CD Projekt Red has confirmed a September 29, 2026, release for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The update arrives as a free download for existing base game owners, requiring roughly 45GB across most platforms and introducing overhauled combat, skill trees, and visuals.
Eleven years after the initial launch of the award-winning role-playing game, players are preparing to return to the Northern Kingdoms. CD Projekt Red Global Community and Social Media Director Marcin Momot revealed the precise installation footprints for the upcoming remastered version across all target hardware.
Platform Download Sizes and Digital Storefront Additions
Players on standard platforms will need to clear significant room on their hard drives before installation begins on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The update file reaches approximately 45GB on Steam for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox consoles, though PC requirements may shift depending on which language packs are installed. Nintendo Switch 2 users face a slightly larger file size of approximately 50GB for a separate product release.
The remaster brings structural changes to digital distribution channels as well. The title becomes available on Battle.net for the first time, opening pre-purchases alongside Nintendo Switch 2. Because platforms like Steam, Epic, GOG, PlayStation, and Xbox handle the release as a direct update to the existing Complete Edition rather than a standalone app, those platforms will not offer preloads.
Global Launch Times and Ecosystem Integration
CD Projekt Red synchronized the rollout globally to align with 12:00 PM CEST in Warsaw, where the developer is based. This unified timing means western regions gain access earlier in the calendar day, while eastern territories log on during evening hours.
- Los Angeles: 3:00 AM PDT
- Boston and New York: 6:00 AM EDT
- London: 11:00 AM BST
- Warsaw: 12:00 PM CEST
- Tokyo: 7:00 PM JST
- Auckland: 11:00 PM NZDT
For Microsoft ecosystem participants, the release operates as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, granting a free digital PC version via the Xbox app alongside automatic achievement carryovers. Meanwhile, digital storefronts have listed sales for existing versions ahead of the rollout, reducing the Xbox Series X|S edition to £19.99 / $24.99.
Overhauled Combat, Skill Trees, and Visual Upgrades
Beyond technical optimization, the upgrade modernizes core gameplay systems. The update introduces a revamped skill tree, new animations, and enhanced combat.
Players will also gain access to new Witcher Sign effects, updated mount handling, improved menu controls, quest tracking adjustments, and equipment transmogrification systems. The latter addition allows users to customize Geralt’s appearance without sacrificing gear statistics. Cross-platform mod support and expanded photo modes round out the package.
Expect a slew of upgrades and enhancements to visuals, performance, gameplay, and more. There’s enhanced combat, improved traversal and movement, new witcher signs effects, revamped mount handling, enhanced monster behaviors, a skill tree revamp, transmogrification, expanded photo mode, and new finishers.
Wesley Yin-Poole, Director, News at IGN
While the visual overhaul brings sharper detail to character armor and aquatic environments, initial community reactions to early side-by-side comparison clips proved mixed, with some viewers expressing divided opinions regarding revised water reflections.
Expansions, Save Data Persistence, and Future Content
Owners of the base game receive the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions at no additional cost as part of the upgrade path. Because the software replaces the existing Complete Edition rather than establishing a separate client, existing save files and PlayStation Trophies remain fully compatible.
This technical transition sets the stage for upcoming additions to the franchise. CD Projekt Red has scheduled Songs of the Past—described as the final story expansion for The Witcher 3—to arrive in 2027. That upcoming DLC is designed to bridge narrative threads directly into The Witcher 4, which currently targets a 2028 release window.