Usually, no. If you own an eligible copy of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD PROJEKT RED says the Remastered upgrade is free on listed platforms, and base-game owners can get Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine without buying the Complete Edition again. Check your game library and platform-specific entitlement before paying for another copy.
What existing owners get
CD PROJEKT RED says owners of the base game can install both story expansions by updating the game. The publisher’s official game FAQ puts it simply: “Simply update the game to the latest version to install Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.” If you already own either expansion, the publisher says it remains in your library, while its content is patched into the base game.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
NAMCO - CD Projekt Red - The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, Playstation 5 [English Edition] | $37.16 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition - Xbox One | $27.99 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The publisher lists a free Remastered upgrade for owners on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in its August 25, 2026 announcement. The announcement treats Nintendo Switch 2 separately: existing Nintendo Switch owners are to be able to claim that edition when it releases. Check your own platform’s store page for current availability and eligibility rather than assuming that every old edition converts to the same Complete Edition listing.
When buying the Complete Edition can make sense
A new purchase is useful when it provides something you do not already have: most commonly, a license on a different platform. For example, owning the PC version does not itself give you a PlayStation or Xbox license. A new copy may also be worthwhile if you specifically want a physical or collector edition, but that is a separate reason from getting the expansions or Remastered upgrade.
#1 Best Overall
- 1205504
- High-quality material
- Durable
- robustness
If you only want the two expansions or the improved version on a platform where you already own an eligible copy, first check for the free update or claim in your library. A second copy should not be treated as a way to unlock extra gameplay when your existing entitlement already includes the relevant content.
Check your edition and platform before purchasing
| What you own | What to check | What the publisher says |
|---|---|---|
| Base game on a listed platform | Update the game and check its store or library entitlement. | The two expansions are available to base-game owners at no extra cost; the Remastered upgrade is free on the listed platforms. |
| Game of the Year edition on PS4 | Follow the PS5 entitlement flow and confirm the edition shown for your account. | CD PROJEKT RED’s PlayStation instructions say qualifying PS4 Game of the Year owners can select Complete Edition at $0. |
| Base game only on PS4 | Download the dedicated PS5 version; check separately for expansion downloads if you own them. | The same support page describes a free next-gen base-game update, with expansion versions downloaded separately if owned. |
| Disc copy for PS5 | Make sure the console has a disc drive and keep the disc inserted to download and play. | CD PROJEKT RED’s PlayStation instructions specify those requirements for disc owners. |
| Nintendo Switch copy | Check the current Nintendo store listing when the Switch 2 edition is available. | The August 25 announcement says Switch owners can claim the Switch 2 edition when it releases; it is described separately from the named free-upgrade platforms. |
The PS5 details above come from a support article created and updated several years before the October 2026 access date. Use that page for its stated PlayStation process, and confirm the live console-store options for your account rather than applying its flow to other platforms.
Rank #2
- If you buy this game, you will receive a free next-gen update on December 14th!
- Play as a highly trained monster slayer for hire.
- Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth and complexity.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Game of the Year edition brings together the base game and all the additional content released to date.
Will your saves and progress carry over?
CD PROJEKT RED says save files remain compatible and cross-progression continues to work as before; it also says achievements and trophies are unaffected. The publisher’s game FAQ states: “Your save files remain compatible and Cross Progression will remain functional the same as before.” This describes supported continuity, but it does not mean a license transfers between platforms: check the account and platform requirements for the version you plan to play.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How much extra content is included?
CD PROJEKT RED estimates the Complete Edition offers “over 100 hours” of playtime and says the two expansions add “another 50 hours.” These are publisher estimates, not guaranteed playtimes; actual time depends on how you play. For an owner who qualifies for the free content and upgrade, those estimates describe what the package contains, not a reason to buy it twice. The estimates appear on the publisher’s newsletter page.
Quick Recap
What to do before you spend money
- Identify where your copy is owned. Note the storefront or console account and whether you have the base game, Game of the Year edition, Complete Edition, or separately purchased expansions.
- Open that platform’s library or store page. Look for the free update, claim, or edition entitlement attached to your existing copy.
- On PlayStation, match the process to your edition. Use the publisher’s PS5 instructions; if you own a disc, verify that your PS5 has a disc drive and have the disc ready.
- Buy only for a missing entitlement. If you want to play on another platform, or your account does not show the expected entitlement, verify the current listing and platform terms before purchasing.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

