- The Witcher 3 Remastered update launches September 29, 2026 on all major platforms.
- Free upgrade for existing owners on GOG, Steam, Epic, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
- Both expansions — Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine — are included at no extra cost.
- New platforms: pre-purchase open on Battle.net and Nintendo Switch 2.
- Switch 1 owners can claim the Switch 2 version when it releases.
The Witcher 3 Remastered Update: Official Announcement Overview
CD PROJEKT RED officially announced The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered on August 25, 2026, through the CD PROJEKT RED forums. The remaster brings an array of improvements across visuals, gameplay, and more, and arrives on September 29, 2026.
The announcement framing says it all: sharpen your swords, brew your potions, and saddle Roach — it is time to face Eredin and the Wild Hunt once again. This is a full remastered edition of the 2015 classic, not a simple patch, and it carries meaningful changes for both veteran witchers and newcomers.
CD PROJEKT RED confirmed that detailed change information will be shared through REDstreams during announcement week. Watch official channels for the full feature breakdown before launch day.
Confirmed Announcement Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official title | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered |
| Release date | September 29, 2026 |
| Announced | August 25, 2026 (CD PROJEKT RED forums) |
| Upgrade cost | Free for existing owners on most platforms |
| Expansions | Hearts of Stone + Blood and Wine included |
| New platforms | Battle.net, Nintendo Switch 2 |
Platform Availability and Free Upgrade Details
The remastered update follows a player-friendly distribution model. If you already own The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, you get the Remastered version without paying again on most platforms.
All owners of the base game on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S receive the Remastered version as a free upgrade. Current owners also gain free access to both original expansions.
Platform Breakdown
| Platform | Availability | Cost for Existing Owners |
|---|---|---|
| GOG | Free upgrade | Free |
| Steam | Free upgrade | Free |
| Epic Games Store | Free upgrade | Free |
| PlayStation 5 | Free upgrade | Free |
| Xbox Series X|S | Free upgrade | Free |
| Battle.net | Pre-purchase available | New purchase |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Pre-purchase available | Free claim for Switch 1 owners |
Returning Player
- Free upgrade on PC and current-gen consoles
- Expansions unlocked automatically
- Ideal time for a fresh playthrough
New Player
- Buy the base game now on your platform
- Remastered arrives as your version
- Expansions included in Remastered base game
Switch Owner
- Own Witcher 3 on Switch 1
- Claim Remastered free on Switch 2 at release
- Physical edition questions pending clarification
Players with physical Switch 1 copies are still asking whether the free Switch 2 claim applies to them. CD PROJEKT RED has not yet published full details — verify your eligibility on official channels before September 29, 2026.
What the Remastered Update Improves
According to the official announcement, the remaster delivers upgrades in three broad areas: visuals, gameplay, and additional improvements. While the complete change list arrives via REDstreams, community discussion around the announcement highlights what players expect and hope for.
Expected Improvement Areas
| Area | What We Know | Community Expectations |
|---|---|---|
| Visuals | Confirmed upgrades | Enhanced particle effects, lighting, possibly volumetric fog/clouds |
| Gameplay | Confirmed upgrades | Transmog system, refined combat and quest options |
| Content | Both expansions included | Possible new dialogue or quest resolution options |
| Performance | Not yet detailed | PS5 Pro ray tracing at 60fps remains a fan question |
Some community members raised concerns about engine changes (such as a Unreal Engine 5 wrapper). Others note that CD PROJEKT RED has previously entrusted REDengine work to external studios — Virtuos for Cyberpunk and Yigsoft for the TW3 REDkit — and that the team involved includes former CDPR developers. Treat engine claims as unconfirmed until official details drop.
How to Prepare Before September 29, 2026
Whether you are a veteran with a 200-hour save or a first-time witcher, a little preparation makes launch day smoother.
Verify Your Game Ownership
Confirm you own The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on GOG, Steam, Epic, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S so the free upgrade applies automatically.
Claim Your Expansions
If you own the base game, claim Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine for free before or at launch — both are included in the Remastered base game.
Back Up Your Saves and Mods
Large mod builds may not carry over to the remastered version. Back up saves locally and note your mod list in case you need to rebuild.
Watch the REDstreams
Follow CD PROJEKT RED's official streams during announcement week for the full list of visual and gameplay changes.
Pre-Purchase on New Platforms
If you want Battle.net or Nintendo Switch 2 versions, pre-purchase ahead of the September 29, 2026 release.
Heavy mod configurations — some players run 200+ mods — may break with the remastered update. Plan a clean install and wait for mod authors to update compatibility before committing.
Launch Readiness Checklist
Before Release Day:
- Confirm base game ownership on your platform
- Claim Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine free
- Back up all save files
- Document your installed mods
- Pre-purchase on Battle.net or Switch 2 if needed
- Watch REDstreams for the full change list
FAQ
Q: When does The Witcher 3 Remastered update release?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered launches on September 29, 2026, as announced by CD PROJEKT RED on August 25, 2026.
Q: Is the Remastered version a free upgrade?
Yes. Existing owners on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S receive it free. Nintendo Switch 1 owners can claim the Switch 2 version when it releases.
Q: Do I get the expansions with the Remastered update?
Yes. Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are included in the Remastered base game, and all current owners of the base game gain free access to both expansions.
Q: Will my mods still work after the update?
Large mod builds may not be compatible with the remastered version. Back up your saves and mod list, and wait for mod authors to confirm compatibility after launch.