Witcher 3 Remastered Free Upgrade: Everything You Get
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt received a free next-gen upgrade for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on December 14, 2022. If you already own the game on PS4, Xbox One, or PC, you get the remastered version at no extra cost. This upgrade adds ray tracing, faster loading, improved textures, and new content inspired by the Netflix series, among other enhancements.
Background: What the Free Upgrade Is
The upgrade is officially called the “Next-Gen Update� and was developed by CD Projekt Red in collaboration with Saber Interactive. It was released alongside patch 4.0, which also brought many of the same improvements to the previous generation consoles and the Nintendo Switch. The update is free for anyone who owns the base game or the Game of the Year Edition, which includes the two major expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.
On PC, the upgrade automatically replaces the original version if you have the game on GOG, Steam, or Epic Games Store. On consoles, you need to download the separate next-gen version from the store; it does not overwrite your old save but reads it for migration.
How the Free Upgrade Works
To get the free upgrade on console, you must have a PS4 or Xbox One copy, either physical or digital. On PS5, you can claim the PS5 version from the PlayStation Store; on Xbox, the Smart Delivery system automatically gives you the Series X|S version. The upgrade is not a separate purchase—it’s a free download that appears once you own the eligible version.
On PC, the update is delivered as a large patch (around 40–50 GB) that replaces the original files. If you have mods installed, they may break, and you should back up your save files before updating. The game also supports cross-save between PC and consoles, which you can activate by logging into a GOG account in the game’s menu.
What You Get: Graphics and Performance
The most noticeable improvements are visual. The upgrade adds ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion on PC and consoles in Performance or Quality modes. On PS5 and Series X, you can choose:
- Performance Mode: 60 FPS at 1440p (with dynamic resolution scaling) and no ray tracing.
- Quality Mode: 30 FPS at 4K with ray tracing enabled.
- Ultra+ settings on PC: Higher draw distances, better shadows, and improved textures.
Loading times are drastically reduced thanks to the new hardware’s SSD. On consoles, fast travel takes about 5–10 seconds instead of 30–40. The game also uses the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers on PS5, and on Xbox it supports quick resume.
New Content and Quality-of-Life Improvements
The free upgrade includes several pieces of new content, most notably a quest called “In the Eternal Fire’s Shadow� that was inspired by the Netflix series. This quest is available in Novigrad and features a new character and a unique reward—the Forlorn set of armor. Additionally, you get an alternate outfit for Dandelion, a set of armor and a sword for Geralt based on the Netflix show, and a new photo mode.
Quality-of-life changes include a new camera mode that is closer to Geralt’s shoulder (you can toggle it), a quick sign casting system that lets you switch signs without opening the radial menu, and a map filter that hides question marks. The game also adds a “Next-Gen� set of options for the UI, such as a larger font and a dynamic HUD that hides when not in combat.
How to Choose Between Performance and Quality Modes
Most players will prefer Performance Mode because the 60 FPS makes combat and exploration feel smoother. The ray tracing in Quality Mode is subtle; it improves reflections and lighting in cities and forests, but the 30 FPS can feel sluggish after playing at 60. If you have a 120 Hz display, you can also use the “Performance Plus� mode on PS5 and Series X, which targets 120 FPS at 1080p (with dynamic resolution).
On PC, the choice depends on your hardware. A mid-range GPU (like an RTX 3060) can run the game at 1440p with ray tracing at 30–40 FPS, while a high-end card (RTX 3080 or better) can handle 4K with ray tracing at 60 FPS using DLSS. The game supports both DLSS and FSR, so even older GPUs can get a playable framerate.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Some players have reported issues after the update. The most common are:
- Game crashes on launch: Try verifying your game files (on Steam/GOG) or reinstalling the game. On consoles, a full power cycle (unplug for 30 seconds) often helps.
- Save file not showing up: On consoles, you must import your old save from the previous version. Go to “Load Game� and select “Import Save� from the main menu. On PC, the game automatically detects your old saves, but if not, copy them from the “saves� folder to the new one.
- Mods breaking: The update changes many game files, so most mods need updates. Remove all mods before updating, and then add them back one by one after checking compatibility.
- Performance issues on PC: If you have a low-end PC, the game may run worse than before because of the new default settings. Lower the graphics settings, especially the “Background Characters� and “Shadow Quality� options, and disable ray tracing if you don’t have a strong GPU.
Comparison: Original vs. Remastered
If you’re wondering whether the upgrade is worth it, here’s a quick comparison:
- Graphics: The remaster has better textures (especially on faces and armor), improved water and hair physics, and ray-traced lighting. The original still looks good, but the remaster is noticeably sharper.
- Performance: On last-gen, the game ran at 30 FPS with frequent drops. On current-gen, you get a stable 60 FPS in Performance Mode.
- Loading times: The remaster cuts loading times by 80% or more.
- Content: The remaster adds the Netflix-inspired quest and items, but the core story and gameplay are unchanged.
If you’re a new player, the remaster is the definitive way to experience the game. If you’ve already finished it, the new quest and photo mode are fun extras, but the main draw is the visual and performance boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own the DLC to get the free upgrade?
No. The free upgrade is available for the base game and the Game of the Year Edition. If you own the base game, you get the upgrade, but you won’t have the DLC unless you buy it separately. The new quest is included in the free update for everyone.
Is the upgrade free on PC if I bought the game on Steam?
Yes. The upgrade is free on all PC platforms (Steam, GOG, Epic). It’s delivered as a patch that automatically updates your game to version 4.0.
Can I transfer my save from PS4 to PS5?
Yes. On the PS5 version, go to “Load Game� and select “Import Save.� You can also use the cross-save feature with a GOG account to transfer saves between PC and console.
Does the upgrade include the Netflix armor and sword?
Yes. The upgrade includes the “Netflix� armor set (called the “Forlorn� set) and a sword, which you can find in the new quest. You also get an alternate outfit for Dandelion.
Will my mods work after the update?
Most mods will break because the update changes game files. You should remove all mods before updating, then check each mod’s page for a compatibility update. Some popular mods like “Friendly HUD� have been updated, but many have not.
Is the ray tracing worth the performance hit?
It depends on your preference. Ray tracing adds realistic reflections and lighting, but it cuts the framerate in half on consoles. If you prefer smooth gameplay, stick with Performance Mode. On PC, you can enable ray tracing with DLSS to get both good visuals and high FPS.
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