The Witcher 3 Remastered: Download Size, Release Dates and Reviews

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered is set to arrive on September 29, 2026, offering a free upgrade for existing owners across major platforms. Following the major announcement at gamescom last month, CD Projekt RED has confirmed that players can download the enhanced version without additional cost, though the file size demands significant storage space. For those preparing their hard drives, the update requires approximately 45 GB of space on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox consoles. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will require slightly more room, clocking in at around 50 GB, as it is treated as a separate product.

While previous titles like Cyberpunk 2077 utilized the studio’s proprietary REDengine, the upcoming The Witcher 4 will shift to Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5. This transition highlights the evolving technical landscape under which these games are built, even as the current remaster leverages modern optimizations for improved performance and visuals.

Global Release Schedule and Unlock Times

According to Marcin Momot, the Global Community and Social Media Director at CD Projekt RED, the specific unlock times for the remaster vary by region. Players should note that the release date is fixed globally on September 29, 2026, but local access begins at different hours depending on time zones.

In North America, the game unlocks at 3 AM PDT in Los Angeles, advancing to 6 AM EDT in Boston and 7 AM BRT in Brasília. European audiences will see the launch occur later, with availability starting at 11 AM BST in London and 12 PM CEST in Warsaw and Algiers. Further east, the release window shifts significantly, with Kyiv and Cairo unlocking at 1 PM EEST, Beijing at 6 PM CST, and Seoul and Tokyo both accessing the title at 7 PM local time. In the Asia-Pacific region, Melbourne goes live at 8 PM AEST, while Auckland waits until 11 PM NZDT.

Review Embargo Lifts Early

Gaming journalists and content creators will be able to publish their assessments of the remaster one day before the general public gains access. The review embargo lifts on September 28, 2026, allowing critics to share their thoughts ahead of the official launch.

The embargo end times align closely with the regional release schedule. In the United States, reviewers can publish at 3 AM PDT in Los Angeles and 6 AM EDT in New York. In Europe, the window opens at 11 AM BST in London and 12 PM CEST in Warsaw. Asian outlets in Beijing and Tokyo will have their embargo lifted at 6 PM CST and 7 PM JST, respectively. MP1st has publicly confirmed that they are reviewing the title and aim to have their coverage ready for the embargo lift, noting that the sheer scale of the game makes timely evaluation essential.

Included Content and Future Roadmap

The remastered package delivers substantial value beyond visual enhancements. Owners of qualifying versions of The Witcher 3 will receive Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine automatically. This mirrors a recent base game update released last month across all platforms, which converted the standard purchase into the Complete Edition, granting both expansions for free. Additionally, console users now have access to mods, although the library may not be as extensive as what PC players enjoy.

Beyond this release, CD Projekt RED is developing Songs of the Past, which serves as the final story expansion for The Witcher 3. This DLC is designed to bridge the narrative gap between the current trilogy and The Witcher 4, which is currently targeting a 2028 release. While detailed patch notes for the remaster are not yet available, the update promises upgraded visuals, refined combat mechanics, and a reimagined skill system, ensuring the experience remains fresh for new and returning players alike.