Usually, no. If your copy of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt qualifies for the free upgrade, you do not need to buy the Complete Edition just to get the improved version or its two story expansions. Update the game and check your platform library for the correct entitlement. A new purchase makes sense mainly if you need a license on another platform or your particular edition or storefront does not qualify.
What you get without buying another copy
CD PROJEKT RED says owners of the base game can install Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine by updating the game. The publisher’s official game FAQ puts it simply: “Simply update the game to the latest version to install Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.” If you already own either expansion separately, its content is patched into the base game and the expansion remains in your library.
The publisher’s August 25, 2026 Remastered announcement says the upgrade is free for owners on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. It describes Nintendo Switch 2 separately: existing Nintendo Switch owners will be able to claim that edition when it releases. Check your own store or library page, since platform eligibility and claim steps are not identical.
The Complete Edition bundles the base game with both expansions. CD PROJEKT RED estimates the base game offers “over 100 hours” and the expansions add “another 50 hours” together, according to its newsletter page. Those are publisher estimates, not guaranteed playtimes—and they describe the package, not a reason for an eligible owner to pay twice.
#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.
Check which edition and platform you own
| What you own | What to do | What a new Complete Edition purchase adds |
|---|---|---|
| Base game on an eligible listed platform | Update the game and confirm the free upgrade in your library or store. | Usually no additional gameplay entitlement on that same platform. |
| Base game plus one or both expansions | Update the game; owned expansion content is integrated into the game. | Usually no need to rebuy content you already own. |
| Game of the Year edition or another older edition | Check the exact platform entitlement; do not assume every edition converts to a Complete Edition license. | May matter only if your specific copy or storefront is excluded. |
| No license on the platform you want to play | Check that platform’s store listing and eligibility terms. | Can provide the missing platform license. |
Edition names do not guarantee identical entitlements across platforms. CD PROJEKT RED says the base-game storefront offering was replaced by the Complete Edition, but that does not mean every existing owner receives a separate Complete Edition SKU. For PlayStation, the publisher’s next-gen update instructions describe a specific process: qualifying PS4 Game of the Year owners can select the Complete Edition at $0, while owners of only the base game get the free next-gen base-game update and must download expansion versions separately if they own them. Treat that support page as PlayStation-specific guidance, not a universal current entitlement rule.
How to claim the upgrade
- Open the library or storefront tied to your original purchase. Confirm the game is present and look for the free upgrade or current dedicated version. A license on one platform does not itself provide a license on another.
- Install or update the correct version. On PC, use the store where you own the game. On PlayStation, follow the publisher’s dedicated next-gen download instructions rather than assuming the old version updates into the new one.
- Check expansion access in the game or store. The base-game update should install the expansions for eligible owners, but PlayStation base-game owners may need to download separately owned expansion versions separately.
- If you own a PlayStation disc, check the console requirement. The publisher says a disc copy requires a PS5 with a disc drive and the disc inserted to download and play the game.
- For Nintendo Switch 2, verify the claim when that edition is available. The 2026 announcement distinguishes existing Switch owners’ future claim from the named free-upgrade platforms; do not assume the same timing or store flow.
For a dated platform-specific walkthrough, use CD PROJEKT RED’s PlayStation instructions. Because its page describes an older PS4-to-PS5 flow, confirm the current options shown by your own store before purchasing anything.
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
Will your saves still work?
CD PROJEKT RED says save files remain compatible, cross-progression continues to function, and achievements and trophies are unaffected. The publisher’s FAQ states: “Your save files remain compatible and Cross Progression will remain functional the same as before.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When buying the Complete Edition makes sense
- You want to play on a different platform and do not own a license there.
- Your particular storefront or physical edition does not qualify for the free upgrade or expansion entitlement.
- You want an additional physical copy for a reason beyond accessing the same game content.
For the usual case—same platform, eligible original copy, and a desire for the expansions or upgraded version—check your entitlement before spending money. A second copy should not be treated as an automatic way to unlock extra gameplay.
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Quick Recap
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.
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.
