The Witcher 3 Remastered is an extraordinarily generous upgrade that doesn’t change the game, but does make it new again

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered launches on September 29, 2026, as a free upgrade for existing players across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The remaster represents CD Projekt Red’s most extensive post-launch support for a single-player game, delivering substantial visual and gameplay enhancements to the 11-year-old RPG without cost to current owners.

The update features significantly upgraded visuals and performance improvements across all platforms. PC players gain exclusive path tracing technology alongside traditional ray tracing, though maximum settings at 4K require high-end hardware like an RTX 5080. The remaster also brings a reimagined skill system, improved combat mechanics, expanded photo mode functionality, and a new transmog feature for armor customization. Previously paid expansions Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are now included free with the remaster.

The approximately 45GB update launches simultaneously worldwide with staggered release times across regions. On Switch 2, the remaster requires a separate download, unlike PS5 and Xbox versions which automatically upgrade existing installations. Early reviews praise the upgrade as remarkably generous, though some critics note the graphical overhaul presents a subjective mix of improvements and stylistic changes.

CD Projekt Red has announced a new expansion, Songs of the Past, arriving in 2027, continuing the developer’s commitment to The Witcher 3 long after its original 2015 release. This comprehensive update signals confidence in the franchise and sets the stage for further Witcher universe content.

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