The December 2022 next-gen update made The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt more than a visual upgrade: version 4.0 added platform-specific graphics options, refreshed controls and interface features, new content, and cross-progression. It was a free update, but what players received depended on their platform. It is also distinct from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered, which launched on September 29, 2026.
What “next-gen update” means
The term refers to the free December 2022 version 4.0 update, not a separate paid expansion or the later Remastered release. CD PROJEKT RED said, “After the update your game version will be 4.0.” The update was available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and also reached PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Its features were not identical across those platforms. CD PROJEKT RED’s 2022 change list describes the initial release; later patches added or refined features.
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How the graphics changed
Version 4.0 refreshed rendering, textures, and environmental detail. PC and next-gen consoles gained ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion. Compatible PC hardware could additionally use ray-traced reflections and shadows, while PC also gained Ultra+ settings, FSR 2.1, and DLSS 3 support on compatible hardware. Feature support does not guarantee a particular frame rate on a specific PC.
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Console graphics modes and performance targets
On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, players could choose between a ray-tracing-focused mode and a performance-focused mode. Xbox Series S had a different set of options and no ray-tracing features in the 2022 implementation. These are the publisher’s stated targets, not independent performance measurements.
| Platform | Mode | What it prioritizes | Publisher’s target |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 and Xbox Series X | Ray Tracing | Ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion; dynamic resolution scaling | 30 FPS |
| PS5 and Xbox Series X | Performance | Dynamic resolution scaling for smoother play | 60 FPS |
| Xbox Series S | Quality | Higher resolution and image fidelity; no ray tracing | 30 FPS |
| Xbox Series S | Performance | Smoother play; no ray tracing | 60 FPS |
On PS5, the update also added DualSense adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, along with Activity Cards. These console-specific features were not universal additions across every platform. The publisher’s change list and its platform feature notes detail the release options.
Camera, controls, and interface changes
The update introduced an alternative camera that sits closer to the player and responds more dynamically to combat and movement. Players also gained a photo mode and the ability to pause during cutscenes. These options changed how the existing game could be played without replacing its story or core structure.
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- Perfect puzzling: Puzzles slowly increase in complexity enabling seamless progression and rewarding exploration.
- Quick Sign Casting: an alternative way to cast Signs.
- Map filters: options to reduce clutter and narrow what appears on the map.
- Dynamic minimap: an option to hide the minimap when it is not needed.
New quest, appearances, and voice-over
Version 4.0 added the Velen side quest “In the Eternal Fire’s Shadow,” with rewards inspired by the Netflix series. It also added alternate appearances for Dandelion and Nilfgaardian armor. Chinese and Korean voice-over joined the available language options, though console availability varied by region.
Cross-progression and account conditions
Cross-progression lets players upload the latest saves by save type after signing in to an account, then access eligible saves on another platform. It is not a promise that every save can move between every platform combination: players should check account and platform compatibility for their particular setup. The Switch implementation arrived later, with patch 4.04; CD PROJEKT RED says its cross-progression feature requires a GOG account regardless of platform. The patch 4.04 notes cover the Switch changes.
Later 4.x patches filled in the picture
Version 4.0 was the beginning of the next-gen update, not its final state. Subsequent patches improved performance, added features, and fixed issues:
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- Patch 4.01: improved overall stability and performance, introduced a PC ray-traced global-illumination performance mode, and improved screen-space reflections and ray-tracing performance on next-gen consoles. Read the 4.01 notes.
- Patch 4.02: improved CPU core utilization for PC DX12, improved next-gen console Performance Mode, and added a motion-blur slider, alongside fixes. Read the 4.02 notes.
- Patch 4.03: added Intel XeSS support on PC, improved ray-tracing performance, and added auto-apply oils across platforms. Read the 4.03 notes.
- Patch 4.04: reached Switch in July 2023 with selected 4.0 content, quality-of-life changes, additional Netflix-inspired content, and cross-progression. The Switch scope was not the same as the PC, PS5, or Series X implementation. Read the 4.04 notes.
What “version” means now: 2022 update versus 2026 Remastered
As of October 4, 2026, the publisher’s newer The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered has been available since September 29, 2026. It is separate from the 2022 next-gen update. The Remastered release includes an improved shading model, updated textures and models, lighting and foliage improvements, added visual effects, and platform-specific changes. Its PC features include Path Tracing, DLSS 4.5 with Ray Reconstruction, AMD FSR 4 on supported hardware (with FSR 2 used on unsupported GPUs), Intel XeSS 2.0, and Ray-Traced HairWorks. It also changes system requirements; check the requirements and feature list for the platform and hardware you intend to use. The publisher’s Remastered release notes describe platform-specific changes.
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CD PROJEKT RED says qualifying owners can upgrade for free within the same platform ecosystem on supported platforms. Its current FAQ says the Complete Edition replaces the former base-game listing and includes Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. On older consoles, the previous-generation setup otherwise remains unchanged, with both expansions now available to base-game owners at no extra cost. If you already own the game, check your platform library and the publisher’s eligibility details before buying another copy. See the Remastered FAQ and upgrade information.
Which version should you compare?
For a direct comparison, “original” means the game before version 4.0; “next-gen update” means the free 2022 update as refined by patches 4.01–4.04; and “Remastered” means the distinct 2026 release. The practical differences depend on your platform:
Quick Recap
- PC: version 4.0 added Ultra+, upscaling support, and optional ray tracing on compatible hardware. Remastered adds a separate set of newer rendering features and revised system requirements.
- PS5 and Xbox Series X: the 2022 update offered ray-tracing and performance modes with publisher targets of 30 and 60 FPS, respectively.
- Xbox Series S: version 4.0 offered Quality and Performance modes but no ray tracing.
- Older consoles and Switch: they received updates, but not the complete feature set of the PC and newer consoles; Switch’s selected 4.0 content arrived with patch 4.04.
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.
