Witcher 3 Remastered: The Best Version Yet?

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered is a free update that overhauls combat, movement, skill trees, and graphics. After 10 hours, it's clear this is the best the game has ever been.

Ever wondered what The Witcher 3 would feel like with combat that doesn't make you want to pull your hair out? Well, the new Remastered update might just be the answer. As a free update for anyone who owns the original, it's a massive overhaul that touches almost every part of the game.

I spent about 10 hours in White Orchard and beyond, and let me tell you: this is the best The Witcher 3 has ever been. Combat is less floaty, enemies are smarter, and Geralt moves like he actually wants to get somewhere. The lock-on system finally works, letting you toggle between enemies without the camera having a seizure. Enemies now retreat, counterattack, and even teleport behind you, making fights feel more like a dance and less like a chore.

Movement is another huge improvement. Geralt now vaults over fences and climbs obstacles with ease, and Roach is no longer a complete idiot. She won't get stuck on trees (she passes through them if brushing against them), and you can loot herbs without dismounting. That alone is worth the price of admission (which is free, by the way).

The skill trees have also been revamped, taking cues from Cyberpunk 2077. Perks are available earlier, so you can customize your build without grinding for hours. I'm already enjoying the freedom to experiment without hitting arbitrary walls.

Graphically, it's a stunner. Lighting is more dramatic, textures are sharper, and Geralt's hair no longer looks like a blurry mop. There's even a photo mode to capture all that beauty. Performance isn't perfect – I noticed a few dropped frames – but it's a small price to pay for such a comprehensive upgrade.

If you've been holding off on replaying The Witcher 3, now is the time. It's a free update that makes a masterpiece even better. Will you be diving back into the Continent?