CD Projekt Red Announces Free Witcher 3 Remaster and New Bridge DLC
The technical overhaul arrives September 29, 2026, offering free expansions and a narrative bridge to the next main entry in the series.
CD Projekt Red has announced the launch of The Witcher 3 Remastered, scheduled for release on September 29, 2026. The update serves as a comprehensive technical overhaul of the 2015 open-world epic, designed to modernize the experience for current-generation hardware.
In a move that challenges industry standards for remasters, the upgrade is free for all current owners of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. This eligibility extends to legacy console owners who previously purchased the game on PS4 or Xbox One. Furthermore, Nintendo Switch owners will be able to claim the remastered version for free on the upcoming Switch 2. Beyond the base game upgrade, CD Projekt Red is making the two existing expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, free for all base game owners.
Technical and Gameplay Overhaul
The remaster focuses on significant performance and visual improvements, including dedicated support for the PS5 Pro. The update introduces enhanced graphics and refined systems for combat and movement. These changes aim to bring the title up to modern standards while preserving the core gameplay loop that defined the original release.
A Bridge to the Future
This release is more than a technical refresh; it establishes the narrative trajectory for the entire franchise. CD Projekt Red confirmed that a new expansion titled "Songs of the Past" is due in 2027. This DLC is specifically designed to bridge the narrative gap between the current protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, and Ciri, who is slated to lead the next main entry in the series. This transition prepares the player base for The Witcher 4, which is currently targeting a 2028 release.
Industry Implications and Extras
By removing the paywall for legacy expansions and providing a free upgrade path across multiple hardware generations, CD Projekt Red is pushing back against the trend of requiring full repurchases for remastered content. The launch also includes a cross-promotion with Blizzard; players who purchase or access the remaster via Battle.net will unlock a Geralt-inspired skin in Diablo 4.
What to Watch
While the core technical improvements and release dates are set, the industry will be watching the 2027 launch of "Songs of the Past" to see how the story shifts focus toward Ciri. Additionally, further details on the specific performance benchmarks for the Switch 2 version remain to be seen as the hardware nears its own debut.