
What helped The Witcher 3 stand apart from other games in 2015 and what helps it continue to shine today—is the quality of its huge open world, where nearly every square inch of the map is thoughtfully designed and filled with interesting, well-written characters and side-quests .
The Complete Edition, which includes the base game plus both expansions (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine), offers over 150 hours of premium content—making it one of the best value propositions in gaming. Filipino gamers can often find incredible best deals Philippines today on this edition during major sale events.
2. Consistent Updates and Platform Support
CD Projekt Red released a free next-gen update in December 2022 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, adding ray tracing, faster loading times, and visual enhancements. This commitment to supporting older titles keeps the game relevant on modern hardware.
3. The Netflix Effect
The Netflix series starring Henry Cavill (and later Liam Hemsworth) introduced The Witcher universe to millions of new fans. The correlation between season releases and game sales spikes is undeniable and continues to drive discovery.
4. Strategic Pricing and Regular Discounts
The game is regularly discounted to low, low prices, but that doesn't take anything away from the fact it put up gigantic sales figures . During Steam sales, Shopee mega sales, and PlayStation sales events, The Witcher 3 Complete Edition often drops to ₱500-800 in the Philippines, making it accessible to budget-conscious gamers.
5. Active Modding Community
The PC version supports thousands of mods that enhance graphics, gameplay, and add new content. This extends the game's lifespan and replay value significantly, particularly on Steam where The Witcher III has proven itself a true powerhouse on Steam, with an impressive sales record of over 13.1 million units generating revenue of $330.8 million .
6. Word-of-Mouth and Gaming Culture
The Witcher 3 has become a cultural touchstone in gaming communities. It's frequently cited in "best games ever" discussions, recommended as a must-play title, and celebrated for demonstrating what AAA single-player experiences should aspire to achieve.
What This Means for The Witcher 4
The Witcher 4 is the next game in the main Witcher series, and it's in development now using Unreal Engine 5 . The commercial success of The Witcher 3 has major implications for the franchise's future.
Commercial Expectations and Pressure
With The Witcher 3 establishing such a high bar—both critically and commercially—CD Projekt Red faces enormous pressure to deliver with The Witcher 4. The game is switching to Unreal Engine 5 (from their proprietary REDengine), which represents both opportunity and risk.
Shifting Protagonist to Ciri
Songs of the Past will be a nice return/finale for Geralt, considering the next mainline Witcher game, The Witcher IV, will see you play as Ciri . This represents a significant narrative shift, and Songs of the Past may serve as a bridge between Geralt's story and Ciri's new chapter.
Development Resources and Timeline
Development teams have increased slightly for games like The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, with several CDPR teams having grown as of April 30, 2026 . The studio is clearly investing heavily in making The Witcher 4 a worthy successor.
How to Play The Witcher 3 in Philippines 2026
For Filipino gamers ready to experience this legendary title, here's everything you need to know about playing The Witcher 3 in 2026.
Available Platforms
- PC (Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store) - Best visual experience with mod support
- PlayStation 5 - Enhanced next-gen version with ray tracing
- Xbox Series X/S - Optimized performance, available on Game Pass
- PlayStation 4 - Still fully playable
- Xbox One - Backward compatible
- Nintendo Switch - Portable experience with visual compromises
Pricing in the Philippines (May 2026)
| Platform | Regular Price | Sale Price (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Complete Edition | ₱1,299 | ₱299-499 |
| PlayStation Store | ₱1,499 | ₱599-799 |
| Xbox Store | ₱1,499 | ₱599-799 |
| Physical Copy (PS5/Switch) | ₱1,995-2,499 | ₱1,299-1,699 |
Best Times to Buy
Smart Filipino gamers should watch for these major sales events where The Witcher 3 typically sees steep discounts:
- Shopee/Lazada Sales - 5.5, 6.6, 7.7, 8.8, 9.9, 10.10, 11.11, 12.12
- Steam Summer/Winter Sales - June and December
- PlayStation Days of Play - May/June annually
- Xbox Game Pass - Included with subscription (₱499/month)
You can also check our comprehensive guide to Shopee sales calendar 2026 to plan your gaming purchases around the biggest discount periods.
System Requirements (PC)
Minimum:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel i5-2500K / AMD Phenom II X4 940
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 660 / AMD Radeon HD 7870
- Storage: 50 GB available space
Recommended (1080p High Settings):
- OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
- Processor: Intel i7-3770 / AMD FX-8350
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580
- Storage: 50 GB SSD space
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has The Witcher 3 really sold more copies than Skyrim?
Yes, as of May 2026, The Witcher 3 has sold 65 million copies worldwide compared to Skyrim's 60 million copies. This was confirmed in CD Projekt Red's Q1 2026 financial report and represents the first time The Witcher 3 has officially surpassed Skyrim in lifetime sales.
When is the Songs of the Past DLC coming out?
Songs of the Past is scheduled to release in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Specific release date details will be revealed at Gamescom 2026 in late August. The expansion was originally planned for 2026 but was delayed to ensure quality.
Will Songs of the Past be free or paid DLC?
Songs of the Past will be a paid expansion similar to Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. CD Projekt Red has emphasized it should be called an "expansion" rather than "DLC," suggesting substantial content worth the price. Exact pricing has not been announced yet.
Where can I buy The Witcher 3 cheapest in the Philippines?
The best deals are typically found during Steam sales (₱299-499), PlayStation Days of Play events (₱599-799), or on Shopee/Lazada during major sale dates like 11.11 or 12.12. The Complete Edition is always recommended as it includes all DLC. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play it for free as part of their subscription.
Do I need to play The Witcher 1 and 2 before playing The Witcher 3?
No, The Witcher 3 is designed to be accessible to newcomers. The game includes a glossary explaining characters and events from previous games and books. However, playing the earlier games or watching story recaps on YouTube will enhance your understanding of returning characters and plot references. The game is fully enjoyable as a standalone experience.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Secured
The Witcher 3's achievement of surpassing Skyrim isn't just about numbers—it represents a validation of CD Projekt Red's approach to game development. In an era of live-service games and aggressive monetization, The Witcher 3 proved that a single-player, story-driven RPG with no microtransactions could not only succeed but thrive for over a decade.
Sales numbers for The Witcher 3 are no doubt going to grow even higher because a new expansion, Songs of the Past, is coming in 2027 . With the upcoming expansion serving as Geralt's farewell before The Witcher 4 shifts focus to Ciri, the franchise is positioned for continued success well into the next decade.
For Filipino gamers who haven't yet experienced this masterpiece, there's never been a better time. With the Complete Edition regularly discounted, enhanced next-gen versions available, and a new expansion on the horizon, The Witcher 3 remains one of the best investments you can make in gaming.
Whether you're hunting monsters for the first time or returning to say goodbye to Geralt one last time in Songs of the Past, the Continent awaits. Stay updated on gaming news, deals, and guides by following smartly.sale—your trusted source for gaming content in the Philippines.
Ready to start your Witcher journey? Check out the latest daily deals Philippines to find the best price on The Witcher 3 Complete Edition today, and join the 65 million players who've already discovered why this game is considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made.