Witcher 3 Remastered Tops 2026 Metacritic With Free Upgrade
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered launched as a free upgrade for existing owners, achieving a Metacritic score of 94 to lead 2026's critical rankings.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered is now available as a free upgrade for anyone who owns the original 2015 game. CD Projekt Red's modernized adaptation includes both previous expansions, sweeping visual upgrades, and quality-of-life fixes. These improvements encompass a revamped in-game skill tree, new sound effects, and enhanced combat.
Critical reception and rankings
The remastered version has earned a Metacritic score of 94 out of 100. This score is based on eight overwhelmingly positive reviews. It ties the game temporarily for the top spot in the 2026 Metacritic year-end rankings with the indie title Sektori. Sektori, a 2025 twin-stick shooter, gained its position via a Switch 2 port launched this year.
The 94 score is the best of the year for any game with at least a dozen reviews counted. Other top-reviewed titles for 2026 currently rank as follows:
| Game | Metacritic Score |
|---|---|
| Big Walk | 91 |
| Forza Horizon 6 | 90 |
| Well Dweller | 90 |
| Resident Evil Requiem | 89 |
| Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave | 89 |
| Mewgenics | 88 |
| 007: First Light | 87 |
| Saros | 87 |
Platform performance and context
Performance varies significantly by platform. The PS5 Pro version runs ray tracing mode at a smooth 60 frames per second. The base PS5, however, runs ray tracing at 30fps while its performance mode hits 60fps. The Switch 2 version adds touch screen support.
Historical and comparative context
The original 2015 release scored 92 on Metacritic. It competed that year with landmark titles like Bloodborne and Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. The remaster's success contrasts with other 2026 titles. Big Walk previously held the top Metacritic spot in August before its score decreased from 94 to 91 due to additional reviews.
If ports, re-releases, and DLC expansions are discounted, the top-rated 2026 games on Metacritic present a different list. Big Walk leads, followed by Trails In The Sky 2nd Chapter, Forza Horizon 6, Well Dweller, Valheim, Mina The Hollower, Schrodinger’s Call, and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave.
Javier Flores Villarreal said: "Javier Flores Villarreal es fan de los videojuegos, el cine, las series, los autos y la buena música." Grand Theft Auto VI is still upcoming and expected to review well. Nintendo’s forthcoming remake of The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time may face scrutiny from fans of the original. The Witcher 3 Remastered’s Metacritic score could decrease if additional reviews are added, as seen with Big Walk’s decline.
