Witcher 3 action looks like Blood & Wine at gamescom 2026

When you revisit a masterpiece, you expect a journey, not just a detour. The latest preview for Songs of the Past is exactly that—a beautifully framed expedition that deepens the lore of the world, proving that even an eleven-year-old game can still hold profound, complex mysteries.

Geralt of Rivia finds himself immediately immersed in the idyllic, yet subtly cursed, lands of Letten. The setting itself is a feast for the eyes, blending Nordic midsummer design with English and Polish countryside. It’s a place so serene it almost feels like an escape from the woes of the Continent, reminiscent of the idyllic beauty found in places like Blood and Wine.

But for Geralt, pleasant territory is rare. His quest quickly pivots from scenic exploration to a hunt for answers, leading him into confrontation with bizarre, armored foes. One memorable encounter involves Geralt trading his silver sword for a flexible chain—a core piece of his arsenal—to engage a swarm of hornets. This action isn’t just a flashy gimmick; it’s a potent demonstration of Geralt’s resourcefulness, allowing him to target specific body parts and wrench enemies into melee range. It adds a layer of dramatic flair to the already intense Witcher combat.

Behind this stunning visual upgrade, the gameplay systems are also being re-examined. While the base game is familiar, the expansion introduces new skill pages that re-arrange ability layouts into a more distinct tree shape, hinting at a thoughtful re-thinking of how players progress Geralt’s abilities. This suggests that Songs of the Past isn’t just adding new content; it’s refining the core RPG experience.

The real heart of the expansion, however, lies in the mystery. Geralt’s journey to find his missing bard, Dandelion, kicks off an intriguing investigation. Following visions of blood and thorns, Geralt and his companion Lilla must navigate a forest leading to the infamous Garden of Thorns, a place where nature itself seems twisted and dangerous. This quest forces them to confront hidden truths, where the line between folklore and horrifying reality blurs.

The narrative is handled by a different creative force, Fool’s Theory, a collective of veterans who bring a fresh perspective to the lore. This shift in creative direction ensures that while the foundation remains solid, the storytelling feels vibrant and fresh. The expansion acts as a powerful reminder that revisiting a cherished world isn’t about simply repeating the past, but about unlocking new layers of history and consequence.

Ultimately, The Witcher 3 stands as a generational-defining RPG. And while we eagerly anticipate the next chapter, the exploration offered by Songs of the Past proves that there is still so much to discover in the rich tapestry of Geralt’s world.