The Witcher 3 is set to receive a remaster that goes well beyond higher-resolution visuals. The upgrade will preserve existing save data, trophies and achievements while introducing dozens of new features, from revised horseback riding to an updated photo mode. A community list details features that are being added.
CD Projekt Red has encouraged players to view the project as a version 2.0 overhaul rather than a conventional remaster. Paweł Sasko said at Gamescom 2026 that the team focused on the areas players and critics considered most dated: the gameplay systems themselves.
“When we think about this remaster, it’s almost like a 2.0 overhaul for The Witcher 3,” Sasko said. The team applied design lessons from the RedEngine 4 work on Cyberpunk 2077 to the RedEngine 3 game, examining frustrations with exploration, Geralt’s movement and the absence of finisher attacks.
Core gameplay is the main target
The previous major upgrade for The Witcher 3 concentrated largely on visual improvements for newer, more powerful consoles. This remaster is intended to make deeper changes to how the adventure plays, taking a similar approach to the substantial systems revision delivered in Cyberpunk 2077’s 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty expansion.
Those changes include adjustments to exploration, movement and combat. The developers say the revised experience should address the elements that made the original feel dated, while finisher attacks will also be added.
More active abilities and combat options
According to Sasko, the original game’s different character builds relied too heavily on shared passive skills. The remaster will add more active abilities, allowing players to notice the impact of their decisions immediately through new moves and combinations.
A new iron chain is also planned for combat. The weapon was referenced several times in the books and appeared in a notable The Witcher 1 CGI introduction, giving the development team a chance to bring that previously familiar element into interactive play.
As with the Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 overhaul, most of these underlying improvements are expected to arrive as part of the free remastered upgrade. The update is scheduled for October, meaning returning players will not need to start over to experience the revised systems.
A free update with a substantial learning curve
Changes to combat mechanics and skill trees could normally make an established save feel unfamiliar. However, the scale of the redesign appears intended to make relearning The Witcher 3 worthwhile rather than simply adding another graphical pass.
Further features are also planned for the Songs of the Past expansion next year. For more gaming news, visit RETROCADE’s Arcade Blog, or explore the arcade video collection for coverage from the wider games industry.
What the remaster changes
- Existing saves, trophies and achievements will carry across.
- Horseback riding and photo mode will receive revisions.
- Exploration and Geralt’s movement controls are being reworked.
- Finisher attacks, new active abilities and combat synergies are planned.
- An iron chain will become a new combat tool.
- The free remastered upgrade is scheduled for October, with additional features planned for Songs of the Past next year.
Players considering a dedicated setup for RPGs can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide or browse the available arcade machines.
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