Next-gen The Witcher 3 Extra Amuses; Players Praise Minor Changes

We had to wait a long time for accurate information about the next-gen version of the third The Witcher version. Now that we know not only the details of the improvements, but also the release date, gamers are commenting on the changes announced for the next-gen update of Wild Hunt.

True next-gen?

It would seem that better visuals should be the most important change for owners of the latest consoles. Meanwhile, during the broadcast, CD Projekt RED did not particularly focus on this issue. In fact, there was a lack of a visual comparisons with The Witcher 3 from PS4 and Xbox One.

Therefore fans themselves put together screenshots from the original release of Wild Hunt and shots from the upcoming update. Apparently, this is just what they needed, because according to them the next-gen The Witcher 3 is not much different from the version they played on 8th-gen consoles.

Of course, visual improvements are mainly of interest to console owners. Players with a powerful PC have (and had) next-gen visuals from the release, especially after installing fan-made mods.

However, PC gamers will enjoy other new features, such as the addition of support for DLSS 3 and AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution 2 technologies, and - on PC only - the new "Ultra Plus" graphics settings. Gamers have also noticed changes that we will notice on all platforms, such as an increased variety of NPCs and improvements in their facial expressions (including in the cutscenes).

Fixes and "surprises"

The upcoming update will also introduce quite a few improvements. Players are mainly waiting for the photo mode, but minor fixes have also found many enthusiasts. These include new camera options and dynamic minimap hiding during exploration.

On top of that, CD Projekt RED has promised bug fixes and gameplay improvements, although no details have been provided yet. The players will have to withhold judgment until the update's release.

Speaking of which, gamers are trying to figure outwhat "surprises" the CD Projekt RED team had in mind during the broadcast. We won't get to know these even after the update comes out, because they are to be somehow hidden even in the patch notes.

We do know that the console players will receive "selected mods" and "interesting" content. Players speculate that the "surprises" could be secret quests, or minor but significant changes to certain quests. Or more extensive romance options, because apparently what was available was not enough.

Homage or parody of Netflix's The Witcher?

We mentioned the interesting content that players will receive when the new update debuts. These include the addition of elements referring to The Witcher from Netflix, which the players have been teasing on social media.

The TV appearance of Jaskier clearly did not placate the players, although the return of the infamous Niflgaard armor (dubbed Ballsack Armour) from the first season of The Witcher amused some Internet users. Many suspect that it's not so much an homage to Netflix's show, but rather CD Projekt RED's (not very) discreet teasing. Especially since Jaskier's 3D model looks, according to fans, suspiciously nasty (especially his face).

Fortunately for the fans of Netflix's The Witcher, all these elements will be optional. The same probably applies to the new series of quests inspired by the show. Another thing is that Geralt's armor is appreciated by the players.

CDPR better than Rockstar

Not everyone is convinced that the update will indeed add enough new features, especially given how long it's been since the announcement (though it should be remembered that work on the update has dragged on for many various reasons).

Nevertheless, most Internet users are pleased with the update's trailer and the announced changes. Comparisons are often made with the actions of Rockstar Games, whether in the context of support for Red Dead Redemption 2 (read: the lack thereof), or regarding the paid upgrade for Grand Theft Auto 5.