The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Next Gen Update: Everything You Need to Know

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is receiving a massive free next-gen update for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC bringing visual enhancements, quality of life improvements, new content, and more. Keep reading to learn all about the release date, new features, and what to expect from this next-gen upgrade.

Key Takeaways

• The Witcher 3 next-gen update will be released on December 14, 2022 for consoles and PC.
• Owners of the base game will get the next-gen update for free.
• Ray tracing, faster loading, new camera options, and visual upgrades are included.
• Brand new quests and armor inspired by The Witcher Netflix series will be added.
• Cross-progression support between platforms using cloud saves.

Release Date and Times

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt next-gen update will launch on December 14, 2022 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

The global release time is 7 PM EST on December 13 for PC and Xbox platforms, and 12 AM EST on December 14 for PlayStation. Check the table below to find the exact release time for your region and platform.

| City | Platform | Date | Time |
|-|-|-|-|
| New York | PC/Xbox | Dec 13 | 7 PM EST |
| PlayStation | Dec 14 | 12 AM EST |
| Los Angeles | PC/Xbox | Dec 13 | 4 PM PST |
| PlayStation | Dec 14 | 12 AM PST |
| London | PC/Xbox | Dec 14 | 12 AM GMT |
| PlayStation | Dec 14 | 12 AM GMT |
| Berlin | PC/Xbox | Dec 14 | 1 AM CET |
| PlayStation | Dec 14 | 12 AM CET |
| Tokyo | PC/Xbox | Dec 14 | 9 AM JST |
| PlayStation | Dec 14 | 12 AM JST |

How to Get the Update

The Witcher 3 next-gen update will be completely free for everyone who already owns the base game on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC.

On the release date, simply launch the game on your platform or check for an update in the store to download the upgraded version.

For PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch owners, you’ll also get a patch with the new Netflix-inspired DLC items and some improvements, sans the major visual enhancements exclusive to current-gen hardware.

New Netflix DLC Content

CD Projekt Red has created brand new Witcher-themed content inspired by the Netflix TV series:

• A unique quest to obtain new equipment for Geralt.
• Alternative outfits for Dandelion and Nilfgaardian soldiers in the Netflix style.

We don’t know much about the new quest yet, but it likely involves hunting monsters and earning rewards themed after the show’s aesthetics.

This crossover DLC will also be available for PS4, Xbox One, and Switch owners via a patch.

Visual Improvements

The Witcher 3 is getting a significant graphical overhaul to take advantage of the power of PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and modern gaming PCs. Here are the major visual enhancements:

• Ray Tracing – Real-time ray traced shadows, reflections, and global illumination for ultra-realistic lighting.
• FSR 2.1 and DLSS 3 – Cutting edge upscaling tech for higher resolutions and frame rates.
• Improved Textures – Higher quality textures for characters, environments, weapons, and more.
• Enhanced Foliage – Denser, more realistic trees, grass, and vegetation.
• Better SSR – Improved quality of screen space reflections.
• Faster Loading – Optimizations for much faster loading times.

These upgrades will bring the visuals up to modern standards and let Geralt hunt monsters in stunning detail.

Gameplay Improvements

In addition to visual enhancements, CD Projekt Red has implemented some highly requested gameplay changes:

• New Camera Option – An alternative camera angle closer to Geralt’s shoulder for a different perspective. Can be toggled on or off.
• Quick Sign Casting – Allows instantly casting signs without first selecting them in the menu wheel.
• Map Filtering – Lets you toggle map icons on or off to reduce clutter.
• Hide Minimap – Option to completely hide the minimap for more immersion.
• Cloud Saves – Cross-progression using cloud saves between PC and consoles.
• Mod Integration – Some popular mods have been officially integrated into the game.

These are some great quality of life upgrades for modernizing the experience.

Complete List of Changes

Here’s a quick rundown of everything included in the Witcher 3 next-gen update:

• Ray tracing global illumination, shadows, and reflections
• Faster loading times
• FSR 2.1 and DLSS 3 support
• New shoulder camera option
• Quick sign casting
• Map filtering and hiding
• Cross-platform cloud saves
• Integrated mods
• Higher resolution textures
• Improved screen space reflections
• Enhanced foliage and environments
• Netflix quests and armor
• Numerous bug and quest fixes

FAQ

Does the upgrade cost money if I already own Witcher 3?

No, the next-gen update will be 100% free for all existing owners of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on any platform.

What if I own the game on PS4/Xbox One?

You’ll receive a patch adding the new Netflix DLC quest and armor, along with some other fixes and improvements. Only PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC will get the visual enhancements.

Will my saves transfer over?

Yes, you’ll be able to transfer PS4 and Xbox One saves to next-gen using cloud saves. PC saves will also work after updating to the new version.

How big is the download size?

The update download size is around 70-80 GB on consoles, and a similar range for PC depending on your language. It’s a beefy upgrade!

Does the Switch version get anything?

Unfortunately the Switch won’t be getting the major visual improvements due to hardware limitations, but it should receive the Netflix DLC quest via a patch.

Conclusion

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt next-gen update is shaping up to be one of the most impressive free upgrades ever released. Complete visual overhauls, new content, quality of life changes, and more make this a must-download for any Witcher fan.

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to dive back into the rich world of monster hunting action RPG perfection, this is the perfect opportunity. The witcher awaits!