The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered lands on September 29, 2026, and if you already own the game, you should not have to buy it again. CD Projekt Red is rolling the remaster out as a free upgrade on major platforms, and base-game owners also get the two classic expansions for free.
Here is what is changing, who qualifies, and how to claim everything before (and on) launch day.
What is Witcher 3 Remastered?
Announced at gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, 2026, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered is a refreshed version of CDPR’s open-world RPG with upgrades to visuals, combat, and quality-of-life systems. Official materials highlight better lighting and ray tracing work, combat and finishers, an adaptive camera, a redesigned skill tree, transmog, and an expanded photo mode.
On PC, system requirements are higher than the original: Windows 11, more RAM (12 GB minimum / 16 GB recommended), and a mandatory SSD with about 70 GB free. If your machine cannot handle the remaster, CDPR has confirmed you can stay on (or roll back to) the classic version via platform beta/version options such as Steam’s Game Versions & Betas.
Is the upgrade really free?
Yes — for existing owners on the supported storefronts.
According to the official Witcher announcement:
- Remastered is a free upgrade for owners on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
- It is also available for pre-purchase on Battle.net and Nintendo Switch 2.
- If you own The Witcher 3 on Nintendo Switch, you can claim Remastered on Switch 2 when that edition releases.
- All current owners of the base game get Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine for free. Both expansions are included in the Remastered base game as well.
That “free expansions” detail alone is a big win if you only ever owned the base game.
Platforms and storefronts at a glance
| Platform | How Remastered works |
|---|---|
| Steam / GOG / Epic | Free upgrade for existing owners |
| PlayStation 5 | Free upgrade for existing owners |
| Xbox Series X|S | Free upgrade; also Xbox Play Anywhere after launch (PC via Xbox app) |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Native Remastered edition; Switch 1 owners can claim it |
| Battle.net | Sold / pre-purchase; Geralt-themed Diablo IV skin noted in coverage |
CDPR has also shared approximate update sizes around ~45 GB on PC (Steam), PS5, and Xbox, and about ~50 GB on Switch 2. There is no preload for the update — it becomes available at the platform release times on September 29.
What’s new in Remastered
Expect more than a simple resolution bump. Coverage from CDPR and Xbox Wire points to:
- Visual and lighting upgrades, including ray tracing–related improvements
- Combat updates and finishers
- Adaptive camera behavior
- Redesigned skill tree
- Transmog options
- Expanded photo mode
- Cross-platform mods called out for Xbox
- Xbox Play Anywhere support after launch
Paid follow-up content is also on the roadmap: the expansion Songs of the Past is planned for 2027, introducing a new realm (Letten) with co-development from Fool’s Theory. Remastered itself was co-developed with Yigsoft.
If you already own Witcher 3 on PC, PS5, or Xbox Series
- Make sure your game is installed (or reinstall from your library).
- On September 29, 2026, let the platform download the Remastered update (~45 GB).
- Launch the game and confirm you are on the Remastered build.
- Check that Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine appear as owned/unlocked content.
Xbox note: Digital owners typically get expansions automatically. Disc owners may need to claim expansion content from the Xbox Store. Xbox One owners were also called out in Microsoft’s coverage for expansion access — follow the Xbox Store prompts for your account.
If you own Witcher 3 on Nintendo Switch
There is no Remastered patch for Switch 1. Instead, claim the Switch 2 Remastered edition when it is available for Switch 1 owners (per CDPR’s announcement).
If you do not own the game yet
Buying The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on a supported platform before or after launch still makes sense: you get Remastered (or the upgrade path) plus both expansions in the Remastered base offering. Battle.net buyers should note the platform-specific bonuses mentioned in announcement coverage (such as the Diablo IV Geralt skin).
If your PC is underpowered
Use your storefront’s classic / previous version option (for example Steam → Properties → Game Versions & Betas) so you can keep playing the non-Remastered build.
Should newcomers buy before September 29?
If you have never played The Witcher 3, buying now is reasonable:
- You lock in ownership for the free Remastered upgrade.
- You get both expansions with Remastered’s base offering.
- You can start the main story early and jump to Remastered visuals on launch day.
If you mainly care about the remaster presentation, waiting until September 29 and buying Remastered / updated SKUs on your preferred store is fine too — just watch for launch-day download queues.
What about Songs of the Past?
Remastered is the free update. Songs of the Past is a separate 2027 expansion. Do not expect that story content inside the free upgrade. Treat Remastered as the modern baseline, then decide later whether the paid expansion is worth it.
Free RPG vibes while you wait
Waiting on a 45 GB download? Gipcus has free browser games you can play instantly — no install required — including action, puzzle, and adventure picks. It is an easy way to scratch the “one more quest” itch until Geralt’s remaster finishes installing.
Quick FAQ
When does Witcher 3 Remastered launch?
September 29, 2026.
Is Witcher 3 Remastered a free upgrade?
Yes for existing owners on GOG, Steam, Epic, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Do I get Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine free?
Yes if you currently own the base game; both are also included in Remastered’s base game.
How big is the update?
About 45 GB on PC/PS5/Xbox and about 50 GB on Switch 2; no preload.
Can I keep the classic version?
Yes on PC via version/beta options if Remastered is too heavy for your hardware.
Sources: Official Witcher announcement, Pure Xbox release times & sizes, CDPR / Xbox Wire coverage of Remastered features and Songs of the Past.
