- The Witcher 3 remastered size runs roughly 50 GB on PC and 50–55 GB on consoles with all updates applied.
- The next-gen update added ray tracing and new content without a massive size increase over the original.
- HD texture packs and DLC can add several extra gigabytes on supported hardware.
- An SSD is strongly recommended for faster loading in the remastered version.
- Free up at least 70 GB before installing to leave room for patches and saves.
The Witcher 3 Remastered Size by Platform
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt received its free next-gen remaster update, bringing ray tracing, improved textures, and a smoother experience to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. While the visual upgrades are significant, the install footprint stayed surprisingly close to the original 2015 release. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect on each platform.
| Platform | Base Install Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | ~50 GB | Includes next-gen update; HD textures optional |
| PlayStation 5 | ~50 GB | Ray tracing modes included |
| Xbox Series X | ~50 GB | Smart Delivery handles version selection |
| Xbox Series S | ~42 GB | Lower-resolution asset set |
| PS4 / Xbox One | ~50 GB | Original version, still supported |
Always reserve 20 GB of headroom beyond the listed install size. Post-launch patches, save files, and optional HD texture packs can push total disk usage higher over time.
The Steam store page for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt lists the storage requirement at approximately 50 GB, which reflects the remastered build with the next-gen update integrated. Console storefronts report similar figures, with the Xbox Series S using a slightly smaller asset package.
What Adds to the Total Size
Several optional components can expand the remastered install beyond the base footprint. Understanding what each one costs in gigabytes helps you decide what to keep on your drive.
HD Texture Pack
- Adds ~5–10 GB on PC
- Requires a GPU with 6 GB+ VRAM
- Biggest single optional download
DLC & Expansions
- Hearts of Stone: ~10 hours of content
- Blood and Wine: ~20 hours of content
- Both included in the Complete Edition
Language Packs
- Full voice-over packs add several GB each
- Remove unused audio to reclaim space
| Component | Approximate Extra Space | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| HD Texture Pack (PC) | 5–10 GB | Optional |
| Hearts of Stone | Included in base size | Part of Complete Edition |
| Blood and Wine | Included in base size | Part of Complete Edition |
| Extra voice-over packs | 2–5 GB each | Optional |
| Ray tracing assets | Included in base size | Auto-managed |
The HD texture pack can cause stuttering on GPUs with less than 6 GB of VRAM. If your frame rate drops after installing it, disable the pack in the launcher rather than lowering other settings first.
Step-by-Step: Managing Your Install
Follow these steps to install the remastered version efficiently and keep the footprint under control.
Free Up Storage
Clear at least 70 GB on an SSD to accommodate the base game, patches, and save data. On consoles, check system storage settings before starting the download.
Choose Your Edition
The Complete Edition includes both expansions and all 16 free DLCs at no extra install cost. If you own the base game, the next-gen update is delivered as a free patch.
Select Optional Components
On PC, decide whether to install the HD texture pack based on your VRAM. Skip extra language packs you will not use.
Verify and Patch
After installation, let the launcher or console apply all pending updates. Verify game files on Steam if the download appears corrupted.
Optimize Settings
Apply the recommended presets for your hardware, then enable ray tracing features selectively to balance visuals and performance.
Pre-loading on Steam and PlayStation lets you download the full package before release windows or major patch drops, so you can play immediately without waiting on your connection.
Performance vs. Storage: What to Prioritize
Storage size and performance are closely linked in the remastered build. Here is how the key options trade disk space against frame rate.
| Setting | Disk Impact | Performance Impact | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HD Textures | +5–10 GB | Heavy on VRAM | Only with 6 GB+ VRAM |
| Ray Tracing | None | Significant FPS cost | Enable on RTX/RX 6000+ GPUs |
| Performance Mode (consoles) | None | Targets 60 FPS | Best for combat-heavy play |
| Quality Mode (consoles) | None | 30 FPS, ray tracing | Best for scenery and screenshots |
On PS5 and Xbox Series X, Performance and Quality modes use the same install size. Switching between them costs no storage, so experiment freely to find your preference.
Pre-Install Checklist
Before You Download:
- Confirm at least 70 GB of free SSD space
- Check GPU VRAM (6 GB+) for HD textures
- Update GPU drivers to the latest version
- Verify you own the Complete Edition or both expansions
- Back up existing saves before updating an old install
Old saves from the original release remain compatible with the remastered version, but always back them up before applying the next-gen update in case anything goes wrong.
FAQ
Q: How big is The Witcher 3 remastered size on PC?
The remastered version requires roughly 50 GB on PC via Steam, with the optional HD texture pack adding another 5–10 GB depending on your configuration.
Q: Does the next-gen update increase the install size over the original?
Only slightly. The remastered build stays close to the original 50 GB footprint because the new ray tracing and texture improvements largely replace older assets rather than stacking on top of them.
Q: Do the expansions Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine add extra gigabytes?
In the Complete Edition, both expansions are folded into the base install size. If you purchase them separately on an older build, expect a modest additional download.
Q: Can I reduce The Witcher 3 remastered size after installing?
Yes. On PC, remove the HD texture pack and unused language voice-over packs. On consoles, delete and reinstall without optional add-ons to reclaim several gigabytes.