The Witcher 3 Next-Gen Update: What to Expect
Ali Hasan November 27, 2022
The next generation version of the highly popular and beloved action RPG, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is finally headed to PS5, Xbox Series X, and S early next month. This version of the game was initially announced two years ago, alongside the launch of the ninth generation of gaming consoles but information has remained scarce up till now.
CD Projekt Red held a special showcase presentation last week highlighting just what fans can expect from this version of the Witcher 3 including several QOL changes, graphical updates, and even some new content inspired by the Netflix TV series.
Ray Tracing and Higher Settings
The next-gen version of The Witcher 3 will feature ray-traced global illumination, replacing the outdated PVR solution, adding further depth to the overall lighting, while this feature won’t be present on Series S consoles it will be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X. The game will also recieve Ray-traced reflections. There will be two graphics options for consoles; Resolution; targeting a full native 4K output while performance will target 60FPS at a slightly lower resolution. Ray-traced reflections will be available in the former.
FSR 2.0 is also being added to the next-gen version, which will add a touch more sharpness to the overall presentation as it did in Cyberpunk 2077. The game will also feature an overall higher level of detail, including sharper textures, denser foliage, and better physics across the board along with the implementation of ambient occlusion, bringing the console version in line with the PC’s ultra-settings.
Quality of Life Changes
The next-gen version of The Witcher 3 will also feature a number of quality-of-life improvements, including the addition of a quick cast toggle which will allow the player to use Witcher signs much more quickly instead of having to pull up the sign wheel as you had to do before. The game is also adding a secondary camera mode which will place the camera much closer to Geralt, allowing for a completely different viewpoint and a different overall combat experience as it moves away from the more zoomed-out camera setup that is in the original game.
Map filters have been added to allow for a far less cluttered map interface. Markers and objectives can now be turned on or off at the player’s behest. Additionally, load times have been improved drastically, not only for the initial load but also for fast travel. Furthermore, a cross-save option has been added, meaning players can now play the same save file across a number of consoles. The game can now be paused during cutscenes and fall damage has been tweaked to make it more forgiving.
Photo Mode and Bug Fixes
A well-rounded photo mode in video games is now a must-have feature and it’s making its way to the next-gen version of the Witcher 3. It will have all the bells and whistles of a normal photo mode including options to add filters, adjust the camera, adjust the aperture, and more. The version shown in the stream was still a work in progress so expect an even more robust set of features, come launch.
CD Projekt Red also went over the entire game once more to fix any bugs and/or inconsistencies that have persisted. Several quests and dialogues have been fixed. The game will also now render all its cutscenes in real-time, allowing for a more consistent experience across the board.
Also Read: God Of War Ragnarök Review
DLC Quests and New Cosmetics
Inspired by the Henry Cavill led Witcher TV series on Netflix, the game will feature an all-new armor set for Geralt, modeled after his on-screen appearance. Additionally, players will also be able to wield Geralt’s swords as they appear in the show. These cosmetics won’t be just a simple drop cosmetic update to the game as they’ll be tied to a brand new quest, the reasoning behind this design choice, according to the development team is to have these items feel more a part of the game and offer fans a little something extra. The team was reluctant to reveal details of the quest but we do know as they want to fans experience it for themselves but we do know that it takes place in the devil’s pit.
The Netflix-inspired armor and swords aren’t the only new cosmetics coming to the game, the stream also revealed several new armor sets that went unnamed during the event. It’s unclear how these cosmetics will be earned but the team hinted at several surprises that players can expect come launch.
The next-gen version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt arrives December 14, 2022, on Xbox Series X and S, PS5, and PC. Current users of the game will be able to download the updated version at no additional cost.
Excited about the next generation version of the Witcher 3? Pick up a PS5 or Xbox Series X to get the most out of this update. Or upgrade your PC by going through our featured ads to experience Geralt’s epic tale with a fresh new coat of paint. Gameutha.com is Pakistan’s largest dedicated gaming marketplace and home to the latest in gaming news, reviews, and updates!