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It has been more than a decade since The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt first released. Based on a series of fantasy novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, CD Projekt’s Witcher series of RPGs saw an increase in popularity with each new installment. Perhaps in part due to its wider availability across a variety of platforms, The Witcher 3 was easily the most successful of the bunch and is currently one of the highest-selling games of all-time. It’s been a long wait for the next game in the series, and the fourth entry is still a fair distance away from release. Luckily for fans of Geralt of Rivia and his memorable supporting cast, CD Projekt has something to tide us all over. A new expansion for The Witcher 3 will be released next year, and to prepare for that the original game has been given the remaster treatment. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered isn’t a full-on redo, but its additions are quite welcome overall.
First, it’s worth mentioning that this remaster is available for free if you already own the original game on the same platform. This even extends to the Switch ecosystem, where owners of either the digital or physical release of the game can get The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered on Switch 2 at no additional cost. With that in mind one might think this would be a modest update, but it’s anything but. You can look forward to improvements in the presentation, some new platform-specific features such as motion controls for the Switch 2 version, mod support via mod.io, a host of new accessibility features, a redesign of how the skill tree works, and some gameplay improvements that seem largely focused around the artificial intelligence of NPCs and enemies.
Some of this is optional, and some of it isn’t. Some people might prefer the older more freeform skill tree, but you have to use the new, more linear one here. I think the new system is easier to deal with and it’s a lot closer to what players of Cyberpunk 2077 are familiar with, but it might have been nice if you could choose to use the original one if that’s what you preferred. On the other hand, the numerous quality of life and accessibility features are yours to use or leave alone as you see fit. Don’t want to deal with inventory encumbrance or item durability? Switch them off. Want to enjoy a nice swim without digging up your long-buried Sonic the Hedgehog trauma? Give Geralt infinite breath. One thing you’ll likely want to take advantage of is the new auto-looting option for corpses. No more navigating menus to claim monster guts and decorative weapons for your trash stash. It’s great.
For this review, we took a look at the Switch 2 version in particular. Back in 2019 when The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was ported to the Nintendo Switch, it felt like a little miracle. Certainly, no one was going to confuse it for any other version of the game. The compromises were big. They were, however, acceptable compromises. It was a small price to pay to play one of the best RPGs ever made on the go. As one might expect from the extra power afforded by the Nintendo Switch 2, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered makes far fewer sacrifices in its presentation.
Everything has a crisper look thanks to the console’s DLSS support , and while you’re not going to get a 60 fps on the Switch 2 you can at least look forward to a relatively reliable 30 fps. What were often barren fields on the Switch are now full of lush vegetation, and the amount of visual detail is significantly greater. The lighting and shadows are considerably more complex and believable, too. All of this adds up to a much improved presentation on the platform across the board.
Did The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt need a remaster? Probably not, but it’s nice to see this fine old blade given a bit of fresh polish and sharpening nonetheless. It’s an especially fine meal for those playing on Nintendo’s consoles, as the upgrade from Switch to Switch 2 is massive. Regardless of where you’re playing, there are additions in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered that you’re sure to appreciate. If nothing else, it’s a great excuse to dive into this outstanding RPG for another thrilling adventure with your Witcher.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered is now available on Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and Windows via Steam and GOG.
