The free update of the next-generation version of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” will be available on the PC and Xbox Series X|S platforms at 8 am on December 14, while the PlayStation 5 platform will be launched an hour earlier, CDPR has announced the updated content of this version.
This update includes various graphics, performance, and technical improvements, as well as bug fixes and additional content. In addition, CDPR also stated that PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch will also launch updates, but specific release notes and dates will be announced later.
After this update, the game version will be upgraded to 4.0. The following is a list of changes:
PC and next-gen exclusive
Added ray traced global illumination and ambient occlusion.
In addition, PC players with compatible hardware can also turn on ray-traced reflections and shadows.
Various game mods and mod-based improvements have been added to improve graphics and overall game quality. In addition to our own tweaks like environment and cutscene improvements, realistic sidewalks, and many cosmetic upgrades, the game also incorporates some popular community-made mods.
Community-made and community-based mods include:
・The Witcher 3 HD Reworked Project by HalkHogan
・HD Monsters Reworked by Denroth
・Immersive Real-time Cutscenes by teiji25
・Nitpicker’s Patch by chuckcash
・World Map Fixes by Terg500
Several character textures for Geralt, Yennefer, Triss, Ciri, Eredin, etc. have been upscaled to 4K resolution.
All main characters, including Geralt, now produce high-resolution self-projections outside of cutscenes. Also fixed hair and armor piercing and other armor piercing issues.
Environmental improvement:
・Added a new weather type – “Haze”
・Updated the sky texture
・Promotion of vegetation and water bodies
・Various grid improvements
・Some designated special effects have been improved
・Updated global ambient lighting
Added AMD FidelityFX™ Super Resolution (FSR) 2.1
A photo mode has been added, allowing players to take stunning photos in the world of The Witcher 3.
Added the ability to pause the game during cutscenes. //Can you pause the game.JPG
A new camera angle has been added to get closer to the player character, further dynamically adapting to combat and movement. You can adjust it in “Exploration View Distance”, “Battle View Distance” and “Mount View Distance” in “Options” → “Gameplay”.
PC Exclusive
Added graphics setting “Ultra+” for PC, greatly improving the game’s visual fidelity. The graphics settings affected by “Super+” are as follows:
・Number of background characters
・Shadow quality
・Grass density
・Texture quality
・Vegetation visible distance
・Terrain Quality
・Water surface quality
・Level of detail
Added DLSS 3 support. Compatible hardware is required.
next generation exclusive
Improved overall graphics quality for next-gen platforms. These include improved textures, increased realism, shadow quality, increased render distances, and crowd density.
ray tracing mode
Provides ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, with a dynamic resolution scaling target of 30 FPS.
performance mode
Target 60 FPS and ensure the game runs smoothly on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X by adjusting dynamic resolution.
The Xbox Series S version does not have ray tracing. Quality Mode provides higher resolution and more realistic graphics at a target 30 FPS. The performance mode aims at 60 FPS, sacrificing part of the image quality to ensure smooth gameplay.
Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback from the PS5 DualSense controller are applied.
Added event cards for PS5.
online function
Added the ability to inherit progress across platforms between different platforms. The latest archive will be automatically uploaded to the cloud, so that it is convenient to continue when playing games on other platforms. Cross-platform progress keeps the latest save for each save type. This feature will be enabled after you log into your account.
Log into My Rewards in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to get:
・Nine-tailed fox girl sword
・Western White Tiger Armor
・Dor Bretanna Armor Set
・Gwent: Radish
Detailed instructions for redeeming rewards will be available at after 8:00 on December 14th.
extra content
Added a new side quest “Shadows by the Holy Fire” to Velen. The task reward is the Neftlix “The Witcher” episode linkage props.
Added a new look for Dandelion, tied to Neftlix episodes of The Witcher. It can be adjusted in “Options” → “Game”.
Added a new look for Nilfgaardian armor tied to the Neftlix episode of The Witcher. It can be adjusted in “Options” → “Game”.
Added Chinese and Korean voice overs. Language support varies by region.
basic quality improvement
Added quick sign cast functionality. Allows the player to toggle and release sigils without opening the lame. It can be adjusted in “Options” → “Game”.
Added new default map filter. The new filter hides icons such as question marks and ships, increasing the readability of the map. Switching the map mode to “All” will redisplay these icons.
Adjusted height requirement to generate fall damage. Players will now not die when falling from a higher place. //Geralt: Polish orthopedics, praise!
Herbs can now be picked up instantly in one go without opening an additional loot window.
Added the ability to dynamically hide the minimap and quest objectives when out of combat or when using the Witcher Senses. It can be adjusted in “Options” → “Video” → “HUD Configuration” → “Hide Minimap While Exploring” and “Hide Objectives While Exploring”.
Added the ability to walk slowly when playing with a controller. Nudge the left stick forward now to walk slowly.
Added a new sprint mode when playing with a controller. Activated by tapping the left stick. It can be adjusted in “Options” → “Control Settings”.
Added the ability to reverse the lens without affecting the target lock. It can be adjusted in “Options” → “Control Settings”.
The Lagoon has been improved so that bombs, bolts, and pocket items can now be dynamically switched without opening the inventory.
Added the ability to scale the font size of NPC subtitles and dialogue selections. It can be adjusted through “Options” → “Video” → “HUD Configuration”.
Added various other minor fixes, tweaks, and base quality changes. Added some secrets waiting for players to discover.
gameplay
Added the game mod Full Combat Rebalance 3 by Flash_in_the_flesh, including balance changes and various fixes to gameplay. We sorted out the module, further adjusted some default elements, and also omitted some content.
Treasure Hunt: Wolf School Equipment – Fixed an issue where the treasure chest in the signal tower could not be opened.
From the Far Shores of Ofir – Fixed an issue where blueprints were missing from chests in Bandit Hideouts.
Hard Times – Fixed an issue where Geralt was unable to talk to or deliver the letter to the blacksmith.
Fast as the West Wind – Fixed an issue where sometimes winning a horse race would still fail the quest.
Echoes of the Past – Fixed an issue where Yennefer could not talk to Yennefer after defeating the Mist, causing the quest to get stuck.
Brew Wars – Fixed an issue where destroying one of the monster lairs while exploring would prevent the quest from being completed.
Fixed an issue where the Abandoned Inn in the Badlands on the South Shore of Great Skellige could not be cleared under certain circumstances.
Fixed an issue where the Grandmaster Wolf Pie set didn’t require top-tier items.
Minor fixes for various missions and cutscenes.
