The Witcher 3: New Expansion and System Requirement Overhaul Coming!

Exciting news for fans of Geralt of Rivia! CD Projekt has officially announced that they’re working on a fresh expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, titled “Songs of the Past.” Set to release in 2027, this expansion is sure to bring a whole new adventure to the beloved game.

Alongside this announcement, the developers revealed that they are updating the game’s system requirements to keep up with modern hardware and software. Now, you might wonder why a game that’s over a decade old needs a revamp in requirements. After all, hardware has surely improved over the years, right? Well, it turns out that with the evolution of technology and the phasing out of older operating systems, it’s a necessary step.

The key issue here is compatibility. When The Witcher 3 first launched, it supported older versions of Windows like 7 and 8. However, with those systems reaching the end of their support life, the focus is shifting. The game will now officially require Windows 11 to ensure that players have the best experience possible, complete with security updates and driver support.

So, what are the new minimum system specs? Here’s what you’ll need to dive into the new content:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 or Intel Core i5-8400
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT 8GB
• VRAM: 6 GB
• RAM: 12 GB
• Storage: 70 GB SSD
• OS: 64-bit Windows 11

CD Projekt has stated that the pump for performance has gone up, and they’re dropping support for older technologies. For instance, DirectX 11 is being replaced with DirectX 12 exclusively, allowing for better support of modern hardware. Oh, and if you’ve still got a good old HDD, you might want to consider upgrading to an SSD, as they are now the standard for smooth gameplay!

Now, don’t panic if your PC is on the older side. While the updated requirements are set in stone, it doesn’t mean you can’t still play The Witcher 3 with older hardware—it just won’t be officially supported. And if you’re really determined to stick with older tech, CD Projekt has made an earlier version of the game, dubbed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Classic, available as a beta for those on Steam or GOG. However, it’s still unclear if this version will support the upcoming expansion.

So, gear up for the new adventures in “Songs of the Past,” and make sure your rig is ready for a fresh journey with Geralt! It’s time to sharpen those swords and prepare for what lies ahead in the fantastical world of The Witcher.