The Witcher 3 next-gen update is on its way at last, and developer CD Projekt RED outlined a bit of what to expect from the RPG’s enhanced version in a recent Twitch stream. Headlining the updates is a toggle for performance mode and graphics mode on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, along with some camera and general quality improvements, advanced upscaling, and more.
These improvements are also coming to The Witcher 3’s PC version, but Nintendo Switch users won’t see any changes, at least not any time in the near future.
PS5 and Xbox Series players can swap between performance mode, which lets The Witcher 3 run at up to 60 frames per second with some trade-offs with graphics, and quality mode, which keeps the frame rate at 30 fps but, as you’d expect, enhances the visuals.
These enhancements include FSR 2.0 support, used in games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Gotham Knights, along with real-time illumination for substantially improved lighting and general visual improvements, like better textures and even improved foliage. The update includes some quality-of-life features, such as close-up camera options and (at last) the ability to pause cutscenes.
Finally is the promised Netflix Witcher tie-in. This includes a new quest that rewards you with Geralt’s Netflix-style outfit and a Jaskier outfit for Dandelion.
The Witcher 3’s next-gen update releases Dec. 14, 2022, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. CDPR is working on more Witcher projects for the coming months and years as well, including a remaster of the first Witcher game made in Unreal 5.
Written by Josh Broadwell on behalf of GLHF
