CD Projekt Red's (CDPR) remastered version of 'The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt' set a new peak concurrent player record on Steam on its launch day. Notably, it surpassed the previous record set during the 2020 Netflix series broadcast within just a few hours of release.
The remaster was released on September 29 for PC, PS5, XSX|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The remaster was released on September 29 for PC, PS5, XSX|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. On launch day, peak concurrent players on Steam reached 120,717. The previous record was 103,329 set on January 5, 2020, meaning the new figure is roughly 17,000 higher.
The Witcher 3 has previously gone through three peak periods. Upon its initial launch in May 2015, peak concurrent players reached 92,268, and in January 2020, following the release of Netflix's 'The Witcher' in December 2019, concurrent players exceeded 100,000. During the next-gen update in December 2022, it recorded nearly 90,000. This remaster surpassed all three previous records.
A free upgrade is cited as the primary driver behind this success. Regardless of platform, anyone who owns the base game can upgrade to the remaster for free. Furthermore, players who own only the base game also receive the 'Hearts of Stone' and 'Blood and Wine' expansions for free. Existing save data can also be carried over seamlessly.
The scope of changes is substantial. Textures and select models were refined, alongside improvements to lighting and shadow effects. In terms of gameplay, a skill tree overhaul, combat camera rework, improved horse controls, enhanced monster AI behaviors, and new finisher animations were added. A feature allowing players to change equipment appearance while retaining stats was introduced, and in photo mode, players can manually position characters and select their poses and facial expressions.
The available platforms have also expanded. A native version launched on Switch 2 for the first time, and through a collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment, the game arrived on Battle.net. As a result, PC players can now enjoy the game across four storefronts: Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and Battle.net. The current figure reflects Steam players only. Because users on other PC platforms such as GOG and Battle.net, as well as those on PS5, XSX|S, and Switch 2, are excluded, the actual player count is likely significantly higher.
Geralt's adventure will continue in 2027 following the remaster. The third expansion, 'Songs of the Past', arrives 11 years after Blood and Wine. This expansion is co-developed by Fool's Theory and CD Projekt Red. Set in Letten, a new region that serves as Dandelion's hometown, Geralt can also wield a chain as a new weapon. Additionally, purchasing the expansion on Battle.net yields a Geralt-themed skin usable in 'Diablo IV'.
It remains to be seen whether players brought together again by this remaster will stay onboard all the way through to the expansion.
