The Witcher 3 – Songs of the Past’s Chain Was Considered for Base Game, But “Impossible” Back Then

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s newest expansion, Songs of the Past, wouldn’t be possible without the upcoming remaster, out later this month. It’s bringing the region of Letten – and Dandelion’s story – to life in ways that weren’t possible before. However, it also enables Geralt’s new weapon, the chain.

As it turns out, CD Projekt RED actually wanted to add it with the base game, as revealed by Fool’s Theory owner and game director Jakub Rokosz in an interview with BBC News. “We were talking about implementing the chain even during the original The Witcher 3. It was impossible to do at the time for various technological reasons and challenges.

“A few things had to click together, and we were able to address those challenges and issues during the remaster, so then we were able to implement a weapon that feels just natural and very fluid.”

Those who have read Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher novels will know that it’s a regular weapon. By finally adding it, Rokosz believes this “realizes a fantasy.”

CD Projekt RED senior quest designer Despoina Anetaki also noted that it fits the expansion’s “narrative theming.” “It fits with all the new enemies that work with the chain. We were able to do crowd control with the swarmions that swarm you, and you have to keep them away from you.” And of course, for those who “might be sick of the crossbow by now,” it’s a “cool weapon.”

It’s tough to disagree. After all, you can pull enemies closer to Geralt with the chain and target specific body parts, perhaps lining up some stylish executions in the process. You can also use it as a mid-range weapon and whip targets, which should feel satisfying. It requires Adrenaline Points as a trade-off, however, and that’s something that CD Projekt RED and Fool’s Theory are still working on.

The Witcher 3’s Songs of the Past launches in 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. We’re still waiting for a release date but in the meantime, you can look forward to the Remastered upgrade for the base game on September 29th.