Witcher 3 Remastered launches September 29 as free upgrade

Remaster arrives free on most platforms

At Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, 2026, CD Projekt Red announced The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered, an overhaul of the 2015 role-playing game. The update launches September 29 on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. It is free for current owners on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, while Switch 2 players who own the original Switch 1 game can claim the new version at no additional cost.

What changes in the remaster

CD Projekt Red has not simply bumped up resolution. Combat is reworked with new finishing moves and updated Witcher sign effects. Traversal and climbing get improvements, mount handling is revamped, and monster behavior is enhanced. The skill tree is rebuilt for more flexibility, and a transmogrification system lets players keep the stats of one item while wearing another. An expanded photo mode, cross-platform mod support, and new accessibility options are also included. On PC, the update supports Nvidia DLSS 4.5, AMD FSR 4, and Intel XeSS 2.0, plus path tracing and ray reconstruction. A studio called Yigsoft co-developed the remaster, according to Eurogamer.

Free expansions and Battle.net debut

The package includes the two existing expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, at no extra charge. Those expansions become free for all base-game owners starting today. The PC version also arrives on Battle.net for the first time; buying the remaster there unlocks a Geralt-themed skin in Diablo 4.

Switch 2 upgrade details

On Switch 2, the remaster normally costs $60. But if you purchased The Witcher 3 on the original Switch, the upgrade is free. The free claim was confirmed first for digital copies, then later for physical copies as well.

What's next for the series

The remaster sets the stage for Songs of the Past, the third expansion due in 2027. Its first trailer, shown during Gamescom, introduces Letten, a land hiding a dark secret, and a new chain weapon for Geralt. CD Projekt Red also confirmed The Witcher 4 is targeting 2028.

Why it matters

For players who bought The Witcher 3 years ago, this is a no-cost way to replay with modern visuals and gameplay changes. Switch 2 early adopters who own the original get the same benefit, and Battle.net users get a cross-game cosmetic reward.