Witcher 3 Remastered Launches Sept 29 with 45GB Download and Free Expansion Bundle

Key points

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered launches globally on September 29, 2026, with staggered release times starting at 3 AM PDT in Los Angeles.
• The update is free for owners of the base game on qualifying platforms and includes the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions at no extra cost.
• Download sizes are approximately 45GB for PC, PS5, and Xbox, while the Nintendo Switch 2 version requires about 50GB as a separate product.
• Review embargoes lift on September 28, 2026, allowing critics to publish assessments one day before the general release.
• The remaster features improved visuals, ray tracing, enhanced combat, and a reimagined skill system, building on a previous update that made the expansions free for all players.

Background

CD Projekt Red announced the remaster at Gamescom in August 2026, following earlier news that The Witcher 4 would be delayed to 2028 and that a new expansion, Songs of the Past, is in development for 2027. The studio previously updated the base game to the Complete Edition, making the major expansions free for all players and introducing mod support on consoles. The Witcher 3 remains a popular title, with recent sales data showing strong overlap with other CD Projekt Red games.

How outlets are covering it

MP1st provides detailed technical specifications, including exact download sizes and global release times, emphasizing the free upgrade model and the inclusion of expansions. GamingBolt focuses on the gameplay experience, highlighting ten specific quests that benefit from the remaster’s visual and combat improvements, such as ray-traced lighting and enhanced enemy AI. Virus.hr highlights the commercial aspect, noting a 50% discount on the Complete Edition prior to the free remaster upgrade, positioning the release as a value opportunity for new and existing players. While MP1st and Virus.hr focus on logistics and pricing, GamingBolt emphasizes the qualitative improvements to the game’s content.

Why it matters

The Witcher 3 Remastered extends the life of a classic RPG by making it accessible on next-generation hardware and Nintendo Switch 2, while bundling previously paid expansions for free. This move reinforces CD Projekt Red’s strategy of maximizing the value of existing intellectual property ahead of the 2028 release of The Witcher 4 and the 2027 launch of Songs of the Past. The staggered global release and large download sizes reflect the technical demands of modern remasters, while the free upgrade model aims to retain and expand the player base.

What to watch

Players can download the remaster starting September 29, 2026, with reviews available from September 28. CD Projekt Red is developing Songs of the Past, a new expansion for 2027, and The Witcher 4, which is targeted for 2028. The studio may release patch notes and additional details on the remaster’s features in the coming weeks.