CD Projekt Red has announced The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered, bringing a substantial upgrade to its hugely popular RPG. The new version is scheduled to launch on September 29, 2026, with improvements going far beyond graphics, including revamped combat, movement, character progression, customization and mod support.
The announcement was made during Gamescom Opening Night Live, where CD Projekt Red also revealed new details about a separate expansion, Songs of the Past, which is planned for 2027.
Major visual upgrades announced
The Witcher 3 Remastered will feature significant improvements to the game’s visuals. CD Projekt Red has upgraded textures, lighting, shadows, foliage, characters and monsters, while also improving ray-tracing effects on supported hardware.
These changes are intended to make the Continent look more detailed and modern while maintaining the visual identity of the original game. Players returning to locations such as Novigrad and the surrounding wilderness should notice improvements across the open world.
Combat and movement receive major changes
The Remastered edition will also improve the core gameplay experience.
CD Projekt Red has announced more responsive combat, smoother movement, new finishing moves and enhanced Witcher Sign effects. The studio is also improving mount handling and monster behaviour.
A new adaptive camera will adjust dynamically during battles. It can provide a closer view during certain encounters and a wider perspective when Geralt is surrounded by multiple enemies.
These changes are intended to make combat feel more fluid and modern without fundamentally changing Geralt’s role as a Witcher.
Skill tree gets redesigned
The character progression system is another major area receiving an overhaul.
The skill tree will be redesigned, with new perks and abilities alongside changes to existing skills. This should give players more options when creating different builds for Geralt.
For longtime players, the revamped progression system could provide a new way to approach the game’s combat and exploration even if they have already completed the original adventure.
Transmog adds more customization
The Remastered edition will introduce transmog, allowing players to change the appearance of their equipment while keeping the statistics of their preferred gear.
This means players won’t have to choose between looking the way they want and using the equipment with the best attributes.
The feature should be especially useful for players who have collected multiple Witcher armour sets throughout the game.
Photo Mode gets expanded
CD Projekt Red is also expanding Photo Mode with additional options for players who want to capture images from the game’s open world.
With improved environments, lighting and character models, the expanded Photo Mode should give players more opportunities to create detailed screenshots of Geralt, monsters and locations across the Continent.
Mod support expands to consoles
Another significant announcement is cross-platform mod support.
Players will be able to access community-created content, including new quests, weapons, equipment and gameplay modifications. The feature is particularly notable for console players, as modding has traditionally been much more prominent on PC.
The additional community content could also help extend the game’s lifespan long after its September release.
Existing owners will receive a free upgrade
One of the biggest announcements is the upgrade policy.
Players who already own The Witcher 3 on supported platforms will receive the Remastered version for free. The upgraded package will also include the game’s major expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.
The Remastered edition is planned for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2, while CD Projekt Red has also announced a Battle.net release.
Songs of the Past expansion coming in 2027
Alongside the Remastered edition, CD Projekt Red revealed Songs of the Past, a new paid expansion scheduled for 2027.
The expansion will introduce Letten, a new region that appears peaceful on the surface but contains a darker mystery. Geralt will encounter new characters, monsters and quests while facing decisions with consequences.
The expansion will also add new abilities, mutagens and a chain weapon, giving players additional combat options.
Release date and what it means for fans
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered will launch on September 29, 2026. The combination of improved visuals, redesigned skill progression, enhanced combat, transmog, expanded Photo Mode and mod support makes the project considerably more ambitious than a standard remaster.
For existing players, the free upgrade makes the announcement particularly significant. Meanwhile, Songs of the Past will give fans another major adventure with Geralt in 2027.
With The Witcher 4 also in development, CD Projekt Red is keeping the franchise in the spotlight while preparing for its next major chapter.
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