CD Projekt has officially announced its plans for a new expansion for the critically acclaimed game, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, titled Songs of the Past. Set to be released in 2027, this expansion is generating excitement among fans of the franchise. Alongside this announcement, the studio revealed that it will be updating the game’s system requirements to enhance performance and compatibility moving forward.
System Requirements Update
At first glance, the need for updated hardware requirements for a game that has been around for over a decade may seem perplexing. After all, modern PCs boast significantly more power than those available at the game’s initial launch. One might assume that The Witcher 3 would run smoother than ever on contemporary systems.
However, the crux of the matter lies in the operating systems. Originally, The Witcher 3 supported Windows 7 and 8, which ceased support in 2023. Windows 10 also faced its own challenges, with some exceptions being phased out in 2025. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of the game’s hardware requirements to ensure a seamless experience for players.
For those curious about the original minimum specifications, here’s a snapshot as listed on Steam:
- CPU: Intel CPU Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz / AMD A10-5800K APU (3.8GHz)
- GPU: Nvidia GPU GeForce GTX 660 / AMD GPU Radeon HD 7870
- VRAM: Whatever, man
- RAM: 6 GB RAM
- Storage: 50 GB available space
- OS: 64-bit Windows 7, 64-bit Windows 8 (8.1)
It’s important to note that while the updated specifications may suggest a need for more modern hardware, it does not imply that players with older setups will be unable to enjoy the game. The phrase “not supported” does not equate to “won’t run.” According to the Steam Hardware and Software Survey, many players are still using Windows 10, and a dedicated few continue to operate on Windows 7.
Nevertheless, if players wish to ensure compatibility with the new expansion and receive support from CD Projekt, they will likely need to upgrade their hardware. For those still clinging to older systems, there is an alternative: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Classic, an earlier version of the game, is available as a beta option for users on Steam or GOG. However, it remains unclear whether this classic version will support the upcoming expansion, leaving players with some uncertainty. Additionally, players on the Epic Games Store will not have access to older builds, further complicating the situation for that segment of the audience.
