For most players starting The Witcher 3 on supported modern hardware, choose The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered, released September 29, 2026. It updates the visuals, combat, progression, animations and interface, and includes both story expansions on supported platforms. Eligible owners receive it as a free upgrade, but eligibility depends on platform and storefront. The 2022 version 4.0 update is a separate, earlier upgrade—not the 2026 Remastered release.
What “original,” version 4.0 and Remastered mean
“Original” can refer to the 2015-era game before its major updates. The first major modern refresh arrived as version 4.0 on December 14, 2022. The 2026 Remastered release adds another set of changes. Treating version 4.0 as the Remaster blurs two distinct upgrade eras.
CD PROJEKT RED announced the 2026 release as a free upgrade for eligible owners on specified platforms. Its announcement describes the new features, but does not provide a comprehensive, like-for-like performance benchmark against earlier builds. The official version 4.0 update notes and the Remastered announcement should be read as descriptions of features and settings, not independent test results.
What changed in the 2022 version 4.0 update
Visual and performance options
On PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, version 4.0 introduced a range of visual, performance and technical improvements. Official notes list ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion. Compatible PC hardware also supports ray-traced reflections and shadows; PC-specific additions include Ultra+ settings and DLSS 3 on compatible hardware, as well as FSR 2.1.
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Console graphics modes differ by system. These are targets and settings from the publisher’s notes, not independently measured frame-rate guarantees:
| Platform | Version 4.0 modes described by CD PROJEKT RED |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Gameplay, interface and extra content
Version 4.0 also added practical options and changes that remain relevant to a returning player:
- Photo mode, the ability to pause cutscenes and an alternate, closer camera.
- Quick Sign casting, map filters, optional minimap and objective hiding while exploring, subtitle-size options and controller slow-walk.
- One-interaction herb looting and other interface and quality-of-life changes.
- Selected community mods and a curated version of Full Combat Rebalance 3.
- A Velen side quest, Netflix-series-inspired cosmetics and character appearances, and platform-dependent language additions. The official notes say Chinese and Korean voice-over availability on consoles varies by region.
- Cross-progression: after account login, the update uploads the latest saves to the cloud.
PS4, Xbox One and Switch also received updates, but their feature scope varies by platform. The detailed graphics settings above apply to the named PC and newer-console platforms, not uniformly to every version.
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What the 2026 Remastered release adds
The publisher lists enhanced textures, foliage, lighting, rendering and ray tracing; path tracing on PC; dedicated PS5 Pro support; 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 has platform-specific motion, gyro, mouse and touchscreen controls.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Those features are not identical across every platform. In particular, path tracing is listed for PC, the dedicated PS5 Pro support applies to that console, and the Switch 2 announcement highlights its own control options. The overview does not establish matching resolutions or frame rates across all systems.
PS5 Pro performance figures
CD PROJEKT RED says PS5 Pro uses PSSR to enable 60 frames per second with ray tracing; Performance mode offers up to 90 frames per second with VRR. These are publisher-stated supported-mode figures, not a promise that every scene will maintain a given rate or that every display setup supports VRR.
Rank #3
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Does Remastered include the expansions, and is it free?
The 2026 announcement says Remastered includes both Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, including for owners whose previous purchase was only the base game. The stated free-upgrade eligibility covers existing owners on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, plus Switch 2 players who own the game on the original Switch. On supported platforms, Remastered replaces Complete Edition.
The eligibility list is platform-specific; do not assume an older-console copy or a purchase from an unlisted storefront qualifies. The game is also available to buy on Battle.net and as an Xbox Play Anywhere title through Microsoft Store, but the announcement’s free-upgrade list does not name those storefronts. Check the current store listing and account entitlement before purchasing or expecting an upgrade.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe 2022 Complete Edition was sold as a next-gen edition with both expansions, and a free update was available to prior PS4, Xbox One and PC purchasers. CD PROJEKT RED announced PS5 and Xbox Series X retail versions of that edition beginning January 26, 2023. That announcement establishes a retail release, not current stock; check the retailer’s listing for availability and exact edition.
Rank #4
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Which version should you play?
Starting fresh on a supported modern platform
Choose Remastered. It is the current version described by the publisher, brings the newer presentation and systems, and includes both expansions on supported platforms. If you already own the game, check eligibility before paying for another copy.
Playing on older hardware
PS4, Xbox One and the original Switch received platform-specific updates, including the 2022 update, but the 2026 announcement does not list them as direct Remastered targets. Check the current store and the hardware you plan to use rather than assuming the Remastered features or upgrade carry over to an older console.
Preferring the older feel or a legacy setup
Remastered changes combat, skill progression and presentation. The cited publisher overview does not document a toggle that restores every original system, so players who specifically want the earlier feel should verify the options available for their platform and patch before switching.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
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Choosing a graphics mode
On systems with a choice, decide whether visual effects or a higher performance target matters more, then use the platform’s available mode. The 2022 targets describe the modes in that version; Remastered’s PS5 Pro figures are specific to that platform. Neither set of figures is an across-the-board performance comparison.
How to transfer a save to another platform
Cross-progression requires the latest game patch and the same CD PROJEKT RED account connected on both platforms. The official cross-progression guide directs players to create a save that uploads to the cloud, then load it on the destination platform.
Quick Recap
- Update the game on both platforms and connect the same CD PROJEKT RED account on each.
- On the source platform, create a save and confirm that it uploads to cloud storage.
- Open the game on the destination platform and load the uploaded save.
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