The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s fans face the tough decision whether to replay the beloved RPG now that its so-called next-gen update has released. CD Projekt Red has worked hard to improve The Witcher 3 through the next-gen update despite it being free, a process that was originally supposed to bring the upgrades last year. The update makes it worth replaying for players who want to experience greater immersion and improved gameplay.
The Witcher 3 already looked amazing, but the next-gen update has improved the game’s visuals with ray-tracing, available in an optional graphics setting alongside a performance mode that favors frame rate. Although the ray-tracing mode offers better visuals, players can only get 30 FPS, while the performance mode can reach 60 FPS but offer fewer lighting and shadow improvements. The update has also brought alternative outfits for Geralt, Dandelion, and Niflgaardian soldiers, and even provides a new quest for The Witcher 3.
The Witcher 3’s Next-Gen Update Increases Immersion
Players should consider replaying The Witcher 3 not just for improved visuals but also for greater immersion. CD Projekt Red has implemented an alternative camera, which stays much closer to Geralt compared to the original camera's position. Although the close-up view will allow a more intimate feel while playing the game, the alternative camera can add additional difficulties in combat due to players not being able to see as many enemies. The developer has also heard players who are complaining about how helpful the icon-riddled map is in The Witcher 3. The update allows players to filter which icons they want to see on The Witcher 3’s sizable world map, and they can even remove all icons from the map, granting further immersion.
The Witcher 3’s Update Has Improved Combat
Although The Witcher 3’s gameplay is great, there are some parts that can be rather clunky, like casting signs. Before the update, players who used controllers had to hold L1/LB and select the sign they wanted to use through a radial menu, which slowed down fights and discouraged players from changing signs. Instead of masterfully weaving various signs, players often stick with their favorite sign, but the new update has thankfully fixed this issue by adding quick sign casting, so players can now use signs through the action buttons by pressing R2/RT.
Several major outlets have given an opinion regarding the improvements and new items in The Witcher 3’s next-gen update. Polygon has praised the update in its review, saying that The Witcher 3 still manages to defeat other games, especially open-world RPGs, despite being released more than seven years ago. However, Polygon is not very impressed with the ray-tracing mode and prefers to use the performance mode because the latter provides enough visual improvements and doesn’t hinder the gameplay performance. Kotaku also has many great things to say about the new update, claiming that new and old players should pick up The Witcher 3 again.
Although players may be ready to replay The Witcher 3, there is one unfortunate fact that players should be aware of - the next-gen update will most likely break many mods for the game. PC players who love to mod The Witcher 3 for even more immersion may have to consider if it is worth losing all of their mods to play with the update. As for console players, the decision is obvious. They definitely should replay The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt if they want to use the alternative camera, experience improved graphics and try out the quick sign casting in their next playthrough.
Sources: The Witcher/YouTube, Polygon, Kotaku