The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS5, Xbox Series X | S)

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is considered one of the best games ever made, with over 40 million sales and over 200 Game of the Year awards. On December 14th, CD Projekt RED will release the next-gen update, which upgrades the game for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Known as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition, it features a range of new features, quality of life, and much more. Perhaps the best part of this update is that almost everything is optional, so you can re-experience the classic version or savor all the improvements in the update.

Let’s look at 15 things you should know before playing it. There’s still more to be revealed in the coming days, so keep that in mind.

All Existing Content

When Xbox Series X/S and PS5 players jump in, they’re not just getting The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. They’re also getting, two expansions that also received extensive critical acclaim. There are also all the post-launch updates, from alternate looks for Ciri, Yennefer and Triss to new quests, armor sets, finisher animations, and New Game Plus. A lot of content will be available, especially for new players.

Netflix’s The Witcher Content

In addition, content based on Netflix’s The Witcher is included. Players can don the armor that Henry Cavill wears, and there’s an alternative outfit for Dandelion that has him resemble Jaskier. The armor unlocks through a new quest, and though the developer doesn’t want to oversell it, Witcher fans should enjoy the setting.

4K/30 FPS and 60 FPS Modes

One of the most significant new features is the graphics modes on consoles. PS5 and Xbox Series X players will have access to two – 4K/30 FPS with ray-traced global illumination and 60 FPS with an unknown resolution – while Xbox Series S players only have access to 60 FPS mode. It also supports Fidelity FX Super Resolution 2.0 on consoles, which should result in better image quality.

Graphical Improvements

It may not seem initially obvious, but there are many other improvements in the visual department. Based on the work-in-progress footage showcased during a recent REDStream, the next-gen update will sport massively improved vegetation, better textures and vastly better screen space reflections (which now apply to everything and not just the water). There are new clouds, more accurate color tones, lighting improvements, and more.

No Separate PC Version

For PC players, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Game of the Year Edition will be automatically updated to support all these new visual improvements (with the ability to go “Ultra+” in the level of details, background characters, and more). The current version won’t be available as a separate download, which may present problems for those with lesser hardware and can also potentially break mod support. Updated system requirements have yet to be confirmed, so beware.

“Variety” of Mods

Another feature that’s yet to be clarified is the “variety of mods” that the update will include. We know that HD Reworked, which adds high-quality meshes, increased draw distance for some objects, and better object LODs, is included, but an extensive list has yet to be revealed. The good news is that Xbox Series X/S and PS5 players will also get access to them, so that’s nice.

New Camera Angle

Remember when The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s gameplay was first revealed, and how different it looked? The next-gen update allows for somewhat reliving that era in the modern game with a closer camera angle option. This positions the camera to the side, providing an almost over-the-shoulder perspective. How this works in combat remains to be seen, but it’s a more personal viewpoint for exploring the world.

Quick Cast for Signs

A new Quick Cast feature will be available for casting Signs, which makes them a lot more intuitive to use in combat. Instead of opening the radial menu and switching to a Sign, then casting it with, say, R2 or Right Trigger, you now hold it down and press the corresponding button for the same. So holding down R2/RT and pressing L2/LT will use Igni, while pressing Circle/B uses Quen, and so on. It’s also an option on PC, but like the new camera perspective, you can enable it or stick to the current control scheme.

Map Filters and Dynamic Mini-Map

When opening the map for the first time, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the icons and feel like you should explore them all. Filter settings will be available to hide these in the next-gen update. Of course, if you want to track everything completed, there are also settings for that. You can display and track the number of Smuggler’s Caches, Bandit Camps, Hidden Treasures, and Boats, or everything at once. The choice is yours.

There’s also an option to hide the mini-map and objectives during exploration. It becomes invisible until you bring it up briefly using the Focus Mode button or enter combat. No more having to decide between having it permanently on or off.

Bug Fixes

It wouldn’t be an update without fixes for bugs and performance issues. While the next-gen update has all kinds of fixes, perhaps the biggest one is for the Wolf School Gear Scavenger Hunt quest, which has been bugged for years. Another major glitch has also been fixed, though we’ll need to wait on the patch notes for more details.

Photo Mode

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is still a gorgeous-looking game, even after all these years, and sometimes you want to stop and take pictures. The next-gen update makes that possible with Photo Mode. Along with changing the camera height, position and zoom, you can adjust the FOV and Tilt, Depth of Field, Autofocus, Aperture and Focus Distance. Exposure, temperature, highlights, saturation, and contrast are also adjustable for different effects.

Accessibility Features

Regarding accessibility options, the update allows for changing HUD scaling and subtitle size for easier reading. You can also set the left stick to auto-sprint while moving instead of pressing a face button to sprint. It’s also possible to adjust the font size for NPC chatter and dialogue choices, along with toggling HUD visibility.

Cross-Progression

So you’ve already played The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and its expansions on PC, and want to hop back in for a new playthrough, maybe in New Game Plus. But what if you wish to continue playing on Xbox Series X or PS5? Don’t worry because cross-progression is confirmed, allowing you to move saves between platforms without hassle. You’ll need a GOG account to do so, though.

PS5 DualSense Support

For PS5 players, support for the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers is coming. The latter is felt when casting Signs, hitting enemies or crossing swords, giving a much more visceral feeling for combat. A nice touch that helps combat feel much more responsive.

Free Upgrade for Xbox One and PS4

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition will be available for digital purchase on Xbox Series X/S and PS5. What if you own The Witcher 3 – Game of the Year Edition on Xbox One or PS4? Like how PC players get all this as a free update, previous-gen console players can upgrade to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions for free.