The Witcher 3 Remastered Review: A Must-Play Upgrade

The Witcher 3 Remastered refines the classic RPG with a graphical overhaul and smarter skill system, but occasional performance hiccups remain.

Ever wondered what it'd be like to ride Roach without getting snagged on every tree? The Witcher 3 Remastered finally fixes that, and it's just one of many thoughtful improvements.

When The Witcher 3 first launched, it was a landmark RPG, but it had its fair share of rough edges. The remaster, out September 29, 2026, on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2, aims to smooth those out. And for the most part, it succeeds brilliantly.

The most obvious change is the graphical overhaul. Lighting gets the biggest boost, making environments like Toussaint's sun-drenched fields and Velen's humid swamps more immersive than ever. Hair physics and character animations are smoother, too. However, some characters look a bit off, and PC players may notice occasional slowdowns in busy scenes. CD Projekt Red has promised performance improvements, so that's something to keep an eye on.

But the real magic lies in the gameplay tweaks. The skill system has been completely revamped into a proper skill tree, encouraging experimentation and making progression feel more rewarding. Bonus values and synergies have been refined, and the layout is far more intuitive. Combat also gets subtle new animations, like fresh Sign effects and finishers, adding variety without overhauling the core experience.

Of course, the heart of The Witcher 3—its writing, morally complex quests, and Geralt's emotional journey—remains untouched. Both expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, are included, offering unforgettable tales of regret and redemption. The remaster doesn't make it feel like a new game; it's the same intoxicating adventure, just with fewer warts.

It's reminiscent of Cyberpunk 2077's 2.0 update: a comprehensive refinement that respects the original while modernizing it. For veterans and newcomers alike, this is the definitive way to experience one of the best RPGs ever made.

Will you be returning to the Continent? Let us know in the comments!