Get The Witcher 3 Remastered for Free or Cheap: Your Best Options

The Witcher 3's next-gen upgrade is free for owners, but if you're new, here's the cheapest way to get it before September.

Remember when you bought The Witcher 3 years ago and thought, "Well, this is it"? Turns out, it's not. CD Projekt Red is dropping a shiny remastered version in September, and if you already own the game, it's yours for free. But what if you've been living under a rock and haven't played Geralt's epic saga yet? Don't worry, we've got your back.

The remaster, which was announced with much fanfare, brings a host of visual and technical upgrades to the 2015 classic. Think ray tracing, faster loading times, and a bunch of quality-of-life improvements. It's basically the definitive way to experience the game, whether you're a newbie or a veteran. And the best part? Existing owners get the upgrade at no extra cost. That's right, CD Projekt Red is being super generous here.

But if you're one of the few who haven't plunged into the Continent yet, you might be wondering: "What's the cheapest way to get in on this?" The answer is simpler than you might think: just grab the base game. The remastered edition is a free update for anyone who owns the base game or the Game of the Year Edition. So, you don't need to wait for a special "remastered" SKU to hit the shelves; the old version you can snag for a bargain will do the trick.

Now, where to find the best deal? Your best bet is to shop around on key reseller sites or wait for a seasonal sale. Currently, the base game is often discounted to around $10-15 on PC, and even less on consoles during sales. Just make sure you're getting a legitimate key to avoid any headaches. If you're on PC, platforms like GOG and Steam frequently offer deep discounts. On console, keep an eye on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store for price drops.

But here's a pro tip: if you're patient, you might want to wait a bit longer. With the remaster's release date set for September, there's a good chance CD Projekt Red will bundle it with the original game at a special price, or even offer a free trial. But if you can't wait, grabbing the base game now is the most cost-effective way to ensure you're ready for the upgrade when it drops.

Of course, if you're a completionist, you might be tempted to get the Game of the Year Edition, which includes both expansions. That's a great deal too, but it'll cost you a bit more. The expansions are fantastic, but they're not required to get the remastered treatment. So, if you're on a tight budget, stick with the base game and maybe grab the DLC later.

Now, there's a catch: the remastered version will require a bit more from your hardware, especially if you want to enable ray tracing. So, make sure your PC or console can handle it. But don't worry, the upgrade will still be playable on standard hardware, just without the fancy bells and whistles.

So, whether you're a seasoned witcher or a fresh-faced newbie, there's no excuse not to dive into one of the greatest RPGs of all time. And with the remaster coming, now's the perfect time to get on board. Will you be picking it up, or are you already in for the free upgrade? Let us know in the comments below!