Witcher 3 Remastered Sept 29: Free Upgrade & Price PH

Release Date and Platform Availability

CD PROJEKT RED has officially announced The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered, a major overhaul of its 2015 RPG launching on September 29, 2026 . The timing is strategic—just one month after the announcement at Gamescom, giving CD Projekt Red minimal window for leaks or hype fatigue while maintaining momentum from the reveal trailer.

Confirmed Platforms

The Witcher 3 Remastered releases Sept. 29, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, with Battle.net joining the PC storefronts . This marks the first time a Witcher game has appeared on Battle.net, part of a broader effort to open Battle.net to third-party developers .

PC players can purchase or upgrade through multiple storefronts: Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and the newly added Battle.net. The remaster marks the game's first release on Battle.net and adds Xbox Play Anywhere support on Microsoft's platforms , meaning Xbox purchases work across both Series X|S consoles and Xbox Ally handheld devices without buying separate copies.

Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Title Status

Nintendo Switch owners can also claim the native Switch 2 version for free when upgrading to Nintendo's newer console . For Filipino gamers planning to purchase Nintendo's next-generation hardware, The Witcher 3 Remastered effectively becomes a free launch title—a significant value proposition that could save you ₱2,500-₱3,000 compared to buying a new release.

Who Gets the Free Upgrade (And Who Pays)

Most existing owners will get the remaster as a free upgrade on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S . The upgrade policy is remarkably generous, especially considering the scope of improvements CD Projekt Red is implementing.

Free Upgrade Eligibility

Players who own The Witcher 3 on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X and S will receive the upgrade at no cost . This applies whether you own just the base game or the Complete Edition. Even better, both expansions are now included with the base game at no additional cost, including for players who previously owned The Witcher 3 without either expansion .

Filipino gamers who picked up The Witcher 3 during previous Steam sales or PlayStation Store discounts are now sitting on one of 2026's best gaming bargains. If you're looking for more ways to maximize your gaming budget, explore free GCash Philippines 2026 to earn rewards that can offset your next game purchase.

Pricing for New Buyers

The Nintendo Switch 2 version is listed at $59.99 for new buyers . However, there's an important pricing development: The price of the edition rose from $39.99 to $49.99. The increase occurred amid the announcement of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered .

This price increase for the Complete Edition on existing platforms (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S) means new buyers will pay more, but they'll receive the fully remastered version plus both expansions as a complete package. For Philippine buyers, this translates to approximately ₱1,400-₱2,800 depending on platform and local pricing adjustments.

Expansions Now Included Free

One of the most player-friendly aspects of this remaster is that both major expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, are included for everyone—existing owners and new purchasers alike. Previously, these expansions cost $24.99 combined, adding substantial value to the free upgrade.

Visual and Technical Improvements Breakdown

This goes much further than the next-gen update released in 2022 . CD Projekt Red isn't simply iterating on the 2022 update—they've rebuilt core rendering systems from scratch to support cutting-edge graphics technologies that weren't available during the previous upgrade.

PC Graphics Technology Stack

CD PROJEKT RED has confirmed path tracing, ray reconstruction, ray-traced hair, NVIDIA DLSS 4.5, AMD FSR 4 and Intel XeSS 2.0 . Path tracing represents the most significant visual leap, simulating realistic light behavior throughout the entire game world rather than using traditional approximation techniques.

The rendering overhaul also includes improved ray tracing, revised global lighting, GTAO, new shading, subsurface scattering, HDR improvements, a new tone mapper and updated foliage shading. The game is also moving to native DirectX 12 with rendering parallelization . The move to DirectX 12 with parallelization means better multi-core CPU utilization, potentially improving performance on modern processors.

Console-Specific Enhancements

Console players get improved global lighting, a new shading model, subsurface scattering, and PlayStation 5 Pro support . Filipino gamers with PS5 Pro units will see additional visual modes leveraging the Pro's extra GPU power, though specific resolution and frame rate targets haven't been announced yet.

On the upscaling front: Nvidia DLSS 4.5, AMD FSR 4 (with particularly strong performance on Xbox Ally devices), and Intel XESS 2.0 are all included . The FSR 4 implementation is especially important for Xbox Ally users in the Philippines, where handheld gaming PCs are gaining traction among commuters and travelers.

Environmental and Visual Fidelity

CD Projekt RED has revealed the new Remastered version, which will have enhanced visuals & environmental details, foliage, monster textures, lighting, and overall visual fidelity . These improvements affect every location in the game, from Velen's swamps to Skellige's snow-capped mountains, making the 11-year-old game competitive with 2026 releases.

For Filipino PC gamers considering hardware upgrades to maximize these visual improvements, the Shopee deals guide can help you find discounted RTX 40-series or Radeon 7000-series graphics cards during upcoming sales events.

Gameplay Overhaul: Combat, Skills, and Transmog

CD PROJEKT RED is reworking combat, movement, character progression, Roach handling, loot, lighting, rendering and several quality-of-life systems . These aren't minor tweaks—CD Projekt Red has fundamentally reimagined how Geralt controls and fights.

Combat System Modernization

Enhanced combat brings new finishing moves, new visual effects for Witcher signs, and smoother combat flow . The original Witcher 3 combat system, while functional, showed its age compared to more recent action RPGs. The remaster addresses common player complaints about animation commitment and targeting precision.

Combat of the game has also received a massive improvement and upgrade. There are also new finishing animations, smoother movement, and more responsive controls . Filipino players who found the original combat clunky or imprecise should find the remastered version significantly more responsive and satisfying.

Revamped Skill Tree System

There have been changes in the game's skill tree, providing more flexibility for players to develop Geralt's skills . The original skill system limited build diversity with its 12-slot restriction. While specific details about the new system remain under wraps, CD Projekt Red has indicated players will have more freedom to experiment with hybrid builds combining combat, signs, and alchemy.

Transmog System Finally Arrives

One of the most anticipated additions is the new "transmog" feature, where players can alter the appearance of Geralt's armor and outfit . This has been a top community request since 2015. Players can now wear the best statistical gear while maintaining their preferred aesthetic, whether that's the iconic Wolf School armor or any other set.

Quality of Life Improvements

Combat, movement, Roach handling, monster behavior, Witcher Signs, the skill tree, photo mode, quest tracking, looting, menus, animations, and accessibility are all being changed or expanded . The improved Roach handling alone will save countless hours of frustration, as the original horse AI was notoriously unpredictable.

If you're planning a complete playthrough when the remaster launches, consider exploring legit online earning Philippines opportunities to fund gaming subscriptions or DLC purchases without impacting your regular budget.

Price Philippines and Where to Buy

For Filipino gamers, understanding the pricing structure and purchase options is critical to maximizing value from this remaster announcement.

Current Pricing Breakdown

Philippine pricing typically includes platform fees and local taxation, which explains the variance between USD-to-PHP conversion and actual retail prices. PlayStation Store and Xbox Store prices in the Philippines usually fall at the higher end of these estimates.

Best Time to Buy in PH

For new buyers who don't qualify for the free upgrade, timing your purchase strategically can save significant money. The original Complete Edition frequently appears in sales events:

• Steam Seasonal Sales: Previously discounted to ₱299-₱499 (75-85% off)
• PlayStation Store Sales: Discounts of 60-70% during major sale events
• Shopee/Lazada Game Keys: Third-party key sellers often offer 30-50% discounts

However, with the price increase from $39.99 to $49.99, the sale prices may not drop as low as previous years. If you're interested in purchasing before the September 29 remaster launch, buying during the next Shopee or Lazada mega sale could be your best opportunity. Track upcoming Shopee sales 2026 to catch the game at its lowest price point.

Where to Buy in Philippines

Digital Platforms (Recommended):

• Steam (PC) - Accepts GCash, credit cards, convenience store payments
• PlayStation Store - GCash, credit cards, PlayStation Store cards from DataBlitz/GameOne
• Xbox Store - Credit cards, Xbox gift cards from retailers
• GOG.com (PC, DRM-free) - International payment methods

Physical Retailers:

• DataBlitz - PS5/Xbox physical copies when available
• GameOne PH - Console versions and digital codes
• i.Tech - Gaming peripherals and occasional game stock

Online Marketplaces:

• Shopee Philippines - Game keys from verified sellers (check ratings carefully)
• Lazada Philippines - Similar to Shopee, verify seller reputation

Songs of the Past: The Final Witcher 3 Expansion

CD Projekt Red didn't just announce the remaster—they also revealed the first teaser trailer for the third and final Witcher 3 DLC, titled "Songs of the Past." The studio described it as a "full-fledged third expansion" that takes Geralt to the peaceful realm of Letten, "where dark secrets lurk beneath the surface," coming in 2027 .

What We Know About the Expansion

The expansion takes Geralt to Letten, Dandelion's homeland, where a seemingly idyllic region of harvests and festivals hides something darker. Songs of the Past will introduce new monsters and combat options, including a chain weapon that Geralt can use to grapple and pull enemies .

The chain weapon mechanic shown in the trailer represents a significant gameplay addition. The trailer features a new hook tool that Geralt uses to pull in enemies, as well as new nature-themed enemies . This could fundamentally change combat tactics, allowing Geralt to close gaps with ranged enemies or reposition during fights.

Expansion Pricing and Availability

Songs of the Past is sold separately and is not included with The Witcher 3 Remastered . Unlike the base game expansions (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine) which are now free, this third expansion will require a separate purchase when it launches in 2027.

CD PROJEKT RED describes the expansion as Geralt's final Witcher 3 adventure before the series moves forward with Ciri. The studio has not announced the expansion's price, exact release date, map size or expected length . Based on previous Witcher 3 expansions, expect pricing between ₱500-₱1,200 in the Philippines, with Hearts of Stone-length content (10-15 hours) at minimum.

Connection to The Witcher 4

CD Projekt RED has also confirmed The Witcher 4 is planned for 2028, with the Witcher 3 expansion set for release later in 2027 . This timeline suggests Songs of the Past will serve as a narrative bridge between Geralt's story and Ciri's journey in the next mainline entry, possibly explaining why Geralt steps back from the witcher's path.

For Filipino fans planning to experience the entire Witcher saga, budgeting for both the Songs of the Past expansion in 2027 and The Witcher 4 in 2028 makes sense. Consider checking gaming credits for free programs that reward gameplay time or survey completion to offset these future costs.

PC Requirements and Hardware Recommendations

The Witcher 3 Remastered's extensive graphical overhaul comes with significantly increased hardware demands compared to the 2015 original or even the 2022 next-gen update.

Expected Minimum vs. Recommended Specs

While CD Projekt Red hasn't released official system requirements yet, the technology stack provides clear indicators. Path tracing, ray reconstruction, ray-traced hair, NVIDIA DLSS 4.5, AMD FSR 4, Intel XeSS 2.0, and native DirectX 12 with rendering parallelization suggest the following unofficial estimates:

Minimum (1080p, Medium Settings, FSR/DLSS Performance):

• GPU: RTX 3060 / RX 6600 XT / Arc A750
• CPU: Ryzen 5 3600 / Core i5-10400
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 60GB SSD (DirectX 12 parallelization benefits from fast storage)
• OS: Windows 11 (likely required for DirectX 12 features)

Recommended (1440p, High Settings, Path Tracing Off):

• GPU: RTX 4070 / RX 7800 XT
• CPU: Ryzen 7 5800X3D / Core i7-12700K
• RAM: 32GB DDR4/DDR5
• Storage: 60GB NVMe SSD
• OS: Windows 11

Ultra (4K, Path Tracing Enabled, DLSS Quality):

• GPU: RTX 4080 / RX 7900 XTX (minimum for path tracing)
• CPU: Ryzen 7 7800X3D / Core i9-13900K
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 60GB Gen4 NVMe SSD
• OS: Windows 11

Path Tracing Performance Expectations

Path tracing is exceptionally demanding. Even with DLSS 4.5 or FSR 4 upscaling from 1080p to 4K, maintaining 60fps with path tracing enabled will likely require RTX 4080-class hardware or better. Filipino PC gamers with RTX 3060-3080 cards may need to disable path tracing and settle for the improved rasterized rendering with ray-traced elements instead.

Hardware Shopping Guide for PH Gamers

If you're planning a PC upgrade before September 29, prioritize GPU and SSD improvements:

• Best Value GPU: RTX 4060 Ti 16GB (₱25,000-₱28,000) - Handles 1440p High with DLSS, path tracing at 1080p
• Best Performance GPU: RTX 4070 Super (₱35,000-₱38,000) - Solid 1440p path tracing performance
• Budget Option: RX 7600 (₱16,000-₱18,000) - 1080p High settings with FSR, no path tracing
• Storage Upgrade: 1TB Gen4 NVMe (₱3,500-₱5,000) - Essential for DirectX 12 texture streaming

Watch for hardware deals on Shopee and Lazada during 9.9 sales (just before the September 29 launch), which could save you 15-25% on components. The trending Shopee products section often highlights flash sales on gaming hardware.

Should You Buy Now or Wait? Buyer's Guide PH

With the September 29 launch less than a month away, Filipino gamers face a strategic decision: buy now to qualify for the free upgrade, or wait for post-launch sales?

Buy Now If...

• You've never played The Witcher 3: At ₱1,400-₱2,000 on PC or ₱2,490-₱2,795 on console, you're getting the base game, both expansions (worth $24.99), and the remaster upgrade—over 150 hours of content
• You own the base game but not expansions: The free expansion unlock is worth ₱700-₱1,400, effectively giving existing owners substantial free DLC
• You're planning a Switch 2 purchase: Buying the original Switch version now (often on sale for ₱1,200-₱1,800) secures a free Switch 2 copy worth ₱2,990-₱3,295
• A sale is happening NOW: If you spot a 50%+ discount before September 29, buy immediately to lock in the upgrade

Wait If...

• You already own the Complete Edition: You're getting everything free anyway on September 29—no action needed
• You're unsure about committing to a 100+ hour RPG: Post-launch sales in November-December (Black Friday, 11.11, 12.12) might offer the remaster at 30-50% off
• Your hardware can't run it well: If you're on base PS5/Xbox Series S or older PC hardware, waiting lets you upgrade hardware during holiday sales first
• You're waiting for Songs of the Past: The 2027 expansion might come with a "Complete Complete Edition" bundle at better value

The Best Strategy for Most Filipino Gamers

Check if The Witcher 3 Complete Edition goes on sale during the September 9.9 sales event (September 9, 2026). If it drops to ₱999 or below on PC, or ₱1,499 or below on console, purchase immediately. You'll get 20 days to start playing before the September 29 remaster automatically upgrades your copy.

If no significant sale appears by September 15, evaluate whether you'll realistically play the game in 2026-2027. If yes, buy before September 29 to secure the free upgrade. If you're unsure, wait for the November-December holiday sales—the remaster will likely see 25-30% discounts within three months of launch.

To maximize your gaming budget, explore online contests Philippines 2026 for legitimate giveaways that occasionally feature game codes or gift cards, reducing your out-of-pocket cost for major releases like this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: A Remaster Done Right

CD Projekt Red's approach to The Witcher 3 Remastered sets a new standard for how studios should treat legacy titles and loyal fanbases. By offering the remaster as a free upgrade, unlocking both expansions at no cost, and implementing over 30 meaningful improvements rather than just visual polish, they've created a win-win scenario: existing players get a substantially improved version of a game they already love, while new players get the definitive edition at a fair price.

For Filipino gamers specifically, the September 29 launch timing is ideal—it falls just after the 9.9 sales period, potentially allowing hardware upgrades at discount prices, but before the holiday gift-giving season when budgets tighten. Whether you're a returning player eager to experience Geralt's journey with modern graphics and refined combat, or a newcomer curious about one of the most acclaimed RPGs ever made, The Witcher 3 Remastered represents exceptional value in the Philippine gaming market.

The addition of path tracing, combat overhauls, transmog, and the revamped skill tree transforms this from a simple remaster into what feels like a "director's cut" edition—the version CD Projekt Red would have shipped in 2015 if the technology existed. Combined with the upcoming Songs of the Past expansion in 2027, this remaster breathes new life into an 11-year-old masterpiece and sets the stage for The Witcher 4 in 2028.

If you're looking to maximize your entertainment budget while preparing for this major release, check out the today's biggest discounts for current sales on gaming hardware, accessories, and digital wallet credits. With just under a month until launch, now's the time to ensure your gaming setup is ready for one of 2026's most significant releases—and you won't pay a single peso extra if you already own the game.