The Witcher 3’s December 2022 version 4.0 update changed far more than graphics: it added platform-specific visual and performance options, new content, control and interface improvements, cross-progression, and fixes. You can switch to Classic on Steam or GOG using their beta-channel settings; CD PROJEKT RED says Epic Games Store does not offer a rollback. Its documented rollback guidance does not give PlayStation or Xbox console steps.
This is about the 2022 version 4.0 next-gen update, not The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered, a separate release announced as available September 29, 2026.
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![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)
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NAMCO - CD Projekt Red - The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, Playstation 5 [English Edition] | $49.29 | Buy on Amazon |
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Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition - Xbox One | $27.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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What changed in The Witcher 3’s next-gen update?
CD PROJEKT RED’s December 2022 update notes describe version 4.0 as a platform-dependent set of graphics, performance, content, control, and gameplay changes. Not every feature applies to every platform.
Visuals and performance
- Ray tracing: PC and next-gen consoles gained ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion. Compatible PC hardware also gained optional ray-traced reflections and shadows.
- Improved assets and environments: The update integrated community-made and community-inspired mods, including The Witcher 3 HD Reworked Project, HD Monsters Reworked, Immersive Real-time Cutscenes, Nitpicker’s Patch, and World Map Fixes. CD PROJEKT RED also listed environmental, cutscene, pavement, and decoration improvements. Several major characters received 4K-upscaled textures, and main characters gained higher-resolution self-shadowing outside cutscenes. Other changes included hair and armor-clipping fixes, a new “Gray Sky” weather type, updated skies, improved vegetation and water, selected mesh and visual-effects improvements, and updated environmental lighting. See the official version 4.0 change list.
- Upscaling and PC settings: AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.1 was added, along with DLSS 3 for compatible hardware. PC’s ULTRA+ settings include options affecting background characters, shadows, grass, textures, foliage visibility, terrain, water, and detail.
- Console modes: On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, Ray Tracing Mode targets 30 FPS and Performance Mode targets 60 FPS, both using dynamic resolution scaling. Xbox Series S has no ray-tracing features; its Quality Mode targets 30 FPS and Performance Mode targets 60 FPS. These are targets in the original update notes, not guaranteed frame rates in every scene.
New content, controls, and quality-of-life features
- New content: The update added the Velen side quest “In The Eternal Fire’s Shadow,” Netflix-inspired alternative appearances for Dandelion and Nilfgaardian armor, and Chinese and Korean voice-over. Console availability of the voice-over varies by region.
- Camera and cutscenes: Photo mode, pausing during cutscenes, and an optional closer camera that responds more dynamically to movement and combat were added.
- Cross-progression: After account login, the latest saves for each save type are uploaded to the cloud for use across platforms.
- Controls and interface: Quick Sign Casting, adjustable subtitle and dialogue text size, a less cluttered default map filter, and dynamic hiding of the minimap and objectives during exploration were added. Controller options include slow-walk and alternate sprint; target-lock behavior can be set independently of camera inversion. The update also added instant herb gathering and dynamic switching of bombs, bolts, and pocket items from the radial menu.
- Gameplay and quest fixes: The update adjusted the minimum height for fall damage, incorporated a curated version of the Full Combat Rebalance 3 mod, and fixed numerous quests, including Wolf School Gear, From Ofier’s Distant Shores, Hard Times, Swift as the Western Winds, Echoes of the Past, and Wine Wars.
Can you go back to the old version?
It depends on where you own the PC game. CD PROJEKT RED documents a Classic option on Steam and GOG Galaxy, but says Epic Games Store does not allow reverting to an earlier version. The official guidance reviewed gives no console rollback procedure.
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| Platform or storefront | Can you select Classic? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Yes | Select CLASSIC in the game’s BETAS settings. Select None to return to the newest version. |
| GOG Galaxy | Yes | Set Beta Channels to Classic in installation configuration. Set Beta Channels to Disabled to return to the newest version. |
| Epic Games Store | No, according to CD PROJEKT RED support | The store provides only the latest available version, so its documented support guidance has no rollback option. |
| PlayStation or Xbox console | Not established by the reviewed official guidance | CD PROJEKT RED’s rollback instructions cover PC; they do not document a console rollback path. |
How do you switch The Witcher 3 back to Classic?
Steam
- Open your Steam Library and right-click The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
- Select Properties, then open the BETAS tab.
- Choose CLASSIC to switch to Classic (1.32). To return to the newest version, choose None in the BETAS menu.
GOG Galaxy
- In the Installed section, select the game and choose Manage Installation → Configure.
- Set Beta Channels to Classic, disable auto-updates, choose the preferred version, and confirm.
- To return to the newest version, set Beta Channels to Disabled.
Epic Games Store and consoles
CD PROJEKT RED support says Epic Games Store cannot revert to an earlier version. Its published rollback guidance does not provide PlayStation or Xbox console steps, so it does not establish a supported console downgrade procedure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Classic launch issue still a concern?
CD PROJEKT RED’s October 1, 2026 PC Hotfix 5.00c notes say a problem that prevented Classic (1.32) from launching was fixed. The notes identify Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and Xbox Play Anywhere (PC) as covered versions. That confirms the fix, but it does not mean every listed storefront offers a selectable Classic channel; the documented rollback options remain storefront-specific.
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- 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.
CD PROJEKT RED Technical Support says, “Only the latest version of the game is fully supported, as it contains all the latest improvements, fixes and changes.” It also advises updating first if an older version caused an issue. Read CD PROJEKT RED’s guidance on older game versions.
Is version 4.0 the same as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered?
No. Version 4.0 is the December 2022 next-gen update. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered is a separate release, announced as available September 29, 2026. CD PROJEKT RED says it is a free upgrade for owners and includes Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. See the official Remastered release announcement.
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