The Witcher 3 Next Gen Update: Consoles Shine, PC Struggles
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Chapter 1: Overview of the Next Gen Update
The latest update for The Witcher 3, a landmark title from 2015, has been released across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, promising extensive improvements and visual enhancements. While it’s free for existing players, the performance on PC has seen a notable decline.
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Section 1.1: A Look at My Setup
My gaming rig, which features a Ryzen 5800 CPU and a Radeon 6800XT graphics card, was built with AMD components after previous frustrations with Intel and Nvidia. This setup excels in non-ray traced games, delivering high frame rates and performing reasonably well with most ray tracing implementations. The introduction of AMD's FSR/FSR2 upscaling technology has significantly enhanced performance, making it a worthwhile investment.
I anticipated that my powerful machine would handle the new version of The Witcher 3 smoothly. However, after numerous delays and a switch in development teams, the so-called “next-gen” version has arrived, but not without issues—especially on PC.
Section 1.2: Performance Issues on PC
With the game set to a resolution of 1440p, FSR2 in the “Balanced” mode, and all new ray tracing features activated, I was met with a disappointing frame rate of 30 to 40 FPS. For comparison, in Cyberpunk 2077, which also utilizes CD Projekt Red's RED Engine, I achieve around 53 FPS under similar settings. The previous version of The Witcher 3 ran significantly smoother across all configurations.
It’s not just me—numerous players are reporting severe performance drops in this latest iteration, as reflected in Steam reviews and various online forums filled with complaints. Rock Paper Shotgun even published a guide advising users on how to uninstall the problematic patch, referring to it as “borked.” The new graphical enhancements have come at the cost of performance across all hardware setups.
Chapter 2: Graphical Enhancements
Beyond ray tracing, the updated game boasts increased foliage and numerous new textures, many of which were initially community mods before being officially incorporated. A new photo mode allows players to capture these graphical upgrades, although it doesn’t quite match the quality found in Cyberpunk.
Section 2.1: Gameplay Tweaks
The gameplay experience has seen beneficial improvements, particularly for those using a gamepad. A new “Close” camera system highlights the game’s intricate models and animations, enhancing combat against multiple foes. This new perspective feels reminiscent of titles like Ghost of Tsushima or Assassin’s Creed, though players who prefer the original view can easily switch it off.
The “quick casting” feature accelerates spellcasting by allowing gamepad buttons to act as hotkeys for Geralt's magic. Overall, these adjustments lead to a more enjoyable user experience, though they shine brighter on consoles due to their superior performance.
Section 2.2: Console Performance
Testing the updated version on both a PS5 and an Xbox Series S revealed that the PS5 maintains a solid performance with a 30FPS ray tracing mode and a 60FPS performance mode. While it lacks some effects available on PC, the improvements in lighting and shadows are noticeable, and the game consistently meets its performance targets.
On the Xbox Series S, despite the absence of ray tracing, the game still impresses, offering dynamic resolution adjustments to maintain frame rates of either 30 or 60 FPS. The PS5 version has unique enhancements, including audio that fully supports Sony’s 3D object-based system and haptic feedback from the DualSense controller, adding depth to the gaming experience.
Chapter 3: Conclusion and Future Prospects
It's surprising to see the PC version launch in such a mediocre state, especially given CD Projekt's history of prioritizing the platform. Although the previous version of The Witcher 3 performed exceptionally well on PC, this update, despite its visual improvements, falls short compared to other contemporary games. Fans are understandably frustrated, especially after the tumultuous launch of Cyberpunk 2077 and the delays leading up to this release.
It seems that the focus during development may have skewed heavily toward console optimization, leaving the PC version with less attention. While future patches and potential driver updates may improve performance, it’s disappointing to experience a downgrade in a game that previously ran flawlessly.
CD Projekt has made significant strides in repairing its reputation following Cyberpunk's troubled launch, but delivering a half-finished PC upgrade of a beloved game to loyal fans feels like a misstep. Existing users can access the update for free, so it might be worth a look, but newcomers should consider waiting for improvements before diving in.