Shortly after CD Projekt Red announced the remaster of The Witcher 3 during Gamescom Opening Night Live, the game's price on Steam was quietly increased. While there's good news for existing players, newcomers looking to buy the game will now face a higher price tag.

How Much Did the Price Go Up

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition now costs $49.99 on the US Steam store, up from $39.99. That's a $10 increase. According to SteamDB's price tracking, the change was applied globally; for example, the price in Korea jumped to 54,900 won. Another key point is that the base game is no longer sold separately on Steam—the Complete Edition is now the only option.

Why Was the Price Increased

CD Projekt Red hasn't officially linked the price hike to the remaster announcement, so the exact reason remains unconfirmed. However, the timing is notable: the increase came just days after the Gamescom reveal. One possible explanation is that the Complete Edition now always includes both expansion packs (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine), which were previously sold separately. Since these expansions are now free for existing owners, there may no longer be a need for separate Standard and Complete versions.

What Happens to Existing Owners

The good news is that if you already own the game, the price increase doesn't affect you. Players who previously purchased The Witcher 3 will receive the remaster upgrade for free when it launches on September 29. This free upgrade policy only applies to users who already own the game; new buyers won't get the remaster at no cost.

What's New in the Remaster

Originally released in 2015, The Witcher 3 is getting a major overhaul with this remaster, including updated visuals, combat, movement, and controls. CD Projekt Red says the goal is to make the game "competitive with modern titles," with improvements to the camera and combat systems as well. The remaster will be available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, and a native Nintendo Switch 2 version is also in development.

Are There Cheaper Ways to Buy

The price increase currently only affects Steam; prices on other stores haven't changed as much yet. Depending on your region, you can still find the Complete Edition at up to 60 percent off. Even if you buy at a discount now, you'll still be eligible for the free remaster upgrade on September 29—so if you find a deal, you get both the lower price and the remaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did The Witcher 3's price go up?

CD Projekt Red hasn't made an official statement, but the timing suggests it's related to the remaster announcement and the inclusion of both expansions for free.

Will existing owners have to pay extra?

No. The remaster will be a completely free upgrade for current owners on September 29, 2026.

When is Witcher 3 Remastered coming out?

The remaster releases on September 29, 2026 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version also planned.