The Witcher 3 remastered: free upgrade and improvements for players

Intelligence Summary
- Discover The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered’s free upgrade with visual and gameplay improvements, plus the new Songs of the Past expansion.
In short
- CD Projekt Red has confirmed that the remastered edition of The Witcher 3 is free for current owners.
- The visual and gameplay improvements are significant, 11 years after the original release.
- The Songs of the Past expansion was developed in collaboration with the remastered edition, although the details of their relationship have not yet been fully explained.
GAME-scanner analysis
The announcement of The Witcher 3 remastered edition, revealed at Gamescom 2026, marks an important step for CD Projekt Red. It is notable that the company never considered charging players for this upgrade, which shows its commitment to the existing fanbase. The improvements are not only visual, but also gameplay-related, which will enrich the experience for both new and returning players. The development of the Songs of the Past expansion appears to stem from a creative collaboration, which may point to a renewed focus on expanding the universe of Geralt of Rivia.
What does this mean for players?
For players, this means they can enjoy not only a graphically enhanced version of one of the most beloved RPGs, but also new content at no extra cost. This could increase engagement with the franchise and attract new players who may have hesitated to jump in because of the age of the original. The free upgrade and the new expansion could also extend the game’s lifespan, which is beneficial for the community.
Timeline
2026-09-01: Announcement of the remastered edition and the Songs of the Past expansion during Gamescom.