- The Witcher 3 Remastered PS5 release date: The next-gen version launched on December 14, 2022.
- Free upgrade: PS4 owners received the PS5 upgrade at no extra cost.
- Performance options: Choose between ray-traced 30 FPS or Performance Mode 60 FPS.
- DualSense features: Adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and Tempest 3D AudioTech support.
- Included content: Base game plus the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions in the Complete Edition.
The Witcher 3 Remastered PS5 Release Date Explained
The The Witcher 3 Remastered PS5 release date is December 14, 2022, when CD PROJEKT RED shipped the long-awaited next-gen update for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Originally announced alongside the official reveal trailer, the remaster brought the 2015 classic to modern hardware with ray tracing, faster load times, and DualSense integration. The base game first launched on May 18, 2015, but the PS5 version is treated as a separate release on the PlayStation Store, dated 12/14/2022.
Video Highlights:
- Official announcement trailer for the remastered edition
- Cinematic recap of Geralt's journey as the White Wolf
- Themes of destiny and the witcher's path frame the remaster reveal
- Confirms the next-gen upgrade direction for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
If you already owned The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on PS4, the PS5 remastered upgrade was delivered as a free next-gen update, not a separate purchase. Only players buying fresh needed to pick up the new edition.
PS5 Next-Gen Features and Enhancements
The remaster is far more than a resolution bump. CD PROJEKT RED rebuilt key systems to take advantage of the PS5 hardware, and the results are noticeable within minutes of play.
| Feature | What It Does | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Ray-traced lighting | Real-time RT in Performance and Quality modes | None (built in) |
| 60 FPS Performance Mode | Fluid frame rate across the Continent | Compatible display |
| Fast loading | Near-instant fast travel via PS5 SSD | PS5 console |
| Adaptive triggers | Bow tension and sign casting feedback | DualSense controller |
| Haptic feedback | Sword clashes and spell casts in your hands | DualSense controller |
| Tempest 3D AudioTech | Immersive spatial audio | Compatible headphones |
To get the most from the ray-traced fidelity mode at its best output, you need a compatible TV or display with an HDMI 2.1 cable. Standard HDMI 2.0 displays still run the game, but some visual headroom is reduced.
Editions, Pricing, and Content Comparison
Two editions are available on the PlayStation Store for PS4 and PS5, and the differences matter depending on how much of the Continent you want to explore.
| Edition | Price | Platform | Content Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $49.99 | PS4 / PS5 | Base game only |
| Complete Edition | $39.99 | PS4 / PS5 | Base game + Hearts of Stone + Blood and Wine |
Hearts of Stone
- Over 10 hours of add-on story content
- Bargain with the immortal bandit Olgierd von Everec
- New romance, arena challenges, and monsters
Blood and Wine
- Over 30 hours in the new region of Toussaint
- New quests, creatures, weapons, and armor
- Collect the Skellige Gwent deck and buy a vineyard
Base Game
- Full open-world campaign as Geralt of Rivia
- Gwent, horse racing, and fist fights
- Morally gray choices with far-reaching consequences
The Complete Edition frequently undercuts the Standard Edition's price while including both expansions — roughly 40+ hours of additional content. Unless you only want the main story, it is the stronger buy.
How to Get the PS5 Version: Step-by-Step
Whether you are upgrading from PS4 or buying fresh, follow these steps to get the remastered experience running on your console.
Check Your PS4 Ownership
If you own The Witcher 3 on PS4 (disc or digital), you are eligible for the free PS5 next-gen upgrade tied to your account.
Update Your Console Software
Make sure your PS5 is running the latest system software, as the next-gen version requires a current firmware to install and play.
Download or Purchase
Claim the upgrade from the game's page on the PlayStation Store, or purchase the Standard or Complete Edition if you are a new player.
Select Your Display Mode
In the in-game settings, choose between ray-traced fidelity at 30 FPS or Performance Mode at 60 FPS based on your display and preference.
Enable Audio and Controller Features
Connect compatible headphones for Tempest 3D AudioTech and confirm haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are active on your DualSense.
The PS4 version remains playable on PS5 through backward compatibility, but some PS4-specific features may behave differently. The dedicated PS5 remaster is the intended way to play on current hardware.
Key Characters and What to Expect
The remastered edition preserves the full cast and story that made the original a landmark RPG. You play as Geralt of Rivia hunting the otherworldly Wild Hunt army, with a morally gray narrative shaped by your decisions.
| Character | Role in the Story |
|---|---|
| Geralt of Rivia | The White Wolf, a professional monster hunter and protagonist |
| Ciri | Geralt's adopted daughter, pursued by the Wild Hunt |
| Yennefer of Vengerberg | Powerful sorceress and Geralt's bound love interest |
| Triss Merigold | Sorceress of the Lodge and longtime ally |
| Emhyr | Emperor of Nilfgaard with his own designs on Ciri |
First-Session Checklist:
- Complete the White Orchard prologue
- Pick a display mode (Performance or Ray Tracing)
- Learn the Gwent basics at the first tavern
- Unlock and equip your first sign upgrades
- Start the Hearts of Stone questline after Novigrad
Mysteries lurk inside every village, tree, and shadow. Invest rewards in upgraded weapons and armor early, but leave room for side activities like Gwent and horse racing — there is more to life than killing monsters for coin.
FAQ
Q: When was The Witcher 3 Remastered PS5 release date?
The remastered next-gen version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt released on December 14, 2022 for PS5, alongside Xbox Series X|S and PC updates. The original game launched on May 18, 2015.
Q: Is the PS5 upgrade free for PS4 owners?
Yes. CD PROJEKT RED provided the next-gen upgrade at no additional cost to players who already owned The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on PS4, whether digital or disc.
Q: Does the remaster run at 60 FPS on PS5?
Yes. Performance Mode offers a 60 FPS experience, while an alternative mode delivers fully ray-traced fidelity at 30 FPS. A compatible display with HDMI 2.1 is recommended for the best visual output.
Q: Which edition should I buy in 2026?
The Complete Edition is generally the best pick. It includes both the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions — over 40 hours of extra content — and is often priced lower than the Standard Edition on the PlayStation Store.