The Witcher 3 Next Gen Update is offering gamers the chance to come back to the game, featuring a raft of all-new features, content and visual upgrades to come. That’s the general theme of the new update, but if you’re looking for more detail, read on in our Witcher 3 Next Gen Update Overview.

View Full-size

Here is when you can expect the Witcher 3 Next Gen Update Release Time, as well as the Next Gen update patch notes, to go live. Image via CDPR.

The Witcher 3 Next Gen Update Overview¶

The Witcher 3 Next Gen Update will feature the following new and improved aspects of the game.

Graphics: Ray Tracing support, improved screen space reflections, texture improvements, and utilizing new video technology like FSR and DLSS, which are AI algorithms that help run these higher video quality enhancements without tanking your performance. There is also upscaled textures on the important in-game character like Geralt, Yennifer, Ciri and more. If you’re a PC player, there’s also a new Ultra+ graphic setting, so those with the new line of 30** or 40** series GPUs can enjoy even more video quality.

Environment: The Witcher 3’s environment is stunning, and those getting the next gen update also get to experience new weather and environment features. There is now a new grey sky feature for those gloomy days, and with updated sky textures, and general water, ground and meshing qualities.

New Camera Mode: Plenty is changing with the gameplay, offering players a new camera option. The idea behind the new camera option is to be more fluid in combat, dynamically altering to inform you of enemy movements, attacks and more. It should help to make combat more fluid and cinematic without making it hard to track other off-screen opponents you’re already aware of.

Photo Mode: Modern games typically launch with a camera mode, allowing players to get those awe-inspiring moments of the world. The Witcher 3 was one of the most beautiful games of its time, and now players can capture those moments like other games, and see it in the new and improved graphics.

New Content: Those getting on the game can find some new quests and content to get their hands on. There’s some new armor and other items that should excite players. But to get them, players need to start some new quests in the base game to get their hands on them. The new quests is called “In the Eternal Fire’s Shadow”, with rewards inspired by the Netflix series content.

Bug Fixing Old Content: The game’s original version was not without its bugs or annoying lack of progression updating. So, many of the most notable annoying quest bugs will be addressed in the next Gen Update.

Netflix DLC: With the new take on the Witcher Franchise, thanks to the Netflix series, players are getting a Netflix DLC. The contents of the DLC are largely visual, offering players the option to see Nilfgardians in their show armor, amongst other facets of the show. You can enable the Netflix looking content via the options > gameplay > Netflix setting.

Cross Progression: Do you own the Witcher 3 on multiple devices? Well, if you do, your saves will now work across multiple devices, allowing you to access your device no matter what platform or device you play it on. Handy for that mobile gaming on a Switch or Deck, and then enjoying it on a set-up console. If you’ve played Cyberpunk, you know how it is.

Mods: Some of the most popular third-party mods on the PC are getting included as features in the full game for PC and next gen platforms. The likes include:

• The Witcher 3 HD Reworked Project by HalkHogan
• HD Monsters Reworked by Denroth
• Immersive Real-time Cutscenes by teiji25
• Nitpicker’s Patch by chuckcash
• World Map Fixes by Terg500

If you’r einterested in other mods, we do know that CDPR released a spreadsheet of working and broken popular third party mods with the Next Gen Update, which should help PC players with an extensive mod list.

Cleaner Map and UI: The developers has added in a new filter system that will hide the clutter you get from the boat and the question marks you see on the world map. This will help keep your eyes focused on what you want to do, rather than be pinged of everything Geralt has learned about so far in your save. The minimap will also hide as well, which players can reactive for several seconds by pressing the focus mode. It should help players immerse themselves in the world rather than having more on-screen clutter to worry about.

Witcher 3 Next Gen Update Release Time and Date¶

Moreso, the Patch Noes for the Witcher 3 Next Gen Update confiRmed the release time. The Witcher 3 Next Gen Update release time and date is as follows: “On December 14th the free next-gen update is coming to PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The update will go live at 1 AM CET for PC & Xbox Series X|S, and midnight local time for PlayStation 5.”