- The Witcher 3 Remastered PS5 delivers ray-traced lighting, 60FPS Performance Mode, and near-instant loading.
- DualSense support adds adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for sword combat and sign casting.
- Two visual modes: 30FPS ray-traced fidelity or fluid 60FPS Performance Mode (HDMI 2.1 recommended).
- Both expansions — Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine — round out over 40 hours of extra content.
- PS4 owners can play on PS5, though some PS4 features may differ.
The Witcher 3 Remastered PS5: What's New
The Witcher 3 Remastered PS5 version transforms Geralt's journey across the Northern Kingdoms into a genuinely modern experience. Originally released in 2015 and upgraded for PS5 on December 14, 2022, the remaster pairs CD PROJEKT RED's sprawling open-world RPG with hardware-specific enhancements that make this the best way to hunt monsters on console.
The reveal trailer shown at gamescom 2026 captures the tone perfectly — a white wolf striding toward a solitary tower, with the reminder that "you can't just step off the path. You're one for life."
Video Highlights:
- Cinematic reveal trailer for the Remastered edition
- Iconic narration on fate and the witcher's path
- Showcases the remaster's refreshed presentation at gamescom 2026
For pricing, editions, and the full feature list, visit the official PlayStation store page for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
PS5 Enhancements Breakdown
The PS5 version isn't just a resolution bump — it reworks how the game feels in your hands and sounds in your ears. Here's how each enhancement stacks up:
| Feature | What It Does | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ray-traced lighting | Real-time RT illumination across the world | ★★★★★ Visual showcase |
| Performance Mode | Fluid 60FPS gameplay | ★★★★★ Responsiveness |
| Adaptive triggers | Bow tension and spell power via DualSense | ★★★★ Immersion |
| Haptic feedback | Sword clashes and sign casting in your hands | ★★★★ Feel |
| Tempest 3D AudioTech | Spatial audio clarity (compatible headphones required) | ★★★★ Soundstage |
| Fast loading | Near-instant fast travel via PS5 SSD | ★★★★★ Quality of life |
To get the most from Performance Mode and ray tracing at their best, you'll need a compatible TV or display connected with an HDMI 2.1 cable. Tempest 3D AudioTech also requires compatible headphones.
Fidelity Mode
- 30FPS with full ray tracing
- Best lighting and reflections
- Ideal for screenshot hunters
Performance Mode
- 60FPS fluid gameplay
- Sharpest combat response
- Best for action-focused players
Audio & Control
- Tempest 3D AudioTech
- Adaptive triggers and haptics
- Deepest immersion option
Editions & Expansions
The PS5 release comes in multiple editions, and the expansion content is where the value compounds. Both add-ons are considered among the finest DLC ever made for an RPG.
| Edition / Content | Price | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $49.99 | Base game, PS5 enhancements |
| Alternative Edition | $39.99 | Discounted edition option |
| Hearts of Stone | Expansion | 10+ hours, Olgierd von Everec storyline |
| Blood and Wine | Expansion | 30+ hours, new Toussaint region, vineyard |
Hearts of Stone sends Geralt into an unlikely bargain with the immortal bandit Olgierd von Everec — expect terrifying monsters, heart-rending choices, romance in the tavern, or death in the arena.
Blood and Wine opens the sun-drenched region of Toussaint, where mysterious murders blight the vineyards. You'll face never-before-seen creatures, collect a new Skellige Gwent deck, and even buy your own vineyard.
If you're new to the Continent, grab an edition bundling both expansions. Blood and Wine alone adds a full new region and over thirty hours of content — it's practically a sequel.
Getting Started: Setup Walkthrough
Follow these steps to get the remaster running at its best on your PS5:
Purchase and Install
Buy The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt from the PlayStation Store ($49.99 standard) and install it on your PS5's internal SSD for the fastest load times.
Update System Software
Ensure your PS5 runs the latest system software, as the game may require it for full PS5 feature support.
Choose Your Display Mode
Pick Performance Mode for 60FPS fluidity, or Fidelity Mode for full ray-traced lighting at 30FPS. Use an HDMI 2.1 cable for best results.
Configure Audio
Connect compatible headphones and enable Tempest 3D AudioTech in your PS5 sound settings for spatial audio.
Dial In Accessibility
Explore the 14 accessibility features available in the PS5 version to tailor difficulty, visuals, and controls to your preference.
The game is playable on PS5 even if you own the PS4 version, but some features available on PS4 may be absent. See PlayStation's backward compatibility page for details.
Core Game Features & Heroes
Beyond the technical polish, the remaster preserves everything that made the original a landmark RPG. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire, tracking bloodthirsty beasts from mountain passes to city shadows while the otherworldly Wild Hunt razes the Northern Kingdoms.
| Hero | Role in the Story |
|---|---|
| Geralt of Rivia | The witcher you play — monster hunter for hire |
| Ciri | Geralt's adopted daughter, hunted by the Wild Hunt |
| Yennefer of Vengerberg | Powerful sorceress and Geralt's bound love |
| Triss Merigold | Sorceress of the Lodge and longtime ally |
| Emhyr | Emperor of Nilfgaard with his own agenda |
The open world is famously morally gray: choices go beyond good and evil, and consequences ripple far across the story. Between contracts, you can invest rewards in upgraded weapons and armor, play Gwent, race horses, or take on bare-knuckle fist fights.
First 10 Hours Checklist:
- Complete the White Orchard prologue
- Learn the Gwent basics from the tutorial match
- Unlock and upgrade your first sign abilities
- Take on early witcher contracts for coin
- Decide your preferred display mode after testing both
Don't rush the main quest. The best content in The Witcher 3 lives in side quests and contracts — many village mysteries are more memorable than the critical path.
FAQ
Q: Is The Witcher 3 Remastered PS5 version a free upgrade?
CD PROJEKT RED has historically offered a free next-gen upgrade for owners of the original game. Check the official PlayStation store page for current upgrade eligibility and pricing, as edition details can change.
Q: Should I choose Performance Mode or ray tracing at 30FPS?
Performance Mode's 60FPS makes combat noticeably more responsive, which suits action-focused players. Fidelity Mode's ray-traced lighting at 30FPS is the pick if you prioritize visual spectacle. Test both early — you can switch anytime.
Q: How long are the expansions in the remaster?
Hearts of Stone adds over ten hours of story content, while Blood and Wine adds more than thirty hours, including the entirely new Toussaint region, new creatures, weapons, armor, a Skellige Gwent deck, and your own vineyard.
Q: Can I play my PS4 copy on PS5?
Yes, the game is playable on PS5, though some features available on PS4 may be absent. Your system may also need the latest PS5 system software installed.