CD Projekt Red has offered a first look at "Songs of the Past," the third expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The expansion, briefly shown during Gamescom Opening Night Live and detailed in a hands-off presentation, centers on a storyline featuring Geralt's bard companion, Dandelion. This marks a return to the fantasy action-RPG after more than a decade, with the developer stating this expansion represents Geralt's "last ride before passing the torch."
"Songs of the Past" will take players to Letten, Dandelion's hometown. A main quest, "A Bed of Thorns," involves Geralt finding Dandelion's lute, an event that signals his friend may be in danger. Letten is an open-world area, and the main quest will eventually lead Geralt to Lilla, Dandelion's cousin, who appears to be a potential romantic interest for Geralt. The game's design lead, Miles Tost, indicated that while Yennefer of Vengerberg might be referenced, it suggests player choice in relationships rather than a definitive new love triangle.
Both Geralt and Lilla believe Dandelion is in trouble, with the search involving a cursed well. Lilla will accompany Geralt to "The Garden of Thorns," a cursed location within Letten. The preview included combat sequences, such as a boss fight against the Slumbering Knight, an enemy composed of roots. Familiar Witcher 3 enemies are also expected to appear. The conclusion of Dandelion's fate will be discoverable when "Songs of the Past" launches next year.
Based on previews, "Songs of the Past" appears to be a substantial expansion. Tost stated its size is comparable to the "Blood and Wine" expansion, which provided approximately 20 hours of additional content. This new content aims to keep players engaged until "The Witcher 4" eventually arrives. All enhancements featured in the expansion will also be integrated into "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered," which is being offered as a free upgrade for all owners of the base game. The remaster includes visual improvements, smoother combat, and new finishers, bringing the game's graphics in line with modern standards. The preview highlighted enhanced textures on clothing and armor, increased detail, more realistic water, improved foliage, and better rendering of fog and background elements. Tost also noted that NPCs have been upgraded to create a more vibrant world, with townsfolk and livestock exhibiting more lifelike behaviors.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered is scheduled for release on September 29 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2, with the "Songs of the Past" expansion set for release in 2027.