The Witcher from CD Projekt Red has always been a beautiful game with depth and fantastic storytelling. However, for a game that’s seven years old, the visuals and graphics were due for a facelift. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was given just that in a recent next-gen update. But how will that affect the game?
The next-gen patch is being released today and will be available for free. This patch boosts the game if you’re playing on Xbox Series S/X, Playstation 5 or a high-end PC.
Once the update has been installed, it’ll offer the player two different graphics options. The first focuses on high-end visual effects. This includes ray tracing that drastically improves the lighting in The Witcher 3. This has an amazing effect on the already beautiful open-world landscape in the game. The second option emphasizes performance at 60fps.
Either of these options makes a big difference to the visuals and graphics of the game. The difference is immediately apparent. The game is beautifully detailed, and the lighting makes it possible to ride on horseback to enjoy the views. If only there was a camera mode so you could take full advantage of the beautiful views. Now, you can, as the update includes a photo mode.
Despite its beautiful landscapes, The Witcher 3 has always been a bit buggy, although nowhere near as rough as Cyberpunk 2077. Most of the issues have been addressed. However, some of these bugs are still present, even after the update. Players mentioned that they still experience gravity-defying hair movements and bouncing bodies of slain monsters. Despite these minor issues, the game runs smoothly with the new update.
It should be noted that this is not a full overhaul like The Last of Us. Instead, this is just a next-gen patch. This means that there are a few things that still make the game feel like it was launched a while ago. The wonky character graphics and gravity effects (or lack of) on certain objects can still make the game feel dated.
However, The Witcher 3 is beloved because of its dynamic storytelling and role-playing elements. These are still present and, when combined with the improvements to the graphics, make a big difference. The improved frame rate, smoother controls and fewer technical issues make for a much better gaming experience.
So, if you love The Witcher and want to replay the game, or if you want to try it out for the first time, this next-gen update for The Witcher 3 will leave you wanting more! Luckily Netflix has you covered with more plans for the Witcher franchise and other loved video games, albeit without Henry Cavill. We wonder how that’ll work out for fans that loved the actor’s portrayal of Geralt. CD Projekt Red is also working on new Witcher games among others.
