Short answer: Complete Edition historically bundled The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with its two major expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, plus 16 extra content items. It also became the name associated with the 2022 next-gen update, which added visual, performance, and quality-of-life features that vary by platform. As of CD PROJEKT RED’s September 2026 support update, both expansions are included with the base game at no extra cost, so the old comparison of “base game versus paid Complete Edition DLC” no longer describes current storefront purchases.
What the editions include
| What you get | 2015-era original release | Complete Edition historically / current base-game package |
|---|---|---|
| Main game | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt base-game story. | The same base-game story. |
| Major expansions | Not part of the original base-game release. | Historically included Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. CD PROJEKT RED Support now says both are included with the base game at no additional cost. Official FAQ |
| Extra content | Original launch content. | The Complete Edition press release listed 16 extra content items. The 2022 update also added a Netflix-inspired quest and items. CD PROJEKT RED press release |
In practical terms, the expansions are the biggest content difference: they add substantial story adventures beyond the main campaign. Current packaging and entitlements have changed over time, so “Complete Edition” in an older library or guide may describe a bundle, while a new storefront base-game purchase now includes the expansions according to the current official FAQ.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![NAMCO - CD Projekt Red - The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, Playstation 5 [English Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dWUfwFl5L._SL160_.jpg)
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NAMCO - CD Projekt Red - The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, Playstation 5 [English Edition] | $49.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
KARMA: The Dark World - Limited Edition - PS5 | $45.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Witcher Library Edition Volume 3 | $28.11 | Buy on Amazon |
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What the 2022 update changed beyond the expansions
The December 2022 update brought more than a new label or bundled DLC. It added a set of visual and usability improvements, but the exact features depend on hardware and platform. CD PROJEKT RED’s December 2022 change list is the source for the platform-specific details.
Graphics and performance
- PC: The update added ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion, with ray-traced reflections and shadows available on compatible hardware. PC also received ULTRA+ graphics settings and DLSS 3 support for compatible hardware; AMD FSR 2.1 was added.
- PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X: The documented modes were Ray Tracing Mode, targeting 30 FPS, and Performance Mode, targeting 60 FPS, with dynamic resolution scaling. These are stated mode targets from the 2022 notes, not independent measured results.
- Xbox Series S: The 2022 notes list Quality and Performance modes, but no ray-tracing features for this console.
- Other visual changes: The update included improvements such as higher-resolution textures, lighting changes, and increased draw distances in supported configurations. These are not a guarantee of identical presentation on every platform.
PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch did not receive the same next-gen feature set. The 2022 announcement described the PS4 and Xbox One update as including selected quality-of-life additions and Netflix-inspired content, and said Switch timing was still forthcoming at that point. Check the current build notes for a specific legacy platform rather than assuming it has the PS5, Xbox Series, or PC feature set.
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Controls, camera, and convenience
The update also added Photo Mode, camera options, Quick Sign Casting, map and interface adjustments, HUD options, and integrated community mods. Cross-progression was introduced as well, allowing supported progression between platforms. On PS5, the 2022 notes also describe DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers, plus Activity Cards.
Do existing owners need to buy it again?
Usually, do not buy another copy until you check the entitlement for your platform and store account. CD PROJEKT RED announced the 2022 next-gen update as free for existing owners of earlier releases on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with the exact installation route depending on the store or platform. Current support documentation says owners of the base game can install the two expansions, which are available to download free on PS4 and Xbox One; separately owned expansions remain in owners’ libraries. The current FAQ also says saves remain compatible and trophies are unaffected.
Rank #2
- UK PSN account may be required for any online features
For the 2026 Remastered release, CD PROJEKT RED’s August announcement describes a free upgrade for owners on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. It also mentions Battle.net and Nintendo Switch 2 as pre-purchase platforms, and a claim route for Switch owners moving to Switch 2 when that version is released. The current FAQ names PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 as Remastered platforms. Because availability and entitlements can differ by storefront and may change, check the exact product page and your library before paying. CD PROJEKT RED’s Remastered announcement
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- You are buying now: The official FAQ says the base game includes both expansions at no extra cost. Confirm that the store listing is the version and platform you intend to use.
- You own the original game: Check your library or platform store for the eligible update and expansion entitlements before repurchasing. Existing saves and trophies are addressed in the current FAQ.
- You care about graphics or frame-rate options: Compare the feature list for your exact platform. PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S do not share identical options, and last-generation builds have a different scope.
- You want a physical disc: CD PROJEKT RED announced retail PS5 and Xbox Series X Complete Edition copies in 2023. Current stock and regional availability are not established here, so verify the specific retailer listing, platform, and edition before ordering. 2023 retail announcement
Can you start the expansions separately?
Yes. CD PROJEKT RED’s current support FAQ says the expansion stories can be started separately from the main menu. That is useful if you want to play the additional adventures without first completing the full main story.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
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.
