Is The Witcher 3 Remastered free?
Platform-by-platform upgrade rules

THE SHORT ANSWER

If The Witcher 3 is already in your library on GOG, Steam, Epic, PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, you should not have to buy Remastered again. Original Switch owners can claim the Switch 2 version at launch. Battle.net is the exception: it is a new storefront release, so a copy owned elsewhere does not carry over.

*The free upgrade applies to the qualifying platforms below. Disc copies and moves from an older console need one extra check, which we cover separately.

Here’s who gets the free upgrade

Start with the store or console where you bought the game. The upgrade stays with that account—a Steam copy does not suddenly become a Battle.net copy, for example.

You also get both classic expansions

This is more than a resolution bump. CD Projekt Red says Remastered updates the visuals and performance, combat animations, camera and skill tree. It also adds cross-platform mod support, transmogrification and a larger photo mode.

Will your saves and trophies carry over?

Your current save should work. Cross Progression remains available, and achievements and trophies are shared with the current versions. Anything you have already unlocked should stay unlocked.

One thing may catch returning players off guard: the upgrade resets your skills and settings. You can spend the skill points again immediately, but screenshot your current build before updating if you want to recreate it.

What if your copy is on PS4 or Xbox One?

Those consoles cannot run Remastered. They do, however, get Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine free once the base game is updated.

Moving an old disc or license to newer hardware is the part CD Projekt Red has not explained in full for every region and edition. On September 29, sign into the account that owns your copy and open the matching store page. If a price still appears, check the edition and disc requirements before buying anything.

Before you install the upgrade

1. Update the current game. The free expansions arrive through the latest version.
2. Back up or sync your save. Saves should work, but a current cloud or local backup is sensible before a major update.
3. Photograph your build and settings. Skills and settings reset in Remastered.
4. Use the account that owns the game. Open the matching Steam, GOG, Epic, PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo account.
5. Confirm the price says free before checking out. If it does not, stop and check the edition, account and official support page rather than buying a second copy.

Quick answers

Is The Witcher 3 Remastered free on Steam?

Yes. CD Projekt Red explicitly lists Steam, GOG and Epic Games Store among the free-upgrade platforms for existing owners.

Do I need the Complete Edition?

No. Owners of the base game receive the two older expansions at no extra cost, and the qualifying-platform upgrade applies to existing game owners.

Can I move my Steam ownership to Battle.net?

The official announcement does not offer a storefront license transfer. Battle.net is listed as a purchase option, while the free PC upgrade is tied to GOG, Steam and Epic ownership.

Does a Switch cartridge qualify?

CD Projekt Red says original Switch owners can claim Remastered on Switch 2 and specifically notes that physical-copy owners can claim at launch. Follow the Nintendo account and cartridge prompts shown then.

Will every old PC mod work?

Probably not on day one. Remastered introduces cross-platform mod support, but individual mods may still need updates. Check the creator’s page before opening a heavily modded save.

Official sources

• The Witcher — Remastered announcement and free-upgrade platforms
• The Witcher — Remastered features and FAQ
• CD Projekt Red Support — saves, skills and achievements
• CD Projekt Red Press — Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade
• Xbox Wire — Xbox free upgrade and Play Anywhere