The Witcher 3 Remastered Is Officially the Best-Reviewed Game of the Year
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Remastered leads Metacritic’s 2026 new releases with a 94 Metascore, though based on only eight PC reviews.
The remastered version of the 2015 RPG currently ranks as Metacritic’s top new release of 2026, scoring 94 based on eight reviews—all for the PC version. Other platforms lack sufficient reviews for official scores, but early impressions from PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2 versions place them in the 9–10 range. Remakes and remasters frequently top annual charts, as seen with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Switch 2 in 2025.
CD Projekt Red released the remaster as a free upgrade for existing owners on most platforms, with Steam integrating it directly into the original game’s store page and library. Many outlets chose not to review it due to its size, late review code timing, and its status as a known property, though those who did praised its improvements.
Critics highlighted the remaster’s visual upgrades, including a redone lighting system and environmental assets, alongside overhauled combat and skill trees. Reviewers noted the game’s enduring appeal, with one calling it an "unfinished masterpiece" whose flaws enhance its strengths rather than detract from them.
The remaster’s free release and modest scope surprised some observers, as CD Projekt Red treated the update like a major launch despite minimal technical changes. With a 94 Metascore, it currently leads 2026’s new releases, though competition from Grand Theft Auto 6 and Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake may shift rankings by year’s end.