The Witcher 3 confirms file size for huge free Remastered update; prepare to purge

Geralt of Rivia returns in more glory than we've ever seen before, as the famed monster slayer gears up for his swansong story with the Songs of the Past DLC.

Having been released in 2015, The Witcher 3 is hailed as one of the greatest games of all time, with visuals that have withstood the test of time alongside quality gameplay and an exemplary story expansion to an already masterful fantastical world.

Yet ahead of the next era of The Witcher games, which will see a trilogy of titles follow Ciri's trials and tribulations across the Continent, the longstanding RPG that we've come to adore is getting a brand new, free remaster.

And ahead of its release next week, CD Projekt RED has revealed just how big of a remaster that The Witcher 3 is getting.

The Witcher 3 Remastered update size revealed

Set to release on September 19, The Witcher 3 Remastered will become available to players on all platforms for free, adding new textures to the decade-old game, especially when it comes to spells like Agni and Quen; it will also bring new features to help manage mutations and those countless pieces of armour that are gathered over time.

Before its release, CD Projekt RED social media director Marcin Momot has given players a chance to get their memory drives purged before the update goes live, confirming that the file size will be over 45 GB for any platform.

• Steam: 45 GB (depending on language packs)
• PS5: 45 GB
• Xbox: 45 GB
• Nintendo Switch 2: 50 GB

This should equate to the actual game size being increased by up to 30GB (from around 50GB to 80GB).

READ MORE: Top 4 most important lore drops in The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past DLC reveal

It has also been revealed that the update will be toggle-able, much akin to the new-gen upgrade that was released to port the title to the Xbox Series S|X and PS5. If players prefer the old-school vibe, the option to revert the aesthetics will be added.

And, for those on PC, you don't need to download the update to play, although you'll be missing out on the reworked spells.

A brand new look for the perfect goodbye

The new update is the first step towards giving Geralt of Rivia the goodbye that he deserves. While he could still feature in the next three games as a mentor to Ciri at certain points, the trilogy will likely leave him behind as a playable character.

Yet, the Songs of the Past DLC coming in early 2027 will be the last instalment of content added to Geralt's lead titles, and is designed with the new texture packs in mind.

These updates will move The Witcher 3 into even greater regard, as GAMINGbible has previewed the new expansion at Gamescom and claimed that it is 'the perfect send-off'.

"From what we’ve seen of it so far, it also appears that the expansion will be rivalling that in terms of size and scope, a detail we’re incredibly excited about," our team wrote.

"In an hour-long hands-off session behind closed doors at Gamescom, CD Projekt Red showed off a small section of the expansion's introduction. And what we've seen so far has got us excited for what may possibly be Geralt's last hurrah."

The Remastered update will launch on September 9, while the Songs of the Past DLC will follow in the new year.