CD Projekt RED released The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered (Version 5.00) today, September 29, 2026, delivering a comprehensive technical overhaul to the 2015 RPG. Available as a free update for existing owners on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the remaster introduces path tracing and native support for the Nintendo Switch 2 as part of its launch lineup.

While the update elevates the visual presentation to modern standards, the remaster effectively bridges two generations of hardware.

Path Tracing and High-End PC Requirements

The technical centerpiece of Version 5.00 is the implementation of full path tracing on PC. According to detailed PC requirements released by the developer, achieving a 4K resolution at 60 FPS with “Ultimate” path tracing requires an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 and the use of Frame Generation. The update also integrates DLSS 4.5 to manage the significant computational load.

Early performance reports indicate that the path tracing implementation is exceptionally demanding. In dense urban environments like Novigrad, even an RTX 5090 reportedly struggles to maintain 60 FPS at 1080p without the assistance of Frame Generation. To accommodate these advancements, CD Projekt RED has transitioned to a mandatory Windows 11 and SSD environment, officially ending support for Windows 10 and mechanical hard drives for the Remastered edition.

Console players also see significant upgrades. The PlayStation 5 Pro version utilizes PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) to target 60 FPS while maintaining ray-traced effects. Additionally, the remaster marks the debut of the title on the Nintendo Switch 2, providing a native version of the game for the new handheld hardware.

Legacy Systems and Mechanical Limitations

While the world of Geralt of Rivia now rivals modern releases in lighting and texture detail, CD Projekt RED has introduced several quality-of-life features not present in the 2022 next-gen update. This includes a new “Transmogrification” system, allowing players to customize Geralt’s appearance without sacrificing armor stats. The “Hearts of Stone” and “Blood and Wine” expansions have also been made permanently free for all owners of the base game.

Future Content: Songs of the Past

The launch of the remaster serves as a precursor to new narrative content. CD PROJEKT RED has confirmed a third full-sized expansion titled Songs of the Past, scheduled for release in 2027. This expansion will take players to the previously unexplored Letten region.

The update is currently rolling out across all digital storefronts, with physical disc owners on console eligible for the digital upgrade at no additional cost.