The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt A Living Legacy (All the Latest News and Milestones)

Since its landmark release in 2015, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt by CD Projekt Red has become more than just a critically acclaimed RPG—it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Over the past decade, this fantasy epic has remained in the spotlight through updates, remasters, collaborations, and modding achievements. In this article, we’ll break down the key news and developments surrounding The Witcher 3, with a focus on what’s still happening with the game as of 2025.

The Original Release: A Game Changer (2015)

Released on May 19, 2015, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt set a new bar for open-world RPGs. With its expansive world, morally complex storytelling, and high-stakes monster hunting, it won over 250 Game of the Year awards. Built using the REDengine 3, it was lauded for its technical sophistication and immersion, particularly on high-end PCs and later consoles.

Major Expansions: Hearts of Stone & Blood and Wine

CDPR didn’t stop at the base game. The two DLC expansions released in

• Hearts of Stone (Oct 2015) – Introduced a haunting tale involving Gaunter O’Dimm, one of the franchise’s most enigmatic figures.
• Blood and Wine (May 2016) – Delivered a massive new region, Toussaint, offering a fresh tonal contrast and what many considered a “perfect goodbye” for Geralt.

Both expansions received critical acclaim and are now considered essential components of the full Witcher 3 experience.

Next-Gen Update (December 2022)

One of the biggest news updates came years after the game’s launch. In December 2022, CD Projekt Red released a free next-gen update for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Highlights included:

• Ray tracing and improved global illumination
• Faster loading times
• FOV adjustments, enhanced textures, and new camera options
• Mod integration, including fan-made visual upgrades
• New quest content inspired by Netflix’s The Witcher

This update breathed new life into the game, attracting both returning players and newcomers.

Netflix Crossover Content

In a move that connected the game with The Witcher Netflix series, the next-gen patch also introduced new content, including

• An alternate armor set for Dandelion
• A new “In the Eternal Fire’s Shadow” quest that offers armor based on Henry Cavill’s version of Geralt
• Additional cosmetics and armor sets directly inspired by the show

This crossover helped bridge fans of the games and the show—despite their tonal and narrative differences.

Continued Modding Community Activity (2015–2025)

The modding scene for The Witcher 3 remains vibrant even in 2025, particularly on PC. Highlights include:

• HD Reworked Project by HalkHogan (some of which was officially incorporated in the next-gen update)
• Immersion mods, from realistic weather to combat overhauls
• Quest & dialogue expansions unofficial stories that rival smaller indie games
• Total conversions, including early experiments in remaking The Witcher 1 in Witcher 3’s engine

Tools like the REDkit modding tool, announced for The Witcher Remake, may eventually feed back into Witcher 3 modding communities as well.

Steam Deck and Portability

With the rise of portable gaming PCs, The Witcher 3 has found a second home on devices like the Steam Deck. CDPR worked to ensure compatibility, and the game runs well with tweaked settings—even with next-gen enhancements.

For Switch players, the Nintendo Switch port (released in October 2019) still garners praise for its technical wizardry, though its visuals are heavily downgraded. Cross-save support between PC and Switch adds a lot of convenience for on-the-go monster hunting.

Anniversary Editions and Sales Milestones

In 2023, CDPR celebrated 50 million units sold, making The Witcher 3 one of the best-selling games of all time. The title has since passed 55 million units by 2025, and CDPR continues to highlight it as their crown jewel.

Special boxed re-releases, “Complete Edition” bundles, and digital sales continue to drive engagement across platforms.

Influence on CD Projekt Red’s Future

CDPR’s ongoing commitment to the Witcher universe has shaped its business strategy:

• The Witcher Remake A complete reimagining of the original 2007 game, built in Unreal Engine 5, is underway by Fool’s Theory under CDPR’s supervision.
• Project Polaris The next mainline Witcher saga, introducing a new protagonist and planned as a trilogy.
• Geralt’s arc may be closed, but his legacy echoes in every new entry.

In 2025: What’s New?

While no new content has been added to The Witcher 3 in 2025, the game remains active in discourse due to

• New-generation PC mods making the game look nearly photorealistic
• CDPR’s frequent references to the game in investor calls and press releases
• Academic and design communities still cite it as a benchmark for open-world quest design.

Players continue to debate its status as the “last great open-world RPG before the live service boom.”

A Timeless Masterpiece

A decade on, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains not just relevant but vital. Whether you’re a longtime fan returning with every update or a newcomer discovering the Continent for the first time, there’s never been a bad time to dive into Geralt’s world. With ongoing influence on RPG design and narrative storytelling, The Witcher 3 has secured its place as one of the greatest video games of all time.

Best Places to Download Games (Legit & Safe)

For PC Gamers

1. Steam
   • URL: https://store.st
   • The largest digital game platform for PC/Mac/Linux.
   • Huge library, regular sales, user reviews, cloud saves, mods.
   • Trusted by major and indie developers.
2. Epic Games Store
   • URL: https://www.epicgames.com/store
   • Known for giving away free games every week.
   • Exclusive titles like Fortnite, Alan Wake II, and The Witcher 3.
   • Supports cloud saves and refunds.
3. GOG (Good Old Games)
   • URL: https://www.g
   • DRM-free games — you own your downloads forever.
   • Great for classic games and RPGs (Baldur’s Gate, Planescape: Torment).
   • Owned by CD Projekt (the studio behind Cyberpunk 2077).
4. Humble Store
   • URL: https://www.humblebundle.com/store
   • Buy games, support charity, and get Steam keys.
   • Frequent bundles and massive discounts.
5. Itch.io
   • URL: https://itch.io
   • Indie-focused store with experimental, low-cost, and free games.
   • Excellent for finding hidden gems or uploading your own games.

For Console Gamers

1. PlayStation Store
   • URL: https://store.playstation.com
   • Official platform for PlayStation 4 and 5.
   • Includes exclusives like God of War Ragnarök and Spider-Man 2.
2. Xbox Store / Microsoft Store
   • URL: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games
   • For Xbox Series X|S and PC Game Pass users.
   • Game Pass offers 100+ titles for a monthly fee.
3. Nintendo eShop
   • URL: https://www.nintendo.com/eshop/
   • For Nintendo Switch owners.
   • Find first-party exclusives like Zelda, Metroid, and Mario Kart.