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For a first playthrough on supported modern hardware, play The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered. Released September 29, 2026, it updates visuals, combat, progression, animations, and the interface, and includes both story expansions on supported platforms. It is a free upgrade for eligible owners on specific platforms, so check your store entitlement before buying. The comparison also has two distinct upgrade eras: the 2022 version 4.0 update and the newer 2026 Remastered release.
What “original,” version 4.0, and Remastered mean
“Original” can refer to the 2015-era game before later updates. The 2022 next-gen update, version 4.0, was already a substantial upgrade; Remastered is the separate release announced in 2026. The publisher’s 2022 update notes and 2026 release announcement describe these as separate milestones, not interchangeable names.
What changed in the 2022 version 4.0 update?
Version 4.0 added platform-specific graphics options, technical improvements, and quality-of-life features. The available modes and effects vary by hardware.
Graphics and performance options
- PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S: the update added visual and technical improvements, including ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion. Compatible PC hardware also supports ray-traced reflections and shadows. PC-specific features include Ultra+ settings and DLSS 3 on compatible hardware; FSR 2.1 was also added.
- PS5 and Xbox Series X: Ray Tracing mode targets 30 FPS with dynamic resolution scaling; Performance mode targets 60 FPS.
- Xbox Series S: there is no ray tracing option. Quality mode targets 30 FPS, while Performance mode targets 60 FPS and prioritizes smoothness.
These figures are the modes and targets stated in the official version 4.0 notes, not independently measured performance guarantees.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Gameplay, interface, and added content
The update brought photo mode, the ability to pause cutscenes, an alternate closer camera, quick Sign casting, map filters, optional minimap and objective hiding during exploration, subtitle-size options, controller slow-walk, and one-interaction herb looting. It also integrated selected community mods and a curated version of Full Combat Rebalance 3. Added content included a Velen side quest and Netflix-series-inspired cosmetics and character appearances. Chinese and Korean voice-over availability on consoles varies by region.
Version 4.0 also introduced cross-progression: after signing in, the game uploads the latest saves to the cloud. PS4, Xbox One, and Switch received updates too, but the scope differed by platform.
What does the 2026 Remastered release add?
CD PROJEKT RED’s release announcement lists enhanced textures, foliage, lighting, rendering, and ray tracing, with path tracing on PC and dedicated PS5 Pro support. It also announces 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 controls include motion, gyro, mouse, and touchscreen support.
Rank #2
![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)
- 1205504
- High-quality material
- Durable
- robustness
Those features do not establish a like-for-like resolution or frame-rate comparison across every platform. The publisher’s announcement gives PS5 Pro mode figures: 60 frames per second with ray tracing using PSSR, and up to 90 frames per second in Performance mode with VRR. Treat these as publisher-stated supported-mode figures, not a promise that every scene will sustain them or that every display setup can use them.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhich version should you play?
| Player or priority | What to choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New player on a supported modern platform | Remastered | It is the current release and includes both expansions on supported platforms. |
| Existing owner on a listed platform | Check the store entitlement for the free Remastered upgrade | Eligibility depends on the platform and store; the publisher lists specific qualifying combinations. |
| Player on PS4, Xbox One, or original Switch | Check the current store listing and hardware compatibility | The 2022 update reached older platforms, but the 2026 announcement does not list them as direct Remastered targets. |
| Player who prefers the familiar combat or progression | Check the platform’s available build and patch options before switching | Remastered changes combat and progression; the publisher’s cited overview does not document an in-game toggle that restores every original system. |
| Returning player with a save on another platform | Use cross-progression if supported for the platforms involved | It requires current patches, the same CD PROJEKT RED account on both platforms, and a cloud-uploaded save. |
Is Remastered free, and what is included?
The September 29, 2026 announcement describes Remastered as a free upgrade for existing owners on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. It also lists Switch 2 players who own the game on the original Switch. On supported platforms, the upgrade includes both Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, even if the owner previously had only the base game, and Remastered replaces Complete Edition.
The game is also available to purchase on Battle.net and as an Xbox Play Anywhere title through Microsoft Store; check the current storefront terms and your account’s eligibility before buying. Earlier, the 2022 Complete Edition was sold as a next-gen edition, with an update for prior PS4, Xbox One, or PC owners. CD PROJEKT RED announced PS5 and Xbox Series X retail releases of that Complete Edition beginning January 26, 2023. Current physical stock and exact editions depend on retailers, so verify the listing before purchase.
Rank #3
- 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.
How to transfer a save between platforms
CD PROJEKT RED’s cross-progression guide says to have the latest game patch and connect the same CD PROJEKT RED account on both platforms.
- On the source platform, sign in to your CD PROJEKT RED account in the game.
- Create or save your game so the latest save uploads to the cloud.
- On the destination platform, install the latest patch and sign in to the same account.
- Load the cloud save on the destination platform.
How to decide between graphics modes
On version 4.0 consoles with more than one graphics mode, choose based on your priority: Ray Tracing mode on PS5 or Xbox Series X targets 30 FPS with dynamic resolution scaling, while Performance mode targets 60 FPS. On Series S, Quality targets 30 FPS and Performance targets 60 FPS without ray tracing. Remastered has distinct platform-specific features—including PS5 Pro support, PC path tracing, and Switch 2 controls—so do not assume modes or capabilities match between platforms. The cited publisher announcements do not provide a complete independent benchmark across the 2015-era game, version 4.0, and Remastered.
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