If you’re searching for how to get The Witcher 3 Remastered, there’s good news for existing players: you may not need to purchase the game again. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered is designed to bring CD PROJEKT RED’s acclaimed RPG to modern hardware with improved visuals, performance, combat, movement, and several quality-of-life upgrades.
The remastered edition is scheduled to launch on September 29, 2026, giving both returning players and newcomers an opportunity to experience Geralt of Rivia’s adventure in an updated form.
However, the upgrade rules are different depending on the platform you use. Here’s everything you need to know about The Witcher 3 Remastered, including who gets it for free, how to access it, supported platforms, Nintendo Switch 2 details, and what the remastered edition includes.
What Is The Witcher 3 Remastered?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered is an enhanced version of the original open-world RPG.
Rather than being a completely different game, the remastered edition builds upon the original adventure while introducing improvements designed to make the experience feel more modern.
Players can expect upgrades to areas such as graphics, lighting, textures, combat, movement, character progression, and photo mode.
The main story remains centred around Geralt of Rivia as he searches for Ciri while becoming involved in the political conflicts, monster hunts, and personal stories that define The Witcher 3.
When Does The Witcher 3 Remastered Release?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered is scheduled to release on September 29, 2026.
Existing players should check their respective digital game libraries around launch day to determine whether the remastered edition or upgrade is available.
If you’re planning to buy the game specifically to receive the upgrade, make sure you purchase a qualifying version on a supported platform.
Who Gets The Witcher 3 Remastered for Free?
One of the biggest advantages for existing players is that qualifying owners don’t have to purchase the remastered edition separately.
The free upgrade applies to supported versions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on:
- PC via GOG
- PC via Steam
- PC via Epic Games Store
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
If you already own a qualifying version, you should be able to access the remastered edition through the same platform when it becomes available.
In most cases, you won’t need to purchase another copy simply because a remastered version has launched.
How to Get The Witcher 3 Remastered on PC
Getting the remastered edition on PC should be relatively simple if you already own The Witcher 3.
GOG
If you purchased The Witcher 3 through GOG, keep the game in your library and check for the remastered release or upgrade when it launches.
You should not need to purchase another copy if your existing ownership qualifies for the free upgrade.
Steam
Steam owners can check their game library around the release date.
Look for an available update, new version, or upgrade associated with your existing Witcher 3 ownership.
Make sure you’re signed into the Steam account that owns the game.
Epic Games Store
Epic Games Store owners should similarly check their library after the remastered version becomes available.
If your existing copy qualifies, follow the platform’s update or installation instructions rather than purchasing the game again.
What About Battle.net?
The Witcher 3 Remastered is also planned for Battle.net.
However, Battle.net works differently from the other PC storefronts mentioned above.
Owning The Witcher 3 through Steam, GOG, or Epic Games Store does not automatically mean that you own a separate Battle.net copy.
Therefore, players should not assume that an existing purchase on another PC launcher will transfer to Battle.net.
If you specifically want to play through Battle.net, check the ownership and upgrade conditions associated with that platform before making a purchase.
How to Get The Witcher 3 Remastered on PS5
PlayStation 5 players who already own a qualifying version can access the remastered edition as a free upgrade.
If The Witcher 3 is already associated with your PlayStation account, check your game library around the release date.
You may see an option to download or update to the remastered version once it becomes available.
The key point is that your ownership needs to be connected to the supported platform. Don’t purchase another copy before checking whether your existing version already qualifies.
How to Get The Witcher 3 Remastered on Xbox Series X|S
Xbox Series X and Series S players can also receive the remastered edition through the applicable free-upgrade system.
Check your Xbox game library when the remastered version launches.
If your existing version qualifies, follow the upgrade or download instructions shown through your account.
As with PlayStation, it’s worth checking your existing ownership first rather than immediately buying another copy.
Is The Witcher 3 Remastered Coming to Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a native version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered.
The Switch 2 version is scheduled to launch on September 29, 2026.
Unlike the free upgrade system on the other supported platforms, the Switch 2 version is being offered as a separate release.
However, there is an important benefit for existing Nintendo players.
If you already own The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on the original Nintendo Switch, you will be able to claim the remastered version on Nintendo Switch 2 when it launches.
This means Nintendo players should check their existing Switch ownership before purchasing another copy.
What Does The Witcher 3 Remastered Include?
The remastered edition isn’t simply a resolution upgrade. It introduces a broad collection of technical and gameplay improvements.
Some of the notable changes include:
Improved Visual Quality
The remastered version features upgraded textures for environments, characters, NPCs, and monsters.
Lighting and foliage have also been improved, helping locations across the Continent look more detailed and atmospheric.
Enhanced Rendering and Ray Tracing
Modern rendering improvements and ray-tracing features are designed to deliver better lighting and visual detail on supported hardware.
These upgrades can make environments, shadows, reflections, and other visual elements feel more realistic.
Reworked Combat
Combat is another area receiving attention.
Improved animations and new finishing moves are designed to make Geralt’s swordplay feel more responsive and visually impressive.
Improved Movement and Traversal
The remastered version also introduces movement and traversal improvements.
Geralt’s movement has been refined to make exploration feel smoother, particularly when travelling across the game’s large open-world environments.
Better Horse Handling
Roach plays an important role in exploring the Continent, and the remastered version includes improvements to mount handling.
This should make travelling between locations more comfortable.
Redesigned Skill Tree
Character progression is also receiving changes.
A redesigned skill tree can provide a refreshed approach to developing Geralt’s abilities as you progress through the game.
Transmog Options
The remastered edition includes transmog functionality, giving players more control over Geralt’s appearance while using different equipment.
This is particularly useful for players who want a specific visual style without sacrificing useful gear.
Expanded Photo Mode
Photography enthusiasts can also expect an expanded photo mode, allowing players to capture more detailed shots of the game’s landscapes, characters, monsters, and combat moments.
Cross-Platform Mod Support
Mod support is another notable addition, potentially giving PC players and the wider community more ways to customise and expand their experience.
Do You Get Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine?
Yes, according to the information provided for the remastered release, existing base-game owners will receive access to Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine at no additional cost.
Both expansions are major additions to The Witcher 3 experience.
Hearts of Stone introduces a separate storyline involving Geralt and a mysterious character known as Gaunter O’Dimm.
Blood and Wine takes Geralt to the colourful region of Toussaint, adding a large new adventure, characters, quests, locations, and story content.
For new players, having the main game and both expansions available together makes the remastered edition an especially substantial RPG package.
Should You Buy The Witcher 3 Before the Remastered Release?
If you haven’t played The Witcher 3 yet, purchasing a qualifying version before the remastered launch may be worth considering if the upgrade rules apply to that purchase.
However, always check the platform-specific ownership conditions before buying.
If you already own the game on a qualifying platform, there is generally little reason to purchase another copy simply to access the remastered edition.
The Witcher 3 Remastered Free Upgrade Explained
Here’s a quick overview:
| Platform | Remastered Access |
|---|---|
| GOG | Free upgrade for qualifying owners |
| Steam | Free upgrade for qualifying owners |
| Epic Games Store | Free upgrade for qualifying owners |
| PS5 | Free upgrade for qualifying owners |
| Xbox Series X|S | Free upgrade for qualifying owners |
| Battle.net | Separate PC distribution option |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Native release |
| Original Nintendo Switch | Eligible owners can claim the Switch 2 version |
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to get The Witcher 3 Remastered, the first thing to do is check whether you already own a qualifying version.
Players on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S can access the remastered edition through the applicable free-upgrade system. Nintendo Switch 2 is also receiving a native version, while existing original Switch owners have a path to claim the upgraded release.
The remastered edition goes beyond improved graphics, bringing visual enhancements, refined combat, improved movement, a redesigned skill system, transmog, expanded photo mode, and other quality-of-life improvements.
For returning players, it offers a reason to revisit one of the most celebrated RPGs of its generation. For newcomers, it could provide the most modern way to experience Geralt’s complete adventure, including the major Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions.
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