The Witcher 3 Next-Gen Update Hands-On Preview
The Witcher 3 is releasing a long-awaited next-gen (new-gen?) update that includes features that will bring a 7-year-old game up to par for the beefier console generation. While it won’t convince anyone that The Witcher 3 is suddenly a brand-new, 2022 release, the updates we’ve seen will undoubtedly become the new default version of the game for new and returning players.
IGN played three hours of The Witcher 3's next-gen update, which will be released for players who already own the game on a console or PC. You can expect a similar suite of upgrades that typically come with next-gen updates which includes a graphics mode that prioritizes 4K visuals and ray-tracing at 30 fps, or a Performance Mode that prioritizes 60 fps.
CD Projekt also added a series of game-enhancing mods created by the community as well as internally at the studio, a photo mode, and even some new easter eggs related to the Netflix show. While all of these bells and whistles are nice, the highlight from my playthrough was undoubtedly the Performance Mode which offers a super-charged, incredibly smooth version of The Witcher 3.
CD Projekt Red’s RPG was an instant hit in 2015 and has been consistently rated as one of the best modern, open-world RPGs. And while by no means unplayable, its ambitions certainly pushed the limits of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
There were numerous areas where the framerate would dip, or the textures of the models clashed. Never mind some of the funnier glitches (Roach, what are you doing on the roof?).
The next-gen updates will likely make these non-issues going forward, especially when using the Performance Mode on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The 60fps is blistering, making the game run at a level I’ve never seen on
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