CD Projekt Red unveiled gameplay for a new expansion titled "Songs of the Past" and a remastered version of The Witcher 3 [1, 3].
The announcements signal the final chapter for the series' current protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, as the developer prepares the franchise for the upcoming release of The Witcher 4 [2].
Details were shared during Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, which took place from Aug. 16 to Aug. 20 [4]. The new expansion, "Songs of the Past," is slated for release in the fourth quarter of 2026 [2]. While some reports indicated only a teaser trailer was released [1], other sources noted that extensive gameplay footage was shown, including a story outline and night-time gameplay [3].
According to reports, the expansion takes place in the northern kingdoms a few years after the original story [3]. A lead developer from CD Projekt Red said, "We wanted to go out with a bang" [2].
The company also announced a Remastered edition of The Witcher 3 for a wide array of platforms. These include PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC via Steam, Epic, GOG, and Battle.net [1]. A spokesperson for CD Projekt Red said the Remastered version will be free for existing owners [5].
Launch timing varies by platform. The Switch 2 version is expected to launch in September 2026 [6]. This release arrives just as the studio concludes its long-term support for the title to shift focus toward its next major project [2].
“"We wanted to go out with a bang"”
By releasing a final expansion and a free remaster for existing owners, CD Projekt Red is maximizing the lifecycle of The Witcher 3 to maintain player engagement and brand loyalty. This strategy serves as a bridge to ensure the largest possible active audience is ready for the transition to The Witcher 4, while simultaneously expanding the game's reach to new hardware like the Switch 2.
