The Witcher 3 Remastered & Songs of the Past: New Features & Changes Explained | gamescom 2026

The Witcher 3 Songs of the Past is the surprising return to CD Projekt Red’s fan favourite action RPG over 10 years since it launched. This wasn’t the only surprise however, as CD Projekt also announced a Remaster for Witcher 3 that revamps the skills and combat, and so much more.

Obviously game design has moved on since then, so we sat down with Miles Tost, Level Design Lead and the legendary voice of Geralt himself Doug Cockle, to go over the challenges in returning to The Witcher 3 after so long.

We also got to mine some details from them both about the Remaster, asking our burning questions on changes to combat and skill progression.

The Witcher 3 Remastered comes as a free update to all existing owners of Witcher 3 on September 29th, with Songs of the Past launching in 2027 for PlayStation 5 (PS5), PC (Steam, GoG, Epic Games Store), Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S.

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The Witcher 3 Remastered & Songs of the Past: New Features & Changes Explained | gamescom 2026

At gamescom 2026, CD Projekt Red unveiled a comprehensive look at The Witcher 3 Remastered and the companion update, Songs of the Past, delivering a refined experience for veterans and newcomers alike. The presentation underscored a balance between preservation and modernized gameplay, ensuring the beloved open world remains both faithful to its roots and equipped with contemporary polish.

Key features highlighted for The Witcher 3 Remastered include a substantial visual overhaul designed to run across a wider range of hardware without compromising the original art direction. Enhanced textures, improved lighting, and higher-resolution environments create a more immersive world that still feels recognizably Witcher. Across both PC and console platforms, players can expect more detailed character models, refined weather effects, and smoother atmospheric particles that bring the Northern Kingdoms to life with new fidelity.

Performance and accessibility improvements sit at the core of the remaster. A modernized engine foundation allows for more stable frame rates, faster load times, and reduced stuttering in densely populated regions like Velen’s forests or Novigrad’s bustling streets. Additionally, the team announced improved quest tracking, a more intuitive inventory system, and streamlined combat cues to help players focus on strategy rather than micromanagement.

Songs of the Past, the newly introduced update accompanying the remaster, expands the game’s lore through a curated set of narrative and quality-of-life enhancements. The update integrates curated backstory segments, expanded dialogue options, and optional lore strands that enrich character motivations without altering core plot trajectories. For players who appreciate world-building, Songs of the Past offers a deeper sense of place, revealing forgotten histories of key locales and factions through optional content that respects the original pacing.

Combat and gameplay evolution are carefully balanced to honor the series’ signature challenge. The remaster introduces responsive weapon handling, improved dodging and parry windows, and a refined signs system that rewards strategic timing. While the core difficulty remains intact for seasoned players, accessibility options—including adjustable enemy health scaling, generous tutorials, and adjustable UI elements—ensure that newcomers can enjoy the journey without feeling overwhelmed.

Quality-of-life improvements extend beyond visuals and combat. A revamped crafting and alchemy interface simplifies menu navigation, while a redesigned map and quest log deliver clearer guidance on progression. Lighting and weather cycles now react more dynamically to player actions, enhancing immersion during notable story moments as well as exploratory sessions across Cintra, Skellige, and beyond.

Technical considerations, including compatibility and modding support, were addressed with care. The remaster aims to be compatible with a broad spectrum of PC configurations and current-generation consoles, while preserving support for existing mods where possible. The team emphasized ongoing collaboration with the community to identify compatibility adjustments and to celebrate user-driven content that expands the game’s lifespan.

From a narrative perspective, Songs of the Past respects the integrity of Geralt’s journey while offering optional, lore-rich detours that illuminate the world’s history and its inhabitants. Players who have completed multiple playthroughs will find fresh textures in familiar places and new conversational subplots that reveal subtle facets of beloved characters without changing the central storyline or outcomes.

In summary, The Witcher 3 Remastered and Songs of the Past represent a thoughtful upgrade that honors the franchise’s legacy while embracing modern game design. For returning players, the updates promise enhanced immersion and smoother gameplay without compromising the emotional core of the Witcher’s saga. For newcomers, the refreshed presentation provides a compelling entry point into a vast, living world where every choice carries weight. As gamescom 2026 demonstrates, the Witcher universe continues to evolve—charmingly familiar, yet unmistakably modern.