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The Witcher 3’s 2022 next-gen update (version 4.0) adds improved visuals, platform-specific graphics modes, quality-of-life options, new content, and cross-progression. It is not just a console upgrade: PC received the update too. What you get depends on whether you play on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch.
What “classic” and “next-gen” mean
Here, “classic” means the original release before version 4.0; “next-gen” means the update launched on December 14, 2022 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. CD PROJEKT RED also updated PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, but those versions do not have the same feature set as PC and the newer consoles. The publisher’s version 4.0 change list describes that update, not every change made by later patches.
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Graphics and performance depend on platform
Version 4.0 improves textures, shadows, draw distance, crowd density, and other visual details. It adds ray tracing on supported hardware, but the feature set and graphics modes vary by platform. The frame rates below are publisher targets, not guarantees of a locked rate or independent measurements.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches| Platform | Graphics options and features | Published performance targets |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion; compatible hardware can also enable ray-traced reflections and shadows. ULTRA+ settings, DLSS 3 on compatible hardware, and AMD FSR 2.1 are listed among the update’s enhancements. | No universal target stated; results depend on hardware and settings. |
| PS5 and Xbox Series X | Ray Tracing mode includes ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion. Both available modes use dynamic resolution scaling. | Ray Tracing mode targets 30 FPS; Performance mode targets 60 FPS. |
| Xbox Series S | No ray-tracing features. Quality mode prioritizes resolution and image fidelity; Performance mode prioritizes smoother gameplay. | Quality targets 30 FPS; Performance targets 60 FPS. |
| PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch | Received a separate update with some quality-of-life additions and Netflix-inspired content; the full PC and newer-console feature set does not apply. | Not stated in the cited version 4.0 change list. |
On PC, ULTRA+ adds graphics settings affecting background character count, shadows, grass density, texture quality, foliage visibility, terrain, water, and detail. Ray tracing and DLSS 3 require compatible hardware; they are not available to every PC player. For PS5 and Xbox Series X, the choice is primarily between the visual features of Ray Tracing mode and the higher publisher-targeted frame rate of Performance mode. Series S has Quality and Performance modes but no ray tracing.
#1 Best Overall
- Trained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.
- Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity.
- Take on the most important contract of your life: to track down the child of prophecy, the key to saving or destroying this world.
What else version 4.0 adds
New story content and appearances
- The side quest “In The Eternal Fire’s Shadow.”
- Alternative Dandelion and Nilfgaardian armor appearances inspired by Netflix’s series.
- Chinese and Korean voice-over; console availability varies by region.
Camera, visuals, and photo mode
Players can use a closer, more dynamic camera that reacts to movement and combat, take screenshots in photo mode, and pause during cutscenes. The update also changes textures for several main characters, weather and sky textures, vegetation, water, meshes, visual effects, and environmental lighting.
Selected community mod content
The update incorporates selected community-created or community-inspired work, including The Witcher 3 HD Reworked Project, HD Monsters Reworked, Immersive Real-time Cutscenes, Nitpicker’s Patch, and World Map Fixes. It also includes a curated implementation of Full Combat Rebalance 3. This is selected, curated content—not unrestricted mod support across every platform.
Rank #2
![NAMCO - CD Projekt Red - The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, Playstation 5 [English Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dWUfwFl5L._SL160_.jpg)
- 1205504
- High-quality material
- Durable
- robustness
Controls and quality-of-life changes
Version 4.0 makes several routine actions easier and gives players more control over the interface:
- Quick Sign casting without opening the radial menu, plus instant herb looting.
- A less cluttered default map filter, with options to hide the minimap and quest objectives while exploring.
- Controller slow-walk and alternate sprint options, and improved access to bombs, bolts, and pocket items from the radial menu.
- Adjustable text sizes for subtitles, NPC chatter, and dialogue choices.
On PS5, the update also supports DualSense adaptive triggers and haptic feedback and adds Activity Cards.
Rank #3
- If you buy this game, you will receive a free next-gen update on December 14th!
- Play as a highly trained monster slayer for hire.
- Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth and complexity.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Game of the Year edition brings together the base game and all the additional content released to date.
Is the next-gen update free?
CD PROJEKT RED said owners of the original PC, PS4, and Xbox One releases could upgrade to the next-gen version for free. PS4 and Xbox One received their own update rather than the complete PC and newer-console feature set; Nintendo Switch also received an update. Store entitlements can depend on the edition and platform, so check the current listing for the copy you own before purchasing or relying on an upgrade.
The Complete Edition launched for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. It includes the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions and previously released extra content, making it a relevant edition for someone who does not already own an eligible copy with the content they want. Existing eligible owners do not need to repurchase solely to access the free update. See CD PROJEKT RED’s launch and update information for the original upgrade announcement.
Can you transfer a save file?
Cross-progression can carry saves between platforms after you sign in with your CD PROJEKT RED account and upload a save. For the specific PS4-to-PS5 process, the publisher’s save-transfer instructions require the same account on both versions, an uploaded save, and PS4 version 4.04. The process is to create a save on the updated PS4 game, then sign in and load that uploaded save on PS5. Do not assume the exact steps or requirements are identical for every platform pair.
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Quick Recap
Which version should you play?
- Choose the updated version if your platform supports it and you want the visual options, usability improvements, and added content.
- On PS5 or Xbox Series X, choose Ray Tracing mode for its ray-traced lighting features or Performance mode for the higher published frame-rate target.
- On Xbox Series S, choose Quality for image fidelity or Performance for the higher frame-rate target; ray tracing is not available.
- On PC, check your hardware before expecting ray tracing or DLSS 3, and use graphics settings suited to your system.
- On PS4, Xbox One, or Switch, expect some update additions, not the complete feature set available on PC and newer consoles.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
