- The Witcher 3 remastered is NOT a remake — it is a free next-gen update released on 14 December 2022.
- Same story, same world: Geralt's campaign, quests, and all DLC remain unchanged.
- Visual upgrades: higher resolution textures, ray tracing, and performance mode on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- Free for existing owners on PS4, Xbox One, and Windows; also sold separately as the Complete Edition.
- A true remake is separate: CD Projekt Red is developing a rebuilt version of the original Witcher (2007).
The Short Answer: The Witcher 3 Remastered Is It a Remake?
No. The question "the Witcher 3 remastered is it a remake" has a clear answer: the updated version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a remaster (next-gen update), not a remake. CD Projekt Red released the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions on 14 December 2022 as a free upgrade for existing owners, alongside a standalone "Complete Edition" purchase.
A remaster keeps the original game intact and improves presentation. A remake rebuilds the game from the ground up. The Witcher 3 update falls firmly into the first category — the story, quests, combat, and world are identical to the 2015 original.
Remaster = same game, better visuals and performance. Remake = new engine, rebuilt assets, often redesigned systems. The Witcher 3 next-gen update is a remaster in every sense.
Remaster vs Remake: Side-by-Side Comparison
Understanding the terminology clears up most of the confusion. Here is how the two approaches differ, and where The Witcher 3's update sits.
| Aspect | Remaster (The Witcher 3 Next-Gen) | Remake (e.g., Final Fantasy VII Remake) |
|---|---|---|
| Base code | Original 2015 game, updated | Rebuilt from scratch |
| Story and quests | Unchanged | Often expanded or restructured |
| Visuals | Higher-res textures, ray tracing | Fully new assets |
| Combat system | Identical | Frequently redesigned |
| Price for owners | Free update | Full new purchase |
| Development time | Roughly 1-2 years | Often 4+ years |
Some players assume "next-gen" means rebuilt. It does not — the update was originally handled by Saber Interactive before CD Projekt Red's in-house team took over in April 2022 to finish the work.
What the Next-Gen Update Actually Changed
The update focused on presentation, performance, and bonus content rather than reworking the game itself.
Visual Upgrades
- Higher resolution textures
- Ray-traced lighting and shadows
- Improved foliage draw distance
Performance Modes
- Performance mode targeting 60 FPS
- Quality mode with ray tracing
- Faster load times on SSDs
Bonus Content
- Netflix-series-inspired quest
- New alternative outfits
- All 16 free DLC and both expansions included
| Feature | Original (2015) | Next-Gen Update (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Ray tracing | Not available | Supported on PC, PS5, Series X/S |
| Frame rate | Up to 60 FPS on strong PCs | 60 FPS performance mode on consoles |
| Textures | Standard resolution | Higher resolution, mod-inspired |
| Extra quest | N/A | Netflix-inspired DLC quest |
| Cost for owners | N/A | Free update |
CD Projekt Red confirmed talks with modder HalkHogan to incorporate improvements from "The Witcher 3 HD Reworked Project" into the update, as reported by Kotaku in 2021.
How to Get the Remastered Version in 2026
Check Your Existing Copy
If you own The Witcher 3 on PS4, Xbox One, or Windows, the next-gen update is applied automatically as a free download through your platform's store.
Claim the Free Update
On console, search for the next-gen upgrade option on the store page. On PC (GOG/Steam/Epic), the update patches your existing installation directly.
Or Buy the Complete Edition
New players can purchase the standalone "Complete Edition" for PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, which bundles the base game, Hearts of Stone, Blood and Wine, and all DLC.
Choose Your Display Mode
Select Performance mode for smooth 60 FPS combat, or Quality/Ray Tracing mode for the best visuals on capable hardware.
The update's initial December 2022 release had performance issues on some platforms, but CD Projekt Red shipped follow-up patches that resolved most of them. Install the latest patch before starting a new playthrough.
Editions and Future Content Checklist
Beyond the remaster question, The Witcher 3 ecosystem continues to grow. A third expansion, Songs of the Past, is scheduled for 2027 on PS5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, and The Witcher IV is in development.
| Edition | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (2015) | Base game | Legacy owners |
| Game of the Year (2016) | Base game + 2 expansions + DLC | Last-gen players |
| Complete Edition (2022) | Next-gen version + all content | New players in 2026 |
| Switch version | Portable port with downgrades | Hybrid play |
Before You Play the Remaster:
- Install the latest patch for performance fixes
- Enable Performance mode for 60 FPS combat
- Claim the free update if you own a last-gen copy
- Try the Netflix-inspired bonus quest
- Check out Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions
The Witcher 3 has sold over 65 million units as of May 2026, making it one of the best-selling games of all time — a big reason fans keep asking whether it received a remake.
FAQ
Q: Is The Witcher 3 remastered a remake or a remaster?
It is a remaster. The 2022 next-gen update improves visuals and performance but keeps the original 2015 story, quests, and gameplay fully intact. A remake would rebuild the game from scratch.
Q: Is the next-gen update free for existing owners?
Yes. Players who owned the game on PS4, Xbox One, or Windows received the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S update as a free download on 14 December 2022. New buyers can purchase the Complete Edition separately.
Q: Does the remaster change the story or add new quests?
The main story is unchanged. The update adds a Netflix-series-inspired quest, new outfits, and all previously released DLC, but no story content was rewritten.
Q: Is CD Projekt Red making an actual Witcher remake?
Yes, but not of The Witcher 3. A remake of the original 2007 The Witcher is in development, built in Unreal Engine 5. Additionally, a third Witcher 3 expansion, Songs of the Past, is planned for 2027.