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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered vs Assassin Creed Shadows
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| shopping_cart Where to Buy | |
| info General Information | |
| Release Date | |
| Sep 29, 2026 | Mar 20, 2025 |
| Developer | |
| CD PROJEKT RED, Yigsoft, Fool's Theory | Ubisoft Quebec (Lead Studio, with support from other Ubisoft studios) |
| Publisher | |
| CD PROJEKT RED | Ubisoft |
| Genre(s) | |
| Action-RPG | Action-Adventure, Open World, RPG, Stealth |
| Engine | |
| REDengine (Heavily Upgraded, Native DX12) | Latest version of Anvil engine |
| stars Ratings & Price | |
| Content Rating | |
| Mature | PEGI 18 (ESRB M for Mature equivalent expected - C |
| Avg. User Rating | |
| 4.9 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 |
| Current Price (USD) | |
| $49.99 | $69.99 |
| tune Key Specs | |
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| trending_up Progression & Upgrades | |
| Skills & Progression | |
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The RPG progression systems have been fundamentally reconstructed from the ground up to reflect modern design paradigms. Players are introduced to a comprehensive Skill Tree Revamp that discards the older, linear progression paths in favor of deeply interlocking branches. This structural change offers unprecedented flexibility, fundamentally altering how players theorize, plan, and construct their late-game character builds. Complementing this is the integration of brand-new mutagens and Witcher Sign magic abilities specifically designed to synergize with the new Silver Chain weapon mechanics. Furthermore, the inclusion of a highly requested Transmogrification system allows players to separate their armor's statistical values from its cosmetic appearance, ensuring that Geralt can maintain optimized combat efficacy without sacrificing a cohesive visual style during cutscenes or exploration. |
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| public World & Exploration | |
| World & Level Design | |
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The Remastered edition retains the colossal scale of the original game's landmasses—including Velen, Novigrad, Skellige, and Toussaint—but heavily upgrades their navigational flow with completely revamped mount handling and pathfinding for Roach. The most significant addition arrives with the 2027 'Songs of the Past' expansion, which introduces the entirely new region of Letten. Located in Northern Redania, Letten is described as a lush, idyllic green valley hidden within a formidable mountain range. Its geographical footprint and content density are fully comparable to the massive Toussaint region from Blood and Wine. Letten features sprawling mahogany manors like the central Lettenhove estate, vibrant fields of wild violets, and the deeply corrupted Garden of Thorns, serving as a massive open-world playground offering approximately 30 hours of dense, narrative-driven exploration. |
The open world of Feudal Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows is described as comparable in size to that of Assassin's Creed Origins (approximately 80km²). It features diverse regions including spectacular castle towns, bustling ports, peaceful shrines, and pastoral landscapes across central Japan. The world is designed with a more realistic scale for mountains and castles, and features dynamic weather systems and changing seasons that can affect gameplay (e.g., ponds freezing over). |
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| book Story & Characters | |
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| Multiplayer Details | |
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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered remains a strictly single-player, narrative-driven action RPG. There are no cooperative or competitive multiplayer modes included. |
Assassin's Creed Shadows is a single-player experience. It does not feature any co-op or competitive multiplayer modes at launch. Ubisoft is developing a separate standalone multiplayer Assassin's Creed experience codenamed 'Project Invictus'. |
| extension Editions & DLC | |
| Available Editions | |
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The Remastered upgrade is entirely free for existing owners of the game on Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Furthermore, CD PROJEKT RED has made the unprecedented decision to gift the massive Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions for free to all base game owners, unifying the player base into a definitive 'Complete Edition.' For entirely new purchasers, the game retails at $49.99 USD. The upcoming 'Songs of the Past' expansion in 2027 will be sold separately as a premium paid DLC. |
Multiple editions are available: Standard Edition ($69.99 USD), Digital Deluxe Edition ($89.99 USD - includes Sekiryu Character Pack for Naoe and Yasuke, Sekiryu Hideout Pack, 5 skill points, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter in Photo Mode), Gold Edition (includes base game and Season Pass with two upcoming expansions), and Ultimate Edition (includes base game, Season Pass, Ultimate Pack with Sekiryu Character/Hideout Packs, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter). A Collector's Edition ($299.99 USD for PS5/Xbox) includes Ultimate Edition content, steelbook, Naoe & Yasuke diorama statue, artbook, Naoe's katana tsuba replica, world map, and creed wall scroll. |
| Post-Launch Content / DLC | |
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The immediate post-launch roadmap focuses on the highly anticipated 'Songs of the Past' expansion set for 2027. It will add 30 hours of narrative content, the new region of Letten, 20 new Gwent cards, and the Silver Chain weapon mechanics. Beyond official expansions, the official REDkit modding tools guarantee years of user-generated quests, weapons, and total conversions. |
A Year 1 roadmap has been revealed, featuring free content like new story quests (e.g., 'The Works of Luis Frois'), parkour system enhancements, Photo Mode updates, and New Game+. A major paid expansion titled 'Claws of Awaji' is planned for late 2025, offering over 10 hours of new content on the island of Awaji with new enemies and a Bō staff weapon for Naoe. This expansion is included in the Gold and Ultimate Editions (via Season Pass) or can be purchased separately. Ubisoft is not using a traditional season pass model but focusing on standalone expansions and free updates. |
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| build Technical Details | |
| Graphics & Visual Fidelity | |
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This version introduces a true technological paradigm shift by completely depreciating legacy DirectX 11 in favor of a native, highly parallelized DirectX 12 architecture. For high-end PC users, the game now features full Path Tracing, unifying shadows, reflections, and global illumination under a single physically accurate lighting simulation, stabilized by NVIDIA's DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction. Ray-Traced Hair completely replaces the archaic HairWorks system, allowing for stunningly realistic character models. Even on lower-end setups and consoles, the baseline rasterized lighting has been completely overhauled with a new Shading Model, Ground Truth Ambient Occlusion (GTAO), and Subsurface Scattering for vastly more lifelike NPC skin textures. A newly implemented HDR tone mapper ensures that lighting transitions and sunsets viewed during the new real-time Immersive Meditation system look breathtakingly photorealistic without color banding. |
Powered by an updated version of the Anvil engine, Assassin's Creed Shadows aims for a visually stunning depiction of Feudal Japan. Features include detailed environments, realistic character models, dynamic weather systems, changing seasons impacting the world, and advanced lighting. Supports Ray Traced Global Illumination and Reflections, ultra-wide resolutions, uncapped framerate, and various upscalers (DLSS 3.7, FSR 3.1, XeSS 2). |
| Audio & Soundtrack | |
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The remaster preserves the iconic, multi-award-winning soundtrack composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz, Mikolai Stroinski, and Percival. 'Songs of the Past' will introduce brand new tracks leaning heavily into Nordic midsummer and Slavic choral traditions. Note: Generative AI voice cloning of official voice actors by modders is strictly prohibited by CDPR's Fan Content Guidelines. |
Features an original score that blends traditional Japanese instrumentation with orchestral arrangements to evoke the atmosphere of Feudal Japan. Sound design emphasizes environmental realism, weather effects, and distinct combat sounds for each weapon and character. |
| User Interface (UI/UX) | |
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The UI has received a total decluttering pass to increase immersion. Quest tracking is drastically improved, and menus are much more responsive. A new 'Immersive Meditation' UI allows players to watch time pass in real-time within the world engine rather than staring at a static menu screen. |
The UI is an evolution of modern Assassin's Creed games, providing clear information on quests, character status, abilities, and world interactions. Features an 'Immersive Mode' for reduced UI. Supports multilingual voice acting and subtitles. Includes a Photo Mode with various filters and customization options. |
| Accessibility Options | |
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The game incorporates modern accessibility standards, including scalable UI text, colorblind modes, toggleable motion blur, reduced camera shake, simplified quick-time events, and customizable subtitle backgrounds for better readability during dense dialogue. |
Ubisoft typically includes a range of accessibility options in their titles, such as customizable controls, subtitle and caption adjustments, audio cues, gameplay assists (e.g., aim assist, navigation aids), and visual filters. Specific details for Shadows include extensive customization options in the settings menu. |
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| settings_applications System Requirements | |
| 1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (Low-Medium Settings, 1080p, 30-60 FPS) CPU: Required to handle the base level of concurrent rendering threads and updated AI routines. CPU (Laptop): Mobile equivalent needed to sustain the minimum required core counts without thermal throttling. GPU: Provides baseline rasterization for the new shading models without ray tracing. GPU (Laptop): High-TGP entry-level mobile GPUs are required to match desktop GTX 1660 performance. RAM: Required to handle increased asset sizes and the removal of HDD streaming buffers. Storage: Required for rapid loading of seamless open-world cells. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GTX 1660 / AMD RX 5500 XT / Intel Arc A580 (6GB VRAM) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-9750H / AMD Ryzen 7 4800H laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti (85W+) / RTX 4050 (75W+) layersRAM: 12 GB saveStorage (Tier): 70 GB NVMe or SATA SSD | — |
| 1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, Medium Preset) (Medium Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') likely needed.) CPU: Recommended desktop CPU. CPU (Laptop): Recommended laptop CPU for a smooth 1080p/60FPS experience. GPU: Recommended desktop GPU. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~60 FPS at 1080p Medium/High. **Ensure high TGP for NVIDIA cards.** 8GB VRAM is strongly recommended. Upscaling will significantly aid in achieving stable framerates. RAM: 16GB RAM in dual-channel. | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-11600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12GB) or Intel Arc B580 (12GB, ReBAR ON) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-11800H / AMD Ryzen 7 5800H or newer equivalent performance mobile CPUs. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop (8GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop (8GB, High TGP); OR AMD Radeon RX 6700M (10GB), AMD Radeon RX 6800S (8GB). layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) |
| 1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (Target: 1080p, 30 FPS, Low Preset) (Low Preset, Upscaling may be needed for stable 30 FPS.) CPU: Minimum desktop CPU. CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU to avoid severe bottlenecks at this tier. Performance varies by laptop design. GPU: Minimum desktop GPU. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~30 FPS at 1080p Low. **Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Performance') is highly recommended.** 6GB VRAM is a practical minimum for laptops; 4GB VRAM cards will likely face issues. TGP and cooling are critical. RAM: Minimum RAM, dual-channel configuration is essential. | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5700 (8GB) or Intel Arc A580 (8GB, ReBAR ON) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-9750H / AMD Ryzen 5 4600H or newer equivalent mobile CPUs. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop (4GB, High TGP - may struggle, 6GB version better); OR AMD Radeon RX 5600M (6GB), AMD Radeon RX 6600S. An RTX 3060 Laptop (6GB, lower TGP) could also fit here. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) |
| 1440p (QHD/2K) - Enthusiast (Target: 1440p, 60 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Quality' or 'Balanced') recommended.) CPU: Listed desktop CPU. A stronger CPU is advised for consistency at 1440p High. CPU (Laptop): High-performance laptop CPU crucial for 1440p gaming to avoid bottlenecks. GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p High. GPU (Laptop): Targets ~60 FPS at 1440p High. **Max TGP versions and excellent cooling are essential.** 8GB VRAM (RTX 4070 Laptop) is the minimum, 10GB+ is ideal. Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Balanced' or 'Performance') will likely be necessary. RAM: 16GB is listed, but 32GB is highly recommended for smoother 1440p gameplay. | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-11600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (Same as 1080p/60 Rec, but higher-end CPU like i7-12700K/Ryzen 7 5800X would be better) developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (10GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (16GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-12700H / AMD Ryzen 7 6800H or newer high-performance mobile CPUs (e.g., Intel HX series, AMD HX/HS series). laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop (16GB, Max TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop (8GB, Max TGP), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop (12GB, Max TGP); OR AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT (12GB), AMD Radeon RX 7900S. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) |
| 1440p (QHD/2K) - Recommended (High Settings, 1440p, 60 FPS (Upscaled via DLSS/FSR)) CPU: Higher single-core clocks and robust multi-threading needed for dense crowds and stable 60 fps pacing. CPU (Laptop): Modern high-end mobile CPUs needed to match desktop i7-8700K throughput in sustained workloads. GPU: Baseline for enabling basic hardware ray tracing or high-fidelity rasterized rendering at 1440p. GPU (Laptop): Full wattage mid-range mobile GPUs are necessary to achieve 60 fps at 1440p with AI upscaling. RAM: Standard capacity to prevent memory paging during long play sessions. Storage: Faster asset throughput for instant loading during fast travel. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 SUPER / AMD RX 6600 XT / Intel Arc B580 (8GB VRAM) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-12700H / AMD Ryzen 7 6800H laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA RTX 3060 (130W) / RTX 4060 (100W+) layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 70 GB NVMe Gen 3 SSD | — |
| 2160p (UHD/4K) - Path Tracing Ultra (Ultra Settings, 4K (2160p), 60 FPS, Full Path Tracing (DLSS/FSR required)) CPU: Top-tier CPUs required to feed BVH data to the GPU for full scene path tracing without bottlenecking. CPU (Laptop): Flagship enthusiast mobile CPUs are strictly required to push Path Tracing without severe CPU binds. GPU: Massive computational throughput required to calculate physically accurate light bounces across the entire scene. GPU (Laptop): Only the absolute highest tier of mobile silicon can run full Path Tracing at 4K internal resolutions. RAM: Provides ample headroom for massive texture pools and background OS tasks. Storage: Maximum bandwidth required for instantaneous texture streaming in 4K environments. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-13600K / AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 / AMD RX 7900 XTX laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i9-13980HX / AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3D laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA RTX 4090 Mobile (175W) layersRAM: 32 GB saveStorage (Tier): 70 GB NVMe Gen 4 SSD | — |
| 2160p (UHD/4K) - Enthusiast (Target: 4K, 60 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS 'Performance' or 'Ultra Performance') essential.) CPU: High-end desktop CPU for 4K. CPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop CPUs required to support 4K gaming attempts. GPU: High-end desktop GPU for 4K. GPU (Laptop): Only the absolute top-tier laptop GPUs with maximum TGP and exceptional cooling can attempt 4K. **Expect to use DLSS/FSR in 'Ultra Performance' mode.** Native 4K at high settings and 60 FPS is generally beyond current laptop capabilities for such demanding titles. RAM: 32GB RAM is strongly recommended for 4K gaming. | |
| — | memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER (16GB) or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (20GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i9-12900HX / AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX or newer flagship mobile CPUs (e.g., Intel 13th/14th Gen HX, AMD Ryzen 7000/8000 HX series). laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop (16GB, Max TGP). Even then, 4K/60FPS High will be extremely challenging and heavily reliant on aggressive upscaling. layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) |
| save Overall Storage | |
| Spec: 70 GB SSD Note: Solid State Drives are strictly mandatory. Mechanical HDDs cannot stream the new high-fidelity assets fast enough, which would lead to game-breaking stutters. Type: SSD | Spec: 115 GB - 130 GB available space (SSD Mandatory) Note: An SSD is required for installation and optimal performance due to the large open world and detailed assets. NVMe SSD recommended for faster load times. Type: SSD |
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Spec: Windows 11 (64-bit) strict requirement Explanation: Microsoft's impending cessation of Windows 10 support and the game's heavy reliance on advanced DirectX 12 Ultimate threading necessitates Windows 11. | Spec: Windows 10 / Windows 11 (64-bit versions only) Explanation: A 64-bit version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 is mandatory. |
| gamepad DirectX Version | |
| Spec: DirectX 12 (Native) Explanation: DirectX 11 has been entirely removed to allow rendering parallelization across multiple CPU cores, drastically reducing CPU bottlenecks. | N/A |
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info_outline Feature details based on available data. System requirements and performance estimates may vary.
laptop_chromebook Laptop Recommendations
Common Recommendations (Handles All Compared Games)
For The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered Specifically
For Assassin Creed Shadows Specifically
info_outline Laptop recommendations are estimates based on available component benchmarks and game requirements. Actual performance may vary depending on settings, drivers, cooling, power limits, etc. Prices and availability subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.