Geralt Returns in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Songs of the Past and Remastered

Visual Modernization and Lighting Overhaul

The primary focus of the Remastered edition is a comprehensive visual upgrade designed to bring the game up to contemporary standards. CD PROJEKT RED aims to make the world feel fresh while preserving the original's soul. The most noticeable changes include improved textures across the environment, NPCs, and monsters. However, the studio places equal emphasis on lighting.

Throughout the open world, players will experience more natural illumination and dramatically improved light and shadow dynamics. These enhancements are visible in diverse settings: from the foliage while hunting monsters in the wilderness to the streets of Novigrad as the sun sets over the bustling market. Together with improvements to ray tracing, these changes intend to make it feel like players are seeing the world of The Witcher 3 for the first time again.

Refined Combat and Adaptive Camera

While visuals are a major draw, modernization extends deeply into gameplay mechanics. The combat system has been revamped to feel more precise and smooth than ever before. Revamped animations play a decisive role here; for instance, Geralt of Rivia can now close the gap in combat much more fluidly.

Some brutal new finishers have also entered the fray, including an Aard-based finisher showcased in the announcement trailer. A key addition is the new adaptive camera, which feeds into how the action is presented. It is described as more dynamic, allowing players to feel more immersed in the moment-to-moment swordfighting. Depending on the number of foes faced, the camera will move in tighter or zoom out for a wider view of enemies. The goal is to make this feel natural and keep players engrossed and aware in battle at all times.

Reimagined Character Progression

One of the biggest mechanical changes relates to skill trees and character progression. When looking at The Witcher 3 holistically, it became clear that there are ways to bring skill trees and character building more in-line with what a modern RPG audience might expect or be used to. Naturally, this is a pretty fundamental change.

The entire system has been reimagined. New perks and abilities have been added, many existing skills have been reworked, and the skill trees themselves are completely redesigned. This overhaul makes unlocking and creating your build more flexible and intuitive for players accustomed to modern RPG mechanics.

Additional Features and Cross-Platform Support

Beyond core gameplay changes, Remastered introduces several quality-of-life features and new content options:

• Transmogrification: Players can reforge the look of their favorite weapons and armor through the magic of transmogrification. This feature ensures that players never need to sacrifice style for stats, allowing Geralt's style to be fully commanded.
• Cross-platform mod support: Mods are now available on XBOX Series X|S. Players can create and play a wealth of custom content, ranging from new quests and weapons to balance changes, creating an entirely unique Witcher 3 experience.
• Expanded photo mode: The photo mode has been significantly expanded with new poses, camera controls, frames, filters, models, and more options to capture thrilling moments.

The title also supports XBOX Play Anywhere, enabling seamless play across XBOX Series X|S, PC, or XBOX-supported handhelds. This ensures that players can carry on their upgraded adventure without missing a beat regardless of the device they choose.

The Free Upgrade and Expansion Inclusions

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered launches on September 29 as a free upgrade for all owners of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on XBOX Series X|S. Notably, players who only own the base game will receive both Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions for free. This offer extends to players on XBOX One as well. Digital owners will automatically receive the expansions in their library, while disc-based players can claim the expansions for free from the Store.

Songs of the Past: A New Dark Realm

The announcement also highlighted that Remastered is not the only Geralt-related reveal at Opening Night Live. The third expansion, Songs of the Past, is coming in 2027. The trailer gave a small glimpse into the dark story that awaits players when they enter the brand-new realm of Letten — Dandelion's homeland.

In this expansion, Geralt travels alongside his good friend to support him in a personal matter. Together they find a land of peace and prosperity… Not the place for a witcher, right? In true CD PROJEKT RED storytelling fashion, there cannot be light without darkness. And in Letten, there is a darkness lurking beneath the surface; something that needs the expertise of a witcher.

Songs of the Past also features never-before-seen monsters for Geralt to hunt down and face. To even the odds, the White Wolf will be equipped with new options in combat. New mutagens will be available in the expansion as well as a new weapon that some veteran The Witcher fans might recognize… That's right, the chain! The chain weapon gives Geralt more variety in battle, especially when it comes to crowd control. The chain itself is a nod back to the intro cinematic for the original The Witcher game, and it is great to have it become a full-fledged part of the game here in Songs of the Past!

This expansion will launch in 2027. It is available to wishlist now on XBOX Series X|S, and benefits from all the upgrades included in Remastered, too! Stay tuned for more information on Geralt's next adventure in Songs of the Past at a later date.