The Witcher 3 remaster: Fans look for a catch but can’t find one

The remaster of The Witcher 3 launches on September 29 and improves more than just the graphics. As we previously reported, the new version comes with 30 improvements – and existing owners will get them completely free of charge. On top of that, the game's two existing expansions will also be available at no additional cost. On Reddit, fans say they would have expected a remaster like this to cost $40 to $50. Many can hardly believe their luck and are wondering how CD Projekt Red might eventually get them to open their wallets after all.

“Like my mind has normalised the endless corporate nickle and diming so much that I find myself looking for some catch.” writes u/Bartellomio. But there genuinely doesn't seem to be one. The move may not be entirely selfless, but for fans, it looks like a free upgrade with no hidden costs. CD Projekt Red is bringing old and new players back to Velen while also generating plenty of attention for the paid Songs of the Past expansion, which is scheduled to launch in 2027. At the same time, the studio is making other publishers look pretty bad by comparison. Reddit user u/marindoom calls it a “absolute middlefinger to other studios doing cash grabs for remasters.”

CD Projekt's apparent strategy seems to be working. Many fans on Reddit say the announcement has made them eager to start another playthrough. For those who have only just started the game, however, the timing is somewhat inconvenient. Some Redditors are considering putting their current playthrough on hold until September or starting over from scratch once the remaster arrives.

A few questions remain unanswered

The community isn't approaching the remaster entirely without concerns, however. It remains unclear, for example, whether existing save files will carry over without issues. PC players are also wondering whether the numerous changes will break existing mods and how much the new system requirements will increase. “I hope my 1660 Ti can handle the newer graphics,” writes u/_shazam. Fans are also concerned about performance on the Steam Deck and whether the existing version of the game will remain available.