Here’s our first look at The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s next-gen update and it comes with more bells and whistles than we expected.
CD Projekt Red hosted a special livestream giving us a first look at the new and improved gameplay. However, we also learned some of the special features and quality of life improvements this enhancement will bring.
The next-gen update is more than just visuals
The Witcher 3 next-gen update will bring improved visuals, 3D textures such as cobbled paths, denser worldly foliage, improved loading times, ray-tracing and so much more. We’re even getting a new closer camera perspective, in addition to the original camera.
As with most new-gen features, console players will get the choice of favouring gameplay or performance, and of course, there will be a snazzy photo mode. PC players will get the added choice of DLSS, FSR, and Ultra Plus graphics options, to name but a few. PS5 players will also benefit from DualSense controller features.
Various quality-of-life improvements have also been implemented, such as being able to trigger a variety of Sign powers by simply holding down a button, rather than pausing the game (so to speak). You can also now sprint by simply pushing up the analogue stick rather than pressing a button.
The Witcher 3 next-gen update has loads of improvements
There’s even an added minimap option allowing the players to completely hide the map, have it fade in and out when needed or it can stay there forever. Best of all, all the features are optional, including the closer camera perspective.
So, if you wanted to play The Witcher 3 as it originally was, but with all the visual and performance enhancements, then you can do that too.
There are even going to be new accessibility options such as finally being able to adjust in-game text size, so there’ll be no need to squint your eyes attempting to read the subtitles from afar.
You can also adjust the HUD, pause during cut-scenes and more. CDPR are even fixing broken quests that have plagued the game for years.
CD Projekt Red also confirmed that just like Cyberpunk 2077, you will be able to transfer your save from one platform to another. So, you can carry on where you left off or begin a new adventure. CDPR also reiterated that the PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch versions will also benefit from “numerous additions and improvements”.
We also got our first glimpse of the DLC inspired by the popular Netflix adaptation. We saw Geralt’s awesome black/grey armour as well as that questionable Nilfgaardian armour. Even Jaskier is getting a Netflix-inspired outfit. However, to obtain the new armour and weapons for Geralt, you will have to complete certain quests.
There are still plenty of surprises to come
CD Projekt Red has also promised that further surprises are in store which will be revealed during upcoming livestreams. Furthermore, some surprises will even be reserved for the release of the next-gen update and they will not appear in any patch notes.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt next-gen update will be available for free to those that already own the game. What’s more, if you don’t own the game, you can pick up a next-gen Complete Edition next month.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt next-gen update releases next month for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on December 14th.
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Featured Image Credit/Source: CDPR