This Control Resonant guide lists the acquisition methods for all 22 Living Shards to be found in the game.

Quests

Eight Living Shards are granted by simply progressing the story, which is not nearly enough for you to ignore the other sources in the early game. The specific quests are:

• Orientation quest completion
• Welcome To Manhattan quest completion
• Evacuation Procedures quest completion
• Power Lines quest completion
• Into The Sinkhole quest completion
• Fight To The Core quest completion
• Sever The Hedron Links quest completion
• Recursions and Iterations quest completion

Faults

Fault traversal challenges are also another source of Living Shards, three to be precise:

• The Incursion Fault
• The Subway Fault
• The Underpass Fault

Vendors

The Vendors have exactly 11 Living Shards for purchase, split across multiple locations, but at what might feel like an astronomical sum of 4,000 Source each. Ideally, you will hoard your funds and snatch these up as early as possible.

There is also the need to raise the Zone level in order to improve the Level of some of the Vendors, since their inventories are progression-locked, thus preventing you from simply snapping up their stock upon your initial visit.

The Vendors as well as the number of Living Shards they stock are:

• x1 from Central
• x2 from West Incursion Zone, one at Vendor Level 1 and another at Level 2
• x2 from Downtown, one at Vendor Level 2 and another at Level 3
• x2 from Ice Cream Truck, both at Level 2
• x2 from The Park, one at Vendor Level 1 and another at Level 2
• x2 from Underpass, one at Vendor Level 1 and another at Level 2

Those are the locations of all 22 Living Shards to be found in Control Resonant.

After all, The Witcher 3 launched in 2015, and still holds up pretty well by today’s standards. But CD Projekt RED is aiming higher with the remaster, essentially making it so that you won’t want to go back to the original. How much of that will apply to the visuals, especially after the Next-Gen Update from 2022 brought the game up to a pretty strong standard? Let’s find out, but first, it’s important to ask…

How Much Further Can It Go?

Four years ago, the Next-Gen Update was all the rage for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and not just because it brought native Xbox Series X/S and PS5 support. It introduced ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion, and the PC version pushed it further with optional ray-traced reflections and shadows. Improvements abounded for vegetation, water and meshes; sky textures were updated and looked far more vibrant (barring the new “Grey Sky” weather type that lent a more fitting overcast atmosphere at times); and several character textures were upscaled to 4K, besides receiving high-resolution self-shadowing (albeit only in cutscenes). And that’s not even getting into the new Ultra+ setting on PC, which offered significant upgrades for details, terrain quality, foliage density – even the number of background characters.

However, a lot can change in four years. The Next-Gen Update leveraged FSR 2.1 and DLSS 3 at launch – by comparison, the remaster features DLSS 4.5, FSR 4, and XeSS 2.0 support alongside Ray Reconstruction. There’s also Path Tracing, a rework to global lighting, subsurface scattering – the list goes on. So while the Next-Gen Update is certainly a high bar, the remaster proves that there’s room to grow.

Lighting and Atmosphere

And that’s immediately noticeable through the lighting, especially in the flashback sequence in Kaer Morhen. It’s warmer than the Next-Gen Update, with softer shadows, and more natural-feeling illumination. GTAO shines spectacularly here, especially given the different types of objects and light sources in this scene. Of course, even if it’s a single light source in relative darkness, that warmth is all the more pronounced, illuminating Geralt’s model and the surrounding environment. I can see some preferring the harsher shadows in places with the Next-Gen Update, but the remaster is a notable step up without dramatically altering the mood of various scenes.

Ray-Traced Shadows and Reflections

Then there’s Path Tracing, perhaps the most stunning new addition. The Next-Gen Update’s implementation of ray tracing is pretty well-handled, but the remaster takes things to a whole new level. The clarity is more pronounced, even on surfaces which aren’t fully reflective, striking a balance between natural and more detailed. One particularly impressive detail is in Kaer Morhen, when Geralt steps out on the balcony, and it’s seamlessly reflected in the floor tiles. Let’s not forget about the shadows either, which appear to more naturally encompass objects, even in broad daylight.

Vegetation and World Density

That Kaer Morhen vista is more than just gorgeous skies and mountains, however – it’s also an exemplary showcase of vegetation in the world. As such, the amount of forestation is pretty significant in the Next-Gen Update, and while you’d need to compare them side by side to really grasp the remaster’s improvements, it certainly offers denser, richer landscapes. The comparison becomes starker when getting ready to venture through White Orchard after slaying the Necrophages. Distant foliage looks denser, but even the thinner trees and shrubbery nearby are fuller and more detailed, doubtless due to the rework to foliage shading.

Textures and Environmental Detail

While the texture work hasn’t massively changed (though several updates are noticeable), the lighting changes do a great job highlighting the details on armor, particularly the cracks and creases on Geralt’s chestplate and the worn-out leather. Even smaller objects like bread and cups reveal startling new details, though this can vary at times depending on the angle and shadows.

Draw Distance and Busy Scenes

With all this environmental detail in the remaster, you’d figure something has to give. The Witcher 3’s environments are dense, whether you’re gazing out at the landscape and seeing birds scatter over a treeline or traveling the Path and passing through fields and ruins. From that perspective, the draw distance certainly holds up, though there is some occasional pop-in when racing through at high speed. It’s noticeable at times, especially at longer ranges, but does little to disturb the overall composition, especially when admiring the picturesque landscape at a slower pace.

Character Models and Hair

All of the improvements certainly make characters stand out more, showing that the Next-Gen Update’s high-resolution textures still hold up. But the most notable new feature is Path Traced Hair. Have you ever wanted to see Geralt’s locks naturally shift around, or bounce realistically as he ventures through the land on horseback? Now’s your chance. It may sound like a joke, but the difference is palpable from the Next-Gen Update without feeling completely overdone, especially during regular conversations.

Weather, Water and Volumetric Effects

It’s readily apparent when viewing the mist at Kaer Morhen, but it feels more natural and alive, seamlessly sweeping over the landscape in the remaster, and looks superior to the Next-Gen Update. Of course, there are other things to consider, like the water and how it looks more realistic, especially with Path Tracing reflecting the nearby environment in staggering detail, even if its surface movement can appear more subtle at times. The weather can be as foreboding as ever, especially during thunderstorms, though once again, it may not be as shrouded in darkness due to the lighting changes.

Image Quality in Motion

It feels odd to say that this is the crispest that The Witcher 3 has ever looked, especially since the Next-Gen Update wasn’t particularly lacking in this regard. But it’s true. The combination of Path Tracing, lighting changes, subsurface scattering, and so on, alongside the previous high-resolution textures makes for gorgeous visuals that feel clean throughout, whether you’re stopping and admiring characters’ faces mid-conversation or engaged in combat and tumbling around, as Geralt is wont to do.

Visual Gains vs PC Performance

Our testing rig consists of an AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D, an Nvidia RTX 5080, and 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and even at 4K on RT Ultra with everything set to Ultra+ – not including Path Tracing and Ray Reconstruction – we managed between 70 and 100 FPS. This is with Dynamic Frame Generation and DLAA enabled, though there is sometimes a slight hitch when opening menus. Obviously, these are very heavy settings, but the performance cost feels worth it considering the fidelity.

Does It Feel Like a True Remaster?

Based on everything that CD Projekt RED has put together, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered feels like a proper remaster. Even with the Next-Gen Update putting in so much work when it comes to the textures on characters and environments, the addition of Path Tracing, the lighting overhaul, and much more makes it a clear leap. And with the low, low cost of “free,” at least for current owners, you can’t go wrong.

Despite the layoffs, however, the company has noted that Cold Iron Studios will continue to support Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, including development of the Nintendo Switch 2 version. As a result of the layoffs, the Switch 2 port has been pushed back to Early 2027. No other details about the job cuts, like how many employees will be affected, have been revealed. Rather, Enad Global 7 has simply noted that “Cold Iron Studios will continue to operate as part of Daybreak Game Company.”

Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 was released across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S to mixed reviews. At the time of publishing, the co-op shooter still sits at a “Mixed” average rating on Steam. In our own review, we gave it a score of 5 out of 10, with our biggest critiques being that it has a forgettable, plodding story, questionable facial animations in cutscenes, repetitive mission structure, and janky Xenomorph behavior.

We did, however, praise the deeper customization offered by Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 over its predecessor, as well as the versatility and freedom offered by the Specialist class. The core shooting also felt quite responsive, and the title was able to capture the look and feel of the classic sci-fi films quite well.

The Specialist class is one of the biggest additions to Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 when compared to the original Fireteam Elite, thanks in large part to it being designed primarily as an endgame class that can mix and match abilities and perks from all other classes. Cold Iron Studios had showcased the Specialist with a special trailer just last month. Other classes, like the Machinist, Hunter, and Marauder, also got their own showcases.

Cold Iron Studios had spoken to us about a number of aspects of Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, including how it would balance the Specialist class to make sure that it doesn’t simply become the best choice for every situation.

“We felt it was more important to allow unparalleled flexibility and buildcraft than making all classes relevant in the endgame,” explained systems design lead Brock Robin. “The journey we wanted was for the player to experience what each class has to offer, while enriching their overall experience and options for the Specialist. This is something we’ve debated internally, and we’ll be monitoring on release, as we have some potential solutions depending on how the player base at large reacts to it.”

Robin also spoke about the design of the various classes in Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, and how the team wanted to ensure that the identity of each of the classes becomes more obvious right from the beginning, rather than forcing players to go through several levels before unlocking core parts of their kits.

We already know about the improved shading model, improvements to foliage lighting and shading, tone mapping, GTA as a new SSAO option, and Ray-Traced HairWorks. That doesn’t include Subsurface Scattering for characters’ skin, improved terrain, and Image-Based Lighting.

But the developer has finally revealed how it’s overhauled the skill system. There’s now a skill tree with each having up to three ranks. Instead of spending skill points, you’ll now need to meet certain prerequisites to unlock new options. Furthermore, skill bonus values, synergies and effects have been rebalanced.

Equipment can also be reforged to change its appearance. You’ll need to obtain new gear and crafting diagrams to unlock their appearances, and only masters like Yoana and Hattori can perform the task, but it’s a massive step up for customization.

There’s a lot more to go through, from the updated Photo Mode UI and options to place multiple characters in a shot to the updated map screen, improved gap-closing animations in combat, and more. Check out some of them below and full details here.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered launches on September 29th at 3 AM PDT for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Those who own any version can upgrade for free.

Update Notes

Visual and Rendering

• Implemented an improved shading model.
• Updated multiple textures and models based on assets from The Witcher 3 HD Reworked Project.
• Improved lighting and shading for grass and foliage.
• Updated the visual effects of Signs, including their upgrade versions.
• Added new visual effects for skills.
• The game now features native DirectX 12 rendering with multithreading for better performance and visuals.
• Updated tone mapping for improved colors, lighting, contrast and detail.
• Added GTAO (Ground Truth Ambient Occlusion) as a new Screen Space Ambient Occlusion option.
• Updated the HDR calibration panel by adding new options and other improvements.
• Added Ray-Traced HairWorks for improved lighting and shading on hair.
• Improved Motion Blur with a higher-quality, more cinematic look.
• Updated Subsurface Scattering for more natural skin rendering.
• Improved terrain and material rendering for more natural lighting, shadows, reflections, and highlights.
• Implemented new Image-Based Lighting (IBL) for improved ambient lighting and reflections across different environments.
• Reworked Bloom for more improved lighting effects across different environments.

Gameplay

• Improved the skill system. Skills are now organized into a skill tree and each skill has three ranks. Unlocking new skills now requires having the necessary prerequisite skills rather than spending a set number of skill points. IMPORTANT: As a result of these changes, your skill points have been reset.
• Rebalanced the skill tree by refining skill bonus values, effects and synergies.
• Renamed some skills to better reflect their effects.
• You can now Reforge your equipment to change its appearance without affecting its stats. Only master craftsmen (Yoana and Hattori) offer this service. Unlock appearances by adding new equipment and crafting diagrams to your inventory. Dyes from Blood and Wine applied to equipment will carry over to the reforged item.
• Polished the combat behavior of all non-boss monsters, including their attack patterns, counterattacks, movement, reactions, flight and the application of effects.
• Cantering and galloping now requires pressing the button instead of holding it.
• Added a new “Horse control input sensitivity” slider in Settings → Controls.
• Improved Roach’s and Geralt’s movement, player control and animations:
• Refined Geralt’s jumping animation so that it feels more natural and polished. Note:
• This doesn’t affect jump distance and height.
• Added new finisher animations for Geralt.
• Added new idle animations for Geralt.
• Improved Geralt’s ledge climbing, ladder climbing and vaulting animations as well as his speed for more responsive, fluid movement.
• Improved Geralt’s gap closing animations in combat for smoother gameplay.
• Improved target-lock switching when moving the camera in combat.
• Polished animations for mounting and dismounting Roach, as well as cantering and galloping.

UI/UX

• Meditation now features a timelapse instead of a UI screen for a more immersive feel.
• The skill screen is now reorganized into a more intuitive skill tree layout.
• Updated the map screen to make switching between tracked quests easier. Untracked quests now have a distinct marker and can be tracked by selecting it.
• You can now hide herbs, boats and corpses on the minimap in Settings → Video →
• Interface for a cleaner, less distracting view.
• Improved quest notifications by combining quest updates into a single HUD notification.
• Nearby loot can now be grouped into a single window, so you no longer need to browse through multiple loot windows. You can enable this feature in Settings → Gameplay.
• Added a loot feed that displays recently collected items on the left side of the screen. You can disable it in Settings → Gameplay.
• Added item tooltips to the loot window, allowing you to preview an item’s details before picking it up.
• Renamed the “HUD Configuration” section in Settings to “Interface”.
• Updated the CD PROJEKT RED Account connection, My Rewards and telemetry consent menus.

Photo Mode

• Updated the Photo Mode UI and vastly expanded its features and options:
• You can now choose from multiple different characters to place in your shot.
• Added a selection of poses and expressions for Geralt and placeable characters.
• Added a Look-at dropdown, allowing you to choose where Geralt and placeable characters direct their gaze.
• You can now place lights and adjust their brightness, color, angles and more.
• Added a confirmation prompt before exiting Photo Mode to help prevent accidental exits.
• You can now lock the camera position in Photo Mode to make sure you capture the perfect shot.
• Added the option to apply different environment presets to your scene.
• Added the option to save camera presets, allowing you to save and reuse camera positions and angles.
• You can now change the aspect ratio of your screenshot.
• Added the option to toggle a first-person camera mode so you can see the world through Geralt’s eyes.
• You can now enable or disable camera collisions with objects and walls.
• Set the perfect scene by changing the weather and time of day.
• Adjust the intensity of weather effects like rain or storms.
• Added an option to toggle Rule of Thirds lines in various aspect ratios, with optional cinematic black bars.
• Camera coordinates will now be visible in the UI.
• Added an option to hide surrounding NPCs.
• Added placeable props, giving you even more ways to create the perfect scene. Just don’t ask where they all came from.
• The cursor is now visible in Photo Mode on PC when using a mouse.

In an interview, Sho has confirmed that the PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X/S versions of Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered will all run at 60 FPS. PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X will be capable of outputting 4K visuals thanks to image upscaling technology. Xbox Series S, however, will only be upscaled to 1080p.

When it comes to the Nintendo Switch 2, Sho said that, when docked, the console will output at 1440p. Handheld mode, on the other hand, will stay at 1080p through upscaling. The title will also make use of its variable refresh rate capabilities while still ensuring that it can handle the same number of on-screen characters as the other platforms. Players should expect frame rates of between 30 and 60 FPS depending on the situation.

The PS5 Pro version, interestingly enough, benefits from its more advanced hardware and software features like PSSR. The title also has a higher mesh quality through Nanite. Weaker consoles like the Xbox Series S and the Nintendo Switch 2, on the other hand, don’t use features like Lumen, and their mesh and vegetation densities can also be more variable.

“On PS5 Pro, the graphics have been enhanced using a higher internal resolution than on PS5, as well as upscaling with PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). We have also adjusted the mesh quality using Nanite so that it can achieve a higher level of detail than on PS5.

“In terms of visuals, the Xbox Series S and Nintendo Switch 2 versions differ in areas such as mesh detail and vegetation density. They also differ in that they do not use Lumen for dynamic global illumination and instead use ad hoc lighting adjustments created by our artists. And as mentioned earlier, the performance specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2 version are as described above.”

Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered is out on October 1st, and Sho has also noted that its success might open the door for Omega Force to bring back some of its other Dynasty Warriors games for new audiences. Sho even expressed enthusiasm in potentially bringing other Warriors titles to modern platforms.

“If Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered performs well, then of course I think the possibility of remastering other older titles and series will increase. In fact, I am sincerely hoping that it performs well enough to make that possible! And naturally, this is not limited to the Dynasty Warriors series. I believe it could also open up possibilities for other titles in the broader Warriors franchise.”

While you wait for the PS2 classic’s remastered release, take a look at the overview trailer from back in June. And check out its announcement trailer from last year while you’re at it.

This will be followed up with a major update in December – Symbiosis – that will bring in the shooter’s first permanent PvE game mode along with other content like an expanded version of Perimeter, a new shell, improvements to the onboarding experience, and a new social space where players can hang out together. March will see further expansion of these concepts through what the studio has described as “connected PvE, PvP, and PvEvP experiences” along with deeper progression, a refactored version of Cradle, expansions to the story, and new enemies, along with an entirely new zone.

While the core PvEvP experience is meant to be an important part of Marathon, Bungie has said that it wants to offer players more options when it comes to the survival experience they want. More details about the PvE mode are slated to be revealed as we get closer to the release of the Symbiosis update, as parts of the experience are still being finalized.

“Some players want a quick, lower-pressure run after work. Some want to spend an entire night with their crew. Others want to test a build, compete directly against other players, chase a difficult challenge, or follow a strange clue deeper into the ruins of Tau Ceti IV. Marathon needs to support all of them.”

Bungie has also revealed more details about how it plans to overhaul its onboarding experience since, in its current state, the extraction shooter “asks new players to learn too much, too quickly.” To deal with this, a smoother onramp is being designed that will allow players to easily learn the core fundamentals for Marathon. The social space will play into this, since it will also include a firing range where players can test out their weapons and shell abilities.

“We know that rebuilding trust requires more than talking about the future. We need to share our work and clearly communicate what’s changing so the Marathon community has an accurate understanding of what each update will and won’t deliver.

“While we build toward December and March, we’ll continue making meaningful quality-of-life improvements and running focused experiments that allow players to participate without reorganizing their lives around limited windows.”

Bungie had confirmed earlier this month that Marathon would be moving away from its seasonal content model. This involved pushing back the release of the shooter’s major new update from its originally planned September 22nd date.

At the same time, Bungie has also confirmed that it is working on improving Destiny 2 by bringing back content that was vaulted with the release of its Beyond Light expansion. This means that players will finally get to re-experience the campaigns from Red War up to Forsaken.

Well, we told you about a lot of what was changing a while ago, but new information has come up since then to warrant a second look at what the remaster is doing both above and under the hood to make The Continent an open-world that stands tall among its current-gen peers. Let’s get right into it, blades drawn and a sign ready on our fingertips.

1. The New Adaptive Combat Camera

If you hopped on to test out the current-gen update that dropped a few years ago, the option to switch camera perspectives during exploration and combat instead of the original release’s fixed one was very welcome.

Well, Remastered is taking things a step further when Geralt draws a blade, making the camera become an ally all on its own by switching perspectives based on how many foes he’s facing at any given moment. That’s a great change and is one that should make those displays of swordsmanship we know you’re already preparing for look very immersive indeed.

2. Improvements To Quest Tracking

Going between your Journal and Map in the original release was a tad clunky, a part of the few flaws that the game had. It wasn’t game-breaking, yes, but it could be an annoyance in a game that was otherwise so high-quality. Well, that’s changing now, as the Map and your Journal are more unified.

Tracking objectives across different quests is now a thing, alongside Smart Filters that include proximity-based icons to let you know what you can get to within a radius you determine. We can’t wait to see what else is changing to make our Maps less cluttered and more focused on the things we know, love, and are experiencing in an entirely new light.

3. Reworked Motion Blur

CDPR has talked about improvements to motion blur implementations across the board, which should make panning your camera around in a fight, or perhaps speeding along a winding road on Roach, feel a lot more immersive.

It’s going to work well with all the other graphical improvements on the table to make Remastered feel like a worthy upgrade to an already great title, and we’re itching to join Vesemir at White Orchard as we wait to try it all out for ourselves.

4. Another HDR Upgrade

The next-gen update did a lot of good things to improve how things look and feel when you’re out in the world slaying monsters and chasing down obscure questlines, but things might be getting even better with the list of upgrades specifically mentioning HDR improvements.

We’re expecting to see better highlights, interior lighting and colors, darker corners, more authentic sunsets and fires, and better effects from Signs. That flamethrower upgrade on Igni could end up being something we use often just because of how cool it is, despite how useful it can be against monsters of all kinds.

5. Ray-Traced Hair On PC

We’ve spoken at length about ray tracing and path tracing on the PC version, but one of the things we’ve come to appreciate since then is that Geralt’s hair and beard are going to benefit from that if you have it running on your PC.

That’s going to be great if you’re a fan of how the game signifies the passage of time with your haircut getting gradually longer, now with the ability to throw light back at you when the conditions are right. Talk about a glow-up!

6. DirectX 12-Only Rendering on PC

An important change under the hood in the PC version of Remastered is that it’s going to run exclusively on DirectX 12, with DX11support being dropped.

CDPR has said that this is a change that’s going to help it support technical improvements and modern hardware more effectively, so it’s probably not a change you’re going to notice. However, it’s going to help maintain consistent quality across varying hardware if and when there are things to fix, which is always great to have.

7. Rendering Parallelization

Once again, this is something to look out for if you’re on PC, although what it brings to the table is going to be operating behind the scenes. But it’s very good news, as it’s going to make better use of your CPU’s cores, allowing them to run tasks much more efficiently.

We’re quite excited to see how this affects performance on our systems, but we’re quite optimistic about things improving given how well this one runs already.

8. 60 fps With Ray Tracing On PS5 Pro

Of course, the PC version of the game isn’t the only one getting some love from the developers, as the PS5 Pro version is now confirmed to have Ray Tracing with 60 fps as a performance target if that’s what you’re choosing to run.

That’s better than the 30 fps already on offer, and should make playing Remastered on Sony’s mid-gen powerhouse a great option for those of you looking to push it to its limits on a console.

9. Unlocked Framerates On PS5 Pro

Another thing to look forward to on the PS5 Pro is that Remastered is bringing unlocked framerates for those of you who want smooth performance out of it. On compatible displays, this could perform as high as 90 fps with PSSR working in the background.

That’s quite the boost, and it’s one we’re definitely going to test out in the open world as well as in combat quite extensively to see how it holds up under the strain that The Continent can place on any hardware when it’s firing on all cylinders.

10. Switch 2 Performance Targets

For those of you looking to trade in performance for portability, the Switch 2 version of Remastered is looking at 720p handheld and 1080p docked, with 30-40 fps as the target framerate.

If you’ve got a VRR-compatible 120Hz display, you’re looking at a more consistent 40 fps when you’re docked, which should help make things smoother when you’re not on the go.

11. Interesting Joy-Con Implementations

The Switch 2 version is also bringing mouse control support, and is even making the Joy-Con double up as one if you set it down on a surface through the addition of a dynamic mode.

That’s something to enjoy if you’re diving into this one on your Switch 2, and it could even become your preferred method of controlling Geralt and Roach as they travel across those sprawling maps.

12. Gyro Aiming On Switch 2

CDPR is clearly trying to bring as many goodies as it can to each version of Remastered, and this Switch 2 addition is sure to help with precision aiming, which should work well with the reported addition of sensitivity/camera controls to tweak.

That’s a great way to make using your signs or crossbows more seamless, while the new combat animations make switching to your swords even more fluid in the process. This is something we’re intrigued about, and we can’t wait to see how it changes the combat.

13. Touchscreen Support On Switch 2

The UI and QoL improvements have been a big part of the developer’s list of improvements, and the Switch 2 could make navigating the game’s many complex menus a whole lot easier thanks to the touchscreen becoming a part of it all.

Official touchscreen support is confirmed, and it’s sure to make switching your gear around, or perhaps disposing of stuff to clear a full inventory, a whole lot easier in the process.

14. Motion Pattern Gestures On Switch 2

This is among the ones we’re the most excited about, ever since CDPR showed Nintendo Life motion inputs that could be used to activate specific actions in-game. For instance, raising your right Joy-Con can have Geralt whistle for Roach, something that can make things feel immediately more immersive as a result.

We can’t wait to test out the full extent of these additions and see how they could change the way we approach the experience. We’re certainly hoping for distinct actions to draw either steel or silver swords, and hopefully ones to activate our Signs as well.

15. Xbox Play Anywhere Support

If you own the Xbox version of The Wild Hunt but want to play it on PC, this one’s sure to be good news to you, as you now get to do just that.

Just use your copy of the game to boot up a PC playthrough, and you’re all set, which should save you some cash otherwise spent on another copy. Which would still be worthwhile if you’re looking for all the new stuff it’s bringing, but having a cost-effective alternative never hurts, does it?

And that’s about it for this one. We can’t wait to see if The Witcher 3 Remastered manages to make a world that’s so familiar to us feel brand new, but given how reinventing great games has been kind of a thing for this particular team, we can’t help but feel optimistic about its chances.

The Witcher 3 Remastered is bringing a fresh new take on an RPG that’s eleven years old at this point, and making the attempt right in the middle of a bevy of new games that have been competing for our attention, while GTA 6 looms large on the not-so-distant horizon.

It isn’t getting an empty runway and is up against some stiff competition, but we think Geralt’s a seasoned veteran who’s more than up to the challenge of holding his own against them. Let’s dive into why, beginning with that September 29 release date.

Timing As Precise As A Witcher’s

For the remaster to come out at a time when a bunch of great games have had a bit of time to taper off their initial explosions, and an October release calendar that’s fairly generous in the amount of time it affords it to cast a spell on its players, Remastered is playing its cards right as far as choosing its moment is concerned.

That release date is significant because it showcases confidence from its developers, as well as strategic considerations that make sense to those of us who have allowed our time in White Orchard and Velen to pull us to Novigrad and Skellige in the bargain. That window of opportunity in October, being as wide as it is, can only be good news for a game that’s easily captivating in its original form, coming with a slew of improvements to make it feel new.

The confidence part of things comes from choosing to release the game at a time when there are several great ones in play to divide player attention. It means CDPR is happy to allow the likes of Logan, Dylan, Simon, and even another beloved IP to take a shot at Remastered, and is optimistic about Geralt’s adventure striking enough of a chord to keep us tuned in despite them.

It’s a good idea, then, to think about why that’s the case.

Marvel’s Wolverine

Let’s talk about Marvel’s Wolverine, which has now been out for a couple of weeks and has overcome a bit of criticism to cement itself as another great PlayStation exclusive. Logan’s as seasoned and grizzled as Geralt, and probably operates along similarly grey moral lines, but he has the advantage of being in a brand-new AAA release from Insomniac, following in the shoes of an already successful IP.

He’s got massive production values bringing the world around him to life, while his story and combat have kept players on their toes since they began their look into the character’s latest chapter. The launch window attention Wolverine received has allowed it to show off its value proposition with aplomb.

But Remastered’s got advantages like longevity on its side. There may be Wolverine players who are already done with the story and most of its side content, and possibly waiting for a new game to sink their teeth into. Against this one, Remastered doesn’t necessarily need a bigger launch, and could allow Geralt to just have players stay with him longer than they need to with Logan.

Control Resonant

It’s time to bring the clock a little closer to when Remastered’s hitting the shelves, and Remedy’s altered version of Manhattan is definitely a threat to The Continent thanks to its new-gen presentation, the brand-new story and premise that automatically allow for some truly bizarre memories with the game, and a well-reputed studio behind it.

Factor in a combat system that’s just sublime, and a technological appeal that the game’s world creates space for, and you have a game that’s as fascinating as Geralt’s adventure, with the distinct edge of modernity and Remedy’s penchant for making you meet the unexpected.

But that comes with a price, and that’s literally a point in favor of Remastered since it’s a free upgrade. It’s easy to imagine a player with a copy of The Wild Hunt deciding to give the remaster a go while they save up to pick up a copy of Resonant once they’re done.

For some, the familiar might carry enough of an appeal to delay taking on Dylan’s fight against The Hiss for a while. But there’s another contender in this particular fray which released right alongside Resonant.

Silent Hill: Townfall

As another September 24 release, you could argue that this one’s appeal is directed at an entirely different audience, but there’s the consideration that this one’s definitely turning eyeballs away from Remastered, and for good reasons. But as a game that’s heavily focused on psychological horror, we believe it’s the perfect way to weave in one of The Witcher 3’s strengths.

Where Wolverine brings superhero action, Control lends a bit of the paranormal to its gameplay, and Townfall uses horror, Remastered has the advantage of a title that has all of this and more.

There’s the open-world, exploration, RPG progression systems, a very potent choice-based narrative, monster hunting, and so much more. Its appeal as a “main game” that you just lose yourself in cannot be denied.

Speaking of main games, there’s another September release that’s coming out right alongside Remastered that deserves a look.

Minecraft Dungeons 2

The obvious appeal of a much-awaited sequel in a gigantic franchise is evident here, and all we need to focus on is how each game targets very different audiences with distinct experiences on offer. It’s going to come down to personal tastes as far as its appeal against Remastered is concerned, but we’re once again drawn to the appeal of something that’s free for many players versus a title you need to pay full price for.

Budgets are then a variable to consider, especially in a month where it’s very likely that potential players might already be stretched too thin, having picked up some of the other enticing offerings that the month had to offer. Either way, launch comparisons with Dungeons 2 are tricky when it’s two vastly different titles vying for their players’ attention.

A Long Road Ahead

It’s all fine and dandy to think about games that already had their time in the spotlight and Remastered’s potential to overshadow them thanks to a later release date, but October isn’t letting up on the pressure, and is sure to test the new version’s staying power.

The month’s hitting fast and hard with Ace Combat 8 on the 2nd, and Gears of War: E-Day and Star Wars: Galactic Racer out on the 6th. That’s evidence that Remastered isn’t just competing against September’s lineup, but against October as well, with brand-new AAA titles trying to pull players out of the Continent’s spell almost as soon as it begins to take effect.

But can they succeed against a title that has such an addictive open-world structure coupled with details that just gnaw at you till you resolve them? From the old lady who needs help retrieving a frying pan from some alleged ruffians to some truly memorable, and even macabre stories to uncover on The Path, abandoning a playthrough once you get started in The Wild Hunt isn’t something you do easily.

But Remastered’s potential for retention is going to be further tested by two other major releases in the month.

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen

Perhaps the most direct competitor to Remastered, Dark Arisen’s RPG trappings, world design, and quests, combat, and the appeal of entirely new additions to a title that did quite strongly when it first came out are all points in its favor.

Those systems are well utilized in a world that’s every bit as dangerous as The Continent, in an adventure that may not tell a story of the same size and scope, but is definitely good enough to warrant a look from players that Remastered might be hoping to hold on to for a while longer than its October 9 release date.

But Remastered does bring familiarity and nostalgia to the table, and the same budgetary constraints that give it an edge over other titles continue to hold thanks to it simply needing players to hit download and get started.

But Geralt’s combat prowess has yet another test waiting at the end of the month.

Phantom Blade Zero

October 29 is a date many action fans have marked on their calendars, and with Remastered already out for a month by then, we have to think about whether it can be appealing enough to players who’ve been eagerly waiting for this one to sink a few more hours into it once its novelty has worn off.

But given its vast breadth and the sheer scope of the narrative threads it puts on you, a lot of players might likely be far from done with it, and perhaps in too deep to satisfactorily extract themselves from the experience long enough for a new game to take root in their minds.

It’s not guaranteed, but we can’t deny that it’s a very strong possibility with a remaster of a game that’s already sold 65 million copies, is free for existing owners, and is bringing a list of changes that are nothing short of a labor of love from a team that has continued to add to it over a decade after it was first sent out in the world to carve its legacy. And it’s got enough reasons to enjoy a strong presence in modern gaming in its latest form.

Expecting The Unexpected

With launches across all available platforms and the new Switch 2 version, its expansions, all of its improvements, and Battle.net presence, The Witcher 3 Remastered is definitely a welcome addition to a very intense calendar of releases.

But it’s also got something else up its sleeve as the foundation for Songs of the Past and The Witcher 4, and its appeal as the first step in that direction is something to consider when you think about its potential success this year. When viewed through that lens, and with the scope of it feeling fresh enough to replicate its magic from years ago factored in, all the remaster might need is for players to hit download.

But then there’s GTA 6 a game against which every release the year has offered us so far pales in comparison to. But that one isn’t going to release on PC yet. And The Wild Hunt is kind of the perfect game to have as a secondary one that you’re chipping away at when you decide to game on another platform. We’re under no illusions that GTA 6 is going to lose players to anything this year, but with Remastered getting 51 full days before it releases, we think it’s a fantastic window for Geralt to leave a lasting impression on players old and new.

It’s definitely ironic that a game that’s nearly eleven years old has the potential to dominate the conversation ahead of this generation’s biggest release, especially when it’s competing against some truly fine ones. But we don’t think the question here should be whether Geralt’s adventure overshadows the competition.

Rather, we think it’s more about whether The Witcher 3 Remastered can be the game people continue playing right up until GTA 6 arrives. From where we’re standing, it’s poised to achieve that goal pretty well, and that’s a win in and of itself in our book.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

Dynasty Warriors 3 has previously been described as the most-requested remaster in the series. Beyond that fan demand, what made Dynasty Warriors 3 the right game to revisit rather than Dynasty Warriors 4, 5, or another classic entry?

Among the requests for remasters of the PS2 era Dynasty Warriors games, there were many requests for Dynasty Warriors 3, Dynasty Warriors 4, and Dynasty Warriors 5. The reason we chose Dynasty Warriors 3 was that it was the entry in which many of the key elements that would go on to form the foundation of later games in the series were firmly established. And personally, it is also a very memorable title for me because it was the first game I worked on with full responsibility for the project as a game designer.

The remaster adds mechanics such as Evasion, Just Evasion, and Perfect Power Guard, while also allowing players to switch back towards a more classic experience. How difficult was it to modernise the combat without fundamentally changing what Dynasty Warriors 3 feels like?

It was extremely difficult. Because the range of actions available to the player changes significantly, it wasn’t realistic to completely match the combat to each of the difficulties, so we chose to accept that to a certain extent. Even so, whether players choose the more modern feel or something closer to the original, we still needed to achieve the intended gameplay feel and difficulty across a wide variety of situations, and that was something we struggled with considerably.

Dynasty Warriors games have changed enormously in terms of enemy density, combat speed, officer encounters, and battlefield design since the PS2 era. Which aspects of Dynasty Warriors 3 did the team consider essential to preserve even if they might feel unusual by modern standards?

If I had to put it in a couple words… this may not be the best way to phrase it and might be misunderstood, but in a positive sense, I’d say it is the “almost unfair level of difficulty” and the “silliness.” Of course, the exhilarating feeling of 1 vs. 1000 is an unwavering core of the series, but we also placed great importance on preserving the underlying appeal that could only exist, and be enjoyed, because of the sensibilities and action game design of that era.

Weapon Fusion is a fairly substantial addition to the original progression system. What prompted its inclusion, and how much does it change the way players build and develop individual officers compared to the original game?

Weapon Fusion was probably the one major feature that the director and the development team members wanted to add. Those who know the original game well will understand this, but when it came to what were known as unique weapons, there had long been feedback that some were difficult to use depending on the officer, or that they had different attributes, so we added Weapon Fusion in response to those requests. As for progression and character builds, given the large number of officers, we have adjusted the systems so that characters can be developed more easily in line with modern sensibilities.

The remaster is adding entirely new scenarios rather than simply recreating the original game and Xtreme Legends. What kinds of opportunities did revisiting Dynasty Warriors 3 give the team to explore battles or character perspectives that couldn’t be included in the original release?

As for the new scenarios… even though this is a remaster, we felt that players would want some new content. So, with that in mind, we created them around the concept of offering more “hypothetical (what if)” scenarios that we couldn’t at the time, while also making them highly challenging and rewarding to play. Back then, because the game was as a pure action game, there was almost no explanation of the world or the individual officers. In this version, we have supplemented those aspects, and I think that allows players to enjoy the game with a greater sense of immersion.

Ziluan from Dynasty Warriors: Origins is appearing in the remaster. How did the team approach integrating such a modern Dynasty Warriors character into a game whose design and roster originated more than two decades ago?

By the end of Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Ziluan became an extremely powerful character, capable of switching between a wide variety of weapons, using powerful Arts, and unleashing True Musou Ranbu attacks that could almost be considered ultimate moves. In this game, we adjusted him so that his actions would not feel out of place alongside the other officers, while also ensuring that his overall strength remained balanced with the rest of the roster.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins brought a significant number of new and returning players to the franchise. Has its reception changed the way Omega Force thinks about preserving and reintroducing older Dynasty Warriors games?

We are certainly conscious of those who have played Dynasty Warriors: Origins, but to be honest, I don’t think it fundamentally changed our approach. Omega Force has always developed the Dynasty Warriors series with the intention of delivering what we believe is the best possible version of Dynasty Warriors for that particular time. I think that principle has remained unchanged and will continue to remain unchanged going forward.

If Complete Edition Remastered performs well, could this become the beginning of a broader effort to preserve older Warriors titles – whether through more Dynasty Warriors remasters or revisiting games from series such as Samurai Warriors?

If Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered performs well, then of course I think the possibility of remastering other older titles and series will increase. In fact, I am sincerely hoping that it performs well enough to make that possible! And naturally, this is not limited to the Dynasty Warriors series. I believe it could also open up possibilities for other titles in the broader Warriors franchise.

What resolutions and frame rates does Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered target on PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch 2?

The frame rate for PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S is 60 FPS. On both PS5 and PS5 Pro, the game outputs at 4K resolution using upscaling technology. Xbox Series X also outputs at 4K using upscaling technology, while Xbox Series S is upscaled to 1080p. On Nintendo Switch 2, TV Mode outputs at 2560×1440, while Handheld Mode outputs at 1920×1080 using upscaling technology. To avoid creating a significantly different gameplay experience, the Switch 2 version has also been adjusted to handle the same number of characters as the other platforms while running at a variable frame rate of 30 ~ 60 FPS.

What specific enhancements does the PS5 Pro version offer, and are there any notable visual or performance compromises on Series S or Switch 2?

On PS5 Pro, the graphics have been enhanced using a higher internal resolution than on PS5, as well as upscaling with PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). We have also adjusted the mesh quality using Nanite so that it can achieve a higher level of detail than on PS5. In terms of visuals, the Xbox Series S and Nintendo Switch 2 versions differ in areas such as mesh detail and vegetation density. They also differ in that they do not use Lumen for dynamic global illumination and instead use ad hoc lighting adjustments created by our artists. And as mentioned earlier, the performance specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2 version are as described above.

That one was pretty good, but it wasn’t enough to see me through to the end of the game on what was already my third time with the story. I did, however, lose many an evening to The Continent, returning to it in my downtime between new releases for a contract or two.

Has Remastered managed to wow me enough to make me take on that massive story and map again, and see things through to the finish this time around? Has that long list of changes been enough to make me commit to finishing it on my PC, with some of its improvements making it feel different, if not necessarily better?

I’d say yes, for the most part. That’s because CDPR has clearly aimed for a balance between the game we all know and love, and a version of it that’s ready to present Geralt’s penultimate chapter to us before Songs of the Past and Ciri takes over in The Witcher 4. When viewed through that lens, Remastered does bring changes that lay the groundwork for the franchise’s future.

The revamped visuals are where that’s most evident, with the new global illumination system working very well with ray tracing and path tracing to make every scene you witness feel so authentic and immersive. It helps that The Witcher 3 was already a very good-looking game to begin with, and Remastered feels like a completion of what its next-gen update started a few years ago.

It’s evident from the way the sun’s rays gently glance off Geralt and Vesemir’s armor in the first conversation the two men have, the morning’s light working well with the gentle glow of the campfire that they sat around at night. It’s in the way the world around you lights up as you speed by on Roach, the light bringing a revamped level of detail to life in a way that makes The Continent absolutely spellbinding to look at.

"Emyhr’s palace now comes with a sort of elegant opulence that simply wasn’t possible back in the day, its polished floors casting off reflections that are a great showcase of just how far the game has come."

I expect a lot of you are going to be spending time with the new Photo Mode once you dive into this one, and your time would definitely be well spent, as this one’s now the finest-looking version of a game whose visual appeal hadn’t faded over the years. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, the new lighting system and support for Path Tracing and Ray Reconstruction mean you’re going to see light play off elements in the world in interesting and very immersive ways.

That early conversation with the Nilfgaardian captain in that ruined tower? The sunlight now glints off his armor with his every movement, and the same happens with the hilt of Geralt’s sword in that same scene. Emyhr’s palace now comes with a sort of elegant opulence that simply wasn’t possible back in the day, its polished floors casting off reflections that are a great showcase of just how far the game has come.

Of course, the new lighting system isn’t the only visual upgrade on board, as upgraded textures and improved foliage are also huge changes that become immediately evident. The world around Geralt in areas like White Orchard, or Toussaint if you choose to dive into Blood and Wine straightaway, is so lush and green it’s hard not to stop and take it all in.

Details on armor, skin, and surfaces all stand out now. The Bloody Baron’s years of gluttony are now showcased in the tired bags around his eyes and his skin. The glint in Geralt’s eyes now emphasizes his nature as a Witcher, while his hair and beard now benefit from path tracing as well.

"Once your blade is drawn, you immediately feel Geralt’s faster thanks to a quicker stride and smoother animations when you’re trying to close gaps."

However, it’s here that the changes that Remastered brings to the table begin to drop off in their immediate tangibility. You see, aside from the visuals, a lot of what’s going to make the experience feel fresh to returning players is buried under progress for the most part. Take transmogrification, for instance.

I was quite eager to pick up some of the armor sets that the next-gen update added and create a unique look by mixing and matching between them, only to find that the function is locked behind master armorers, unlocking any of which could take a while. Of course, given that most of the cool armor pieces in the game come with a level requirement anyway, making a beeline for one armorer or another could be a priority, but it would have been nice to have the option available right off the bat. Joanna would have been a great place to begin on that front.

The combat and revamped skill trees are other areas where the improvement that Remastered brings takes time to show itself. Once your blade is drawn, you immediately feel Geralt’s faster thanks to a quicker stride and smoother animations when you’re trying to close gaps.

His swings and stabs are also quicker, making weaving between attacks, parries, and dodges feel much better when you’re in the heat of battle. The new finishing animations are cool, and that’s keeping in mind that I only noticed a couple while I was in fights, thanks to how involved each encounter now feels.

The enemy AI is one of the two ways in which the revamped combat now calls to me. Enemies now coordinate their attacks better and try to remain in groups, which makes isolating one and tearing through their defences with a barrage of attacks not as easy as it once was. The combat now feels like a great balance between your Signs, swords, and secondary tools like your ranged weapon or bombs.

"Minor issues like Geralt’s hair going black in shadowy areas, or the continued lack of any way to match your step to your target in missions where you need to follow somebody, are annoyances but not game-breaking in the slightest."

The dynamic camera is the second, and it’s among my favorite parts of Remastered. It works like a charm, for starters, intelligently panning in and out based on how many enemies Geralt was trying to deal with at any given time, and the way it closes in on the last foe in an encounter makes ending each fight feel quite cinematic in an effortless sort of way.

As for the revamped Skill Trees, they’re going to look like the same old skills have simply been moved around at first glance, but it’s when you pick a few Ability Points and begin to spend them that you begin to see how the new layouts make sense. It was evident across all the ability trees you have at your disposal, and it’s a great way of helping you funnel your points into abilities that work well with each other in the early game while leaving you free to swap them out once you get better ones.

Let’s not forget about how it all comes together and performs to present a cohesive experience. I was able to get frame rates of 145-170 fps on my Ryzen 5 5600, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB with 32GB of RAM on board, running a balance between High and Ultra settings while rendering the game at 1080p with DLSS and Frame Generation on. I had Path Tracing active and applied to Geralt’s hair as well, and noticed no stuttering, pop-in, or drops in performance across nearly a dozen hours in the game.

Minor issues like Geralt’s hair going black in shadowy areas, or the continued lack of any way to match your step to your target in missions where you need to follow somebody, are annoyances but not game-breaking in the slightest. The latter should have been something that Remastered paid attention to, though, given how the new movement systems feel smoother in motion, although Geralt’s still not the most nimble hero around by any standards when you’re exploring the world.

"With the two expansions factored in, this is the definitive way to play The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and it’s a modernization of a title that has received a lot of love from its makers and audiences over the years."

With all that’s changed, and all that’s stayed the same, I’m sure you’re wondering if Remastered has done enough to ensure I finish what could be my third and potentially final playthrough of the game before I dive into Songs of the Past.

I’m happy to say that I’m going to see things through to the end this time around, and that this one’s so darn easy to recommend thanks to how much it changes and the fact that it’s free. With the two expansions factored in, this is the definitive way to play The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and it’s a modernization of a title that has received a lot of love from its makers and audiences over the years.

Remastered is an excellent showcase of why that’s the case, and a fine way to indulge in one last romp across The Continent with grumpy old Geralt before Ciri’s charm and compassion take center stage in a new tale that’s sure to test them both alongside her prowess with the blade and her innate abilities.

But for now, I’m happy to stick with the Butcher of Blaviken and shape the world around him, one gravelly-voiced conversation at a time.

This game was reviewed on PC.