For most new players on a supported platform, play The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered. Released September 29, 2026, it updates the game’s visuals, combat, progression and interface, and includes both story expansions on supported platforms. Eligible existing owners can receive it as a free upgrade, but availability depends on the platform and store. The key distinction: the 2022 version 4.0 update was a major earlier upgrade—not the 2026 Remastered release.
What “original,” version 4.0 and Remastered mean
“Original” can refer to the 2015-era game before later updates. Version 4.0 arrived on December 14, 2022, bringing a substantial set of next-generation improvements and quality-of-life changes. The 2026 Remastered release is a further, separate update. If you are comparing editions, check the game version and platform rather than treating the 2022 update as the new Remaster. CD PROJEKT RED’s version 4.0 change list documents the earlier update; the publisher’s Remastered announcement covers the 2026 release.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition - Xbox Series X | Buy on Amazon | |
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Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition - Xbox One | $27.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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What changed in the 2022 version 4.0 update?
Graphics and performance settings
On PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, version 4.0 added visual and technical improvements. Its PC features include Ultra+ settings, FSR 2.1 and DLSS 3 on compatible hardware. Ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion were added; compatible PC hardware also supports ray-traced reflections and shadows. The available console modes differ by system:
| Platform | Version 4.0 modes described by the publisher |
|---|---|
| PS5 and Xbox Series X | Ray Tracing mode targets 30 FPS with dynamic resolution scaling; Performance mode targets 60 FPS. |
| Xbox Series S | No ray tracing. Quality mode targets 30 FPS; Performance mode targets 60 FPS while prioritizing smoothness. |
These are publisher-described targets and settings, not independent measurements or a promise that every scene will hold a particular frame rate. The official version 4.0 notes also list updates for PS4, Xbox One and Switch, with features varying by platform.
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- Trained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.
- Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity.
- Take on the most important contract of your life: to track down the child of prophecy, the key to saving or destroying this world.
Controls, interface and extra content
The 2022 update added a photo mode, the ability to pause cutscenes, an optional closer camera and quick Sign casting. It also introduced map filters, optional hiding of the minimap and objectives while exploring, subtitle-size choices, controller slow-walk and one-interaction herb looting, alongside other interface changes. The update integrated selected community mods and a curated version of Full Combat Rebalance 3.
Version 4.0 also added a Velen side quest and cosmetics inspired by the Netflix series. Language additions depend on platform and region; the official notes say Chinese and Korean voice-over availability on consoles varies by region. Cross-progression arrived in this update as well.
What is new in the 2026 Remastered release?
The publisher describes Remastered as an overhaul beyond version 4.0. Announced changes include enhanced textures, foliage, lighting and rendering; ray tracing; and path tracing on PC. The release also adds improved combat, an overhauled skill system, new animations for Geralt and Roach, a refreshed interface and cross-platform mod support through Mod.io. Switch 2-specific features include motion, gyro, mouse and touchscreen controls. See the publisher’s Remastered overview for its platform feature announcements.
PS5 Pro performance claims
CD PROJEKT RED says PS5 Pro uses PSSR to enable 60 frames per second with ray tracing, while Performance mode offers up to 90 frames per second with VRR. Those are publisher-stated supported-mode figures, not independent benchmark results or guaranteed frame rates in every scene; VRR also depends on a compatible display setup. The announcement does not provide a like-for-like benchmark across every platform, so its feature list does not establish exact resolution or performance for all hardware.
Does Remastered include the expansions, and is the upgrade free?
The 2026 announcement says Remastered includes both Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, including for players whose earlier ownership was only the base game. On supported platforms, Remastered replaces Complete Edition. The publisher lists free upgrades for existing owners on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as Switch 2 players who own the game on the original Switch. These are the announced platform and store combinations; check your account’s entitlement in its store before purchasing, since the announcement does not establish that every edition or account situation qualifies.
The 2022 Complete Edition was sold as a next-gen edition and included both expansions. At that time, owners of the game on PS4, Xbox One or PC were offered a free update. CD PROJEKT RED announced retail Complete Edition versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X beginning January 26, 2023. That release history does not establish current retailer stock or the edition currently on sale. The publisher’s next-gen release announcement covers the 2022 edition and upgrade; consult its retail announcement for the physical release details.
The publisher also says the game is available for purchase on Battle.net and as an Xbox Play Anywhere title on Microsoft Store. Those storefront mentions do not by themselves clarify whether a particular purchase qualifies for a Remastered upgrade, so confirm the current store terms before buying.
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- 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.
Which version should you play?
New player on a supported current platform
Choose Remastered if you want the current publisher-supported version and the revised presentation, combat and progression. It includes both expansions on supported platforms, so you do not need to buy them separately where that bundle applies.
Existing owner
Check the relevant platform store or account library for the Remastered entitlement before paying. Upgrade eligibility is platform-specific, and the publisher’s stated free-upgrade list is not a blanket promise covering every store or old-generation console.
Playing on older hardware
The 2022 update reached PS4, Xbox One and Switch, but the changes varied by platform. The 2026 Remastered announcement does not list those older systems as direct Remastered targets. Check the current store listing and compatibility for your specific console rather than assuming it can run the new release.
Keeping a familiar setup
Remastered changes combat, skill progression and presentation, so it may feel different from the version you remember. The publisher’s overview does not document a switch that restores every original system; do not assume there is a complete classic mode.
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Cross-progression requires the latest game patch and the same CD PROJEKT RED account on both platforms. The official cross-progression guide gives these steps:
- Update the game on the source platform to the latest available patch.
- Connect the game to your CD PROJEKT RED account.
- Create a save that uploads to the cloud.
- On the destination platform, update the game and connect the same account.
- Load the cloud save on the destination platform.
If the save does not appear, first confirm that both versions are patched and that both are connected to the same account. The feature uploads the latest saves after account login; a local save that has not uploaded will not be available to load on the other platform.
How to choose between graphics and performance
For version 4.0 on PS5 or Xbox Series X, choose between the publisher-described Ray Tracing mode targeting 30 FPS and Performance mode targeting 60 FPS. On Series S, choose between Quality at a 30 FPS target and Performance at a 60 FPS target; ray tracing is not available there. On PS5 Pro, the publisher describes Remastered ray tracing at 60 FPS with PSSR and up to 90 FPS with VRR in Performance mode. PC options depend on compatible hardware, and Switch 2 has its own control features. Do not assume the same modes or results across systems: the announcements do not supply a comprehensive, independent comparison of image quality and frame rates across all versions.
Quick Recap
What to verify before buying
- Which exact platform and storefront hold your existing game license.
- Whether that platform/store combination appears in the publisher’s Remastered free-upgrade announcement.
- Whether the edition you plan to buy includes both expansions; the 2026 announcement says they are included in Remastered on supported platforms.
- For a physical copy, whether the retailer has the intended platform and edition in stock. A past retail release does not guarantee current availability.
- If moving a save, whether both platforms can use the cross-progression feature and are linked to the same CD PROJEKT RED account.
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.
