CD Projekt Red Announces Free Witcher 3 Remaster and 'Songs of the Past' Expansion

CD Projekt Red has announced a comprehensive Remastered edition of The Witcher 3, arriving September 29th as a free upgrade for all existing owners. The announcement coincides with the first detailed trailer for a new expansion, "Songs of the Past," marking a significant return to the franchise's most acclaimed title.

The Remastered edition, co-developed with Yigsoft, introduces a sweeping set of technical and mechanical overhauls. Players can expect revamped combat, the addition of new finishers, and an adaptive camera system. The update also reimagines the game's skill tree and introduces a transmogrification system for gear customization. In a move to expand the game's reach, the Remastered version will launch on Battle.net and the Switch 2 for the first time. Additionally, the studio has made the previous expansions, "Blood and Wine" and "Hearts of Stone," free for all base game owners.

A Bridge to the Future

Originally released in 2015, The Witcher 3 defined the open-world RPG genre before CD Projekt Red shifted its primary focus to Cyberpunk 2077. While the studio is currently producing the next main entry in the series—projected for a 2028 release—this update serves as a strategic bridge. By returning to the world of Geralt of Rivia now, the studio maintains franchise momentum while the next generation of the series remains in production.

Industry Implications

This release represents a rare departure from current AAA industry trends. While many studios opt for paid "definitive editions" or tiered upgrades for remasters, CD Projekt Red is providing these significant visual and gameplay enhancements at no cost to the existing player base. Furthermore, releasing a major expansion over a decade after the base game's initial launch is highly unusual, signaling a commitment to the title's longevity that exceeds standard post-launch support cycles.

Exploring Letten

The upcoming "Songs of the Past" expansion, co-developed by Fool's Theory, will take players to the region of Letten, the homeland of the bard Dandelion. "With enhancements to visuals, performance, gameplay, and more through the Remastered upgrade, the idyllic land of Letten is yours to explore," CD Projekt Red stated.

While the Remastered update arrives in September, the industry will be watching for further details on the expansion's specific release window and how its narrative ties into the broader trajectory of the franchise leading up to the next main title.