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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The Witcher 3’s December 2022 version 4.0 update changed much more than graphics: it added visual and performance options, extra content, control and interface improvements, and cross-progression. What you can use depends on your platform. On PC, Steam and GOG offer a documented route back to Classic (version 1.32); CD PROJEKT RED says Epic Games Store does not. Its official guidance does not document a console rollback.
What changed in The Witcher 3 next-gen update?
The December 2022 next-gen update brought the game to version 4.0. Its features vary by platform, so not every option described below is available on every PC or console.
Visuals and performance
- PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X gained ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion. Compatible PC hardware also gained optional ray-traced reflections and shadows.
- On PC, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.1 was added, along with DLSS 3 for compatible hardware. The ULTRA+ settings add options affecting background characters, shadows, grass, textures, foliage visibility, terrain, water, and detail.
- The update incorporated community-made and community-inspired mods, including The Witcher 3 HD Reworked Project, HD Monsters Reworked, Immersive Real-time Cutscenes, Nitpicker’s Patch, and World Map Fixes. CD PROJEKT RED also described environmental, cutscene, pavement, and decoration improvements.
- Visual updates included 4K-upscaled textures for several major characters, higher-resolution self-shadowing for main characters outside cutscenes, fixes for hair and armor clipping, a new “Gray Sky” weather type, and changes to skies, vegetation, water, meshes, selected visual effects, and environmental lighting.
The original update notes describe console performance modes as targets, not guaranteed frame rates in every scene:
| Platform | Mode | Target in the original update notes |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | Ray Tracing | 30 FPS with dynamic resolution scaling |
| PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | Performance | 60 FPS with dynamic resolution scaling |
| Xbox Series S | Quality | 30 FPS; no ray-tracing features |
| Xbox Series S | Performance | 60 FPS; no ray-tracing features |
These targets are from CD PROJEKT RED’s version 4.0 update notes.
#1 Best Overall
- Trained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.
- Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity.
- Take on the most important contract of your life: to track down the child of prophecy, the key to saving or destroying this world.
New content and quality-of-life changes
- New additions include photo mode, the ability to pause during cutscenes, and an optional closer camera that responds more dynamically to movement and combat.
- Cross-progression lets players who log in to their account upload the latest saves for each save type to the cloud and use them across platforms.
- The update added the Velen side quest “In The Eternal Fire’s Shadow,” Netflix-inspired alternative appearances for Dandelion and Nilfgaardian armor, and Chinese and Korean voice-over. Console voice-over availability varies by region.
- Interface and control options include Quick Sign Casting, a less cluttered default map filter, adjustable subtitle and dialogue text size, and dynamic hiding of the minimap and objectives while exploring. Controller options include slow-walking and alternate sprint controls; target lock can be set independently of camera inversion.
- Herbs can be gathered instantly, bombs, bolts, and pocket items can switch dynamically from the radial menu, and the minimum height for fall damage was adjusted.
- A curated version of the Full Combat Rebalance 3 mod was incorporated. The update also fixed numerous quests, including Wolf School Gear, From Ofier’s Distant Shores, Hard Times, Swift as the Western Winds, Echoes of the Past, and Wine Wars.
Can you go back to the old version?
Official rollback options depend on the PC storefront. CD PROJEKT RED documents a Classic channel for Steam and GOG Galaxy, but says Epic Games Store provides only the latest available version. Its support guidance does not provide PlayStation or Xbox rollback instructions.
| Platform or storefront | Can you select Classic (1.32)? | Documented option |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Yes | Select CLASSIC in the BETAS menu; select None to return to the newest version. |
| GOG Galaxy | Yes | Choose Classic under Beta Channels; choose Disabled to return to the newest version. |
| Epic Games Store | No, according to CD PROJEKT RED support | The store provides only the latest available version. |
| PlayStation or Xbox console | Not documented in the reviewed official guidance | CD PROJEKT RED’s rollback instructions cover PC platforms and give no console steps. |
How do I switch The Witcher 3 back to Classic?
Steam
- Open your Steam Library and right-click The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
- Select Properties, then open BETAS.
- Choose CLASSIC to switch to version 1.32.
- To return to the newest version, go back to the BETAS menu and choose None.
GOG Galaxy
- Open the Installed section and select the game.
- Choose Manage Installation → Configure.
- Set Beta Channels to Classic, disable auto-updates, choose the preferred version, and confirm.
- To return to the newest version, set Beta Channels to Disabled.
These are the steps in CD PROJEKT RED’s rollback support instructions. The official page also says, “Only the latest version of the game is fully supported, as it contains all the latest improvements, fixes and changes.” Technical Support advises updating first if an older version caused an issue.
Rank #2
![NAMCO - CD Projekt Red - The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, Playstation 5 [English Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dWUfwFl5L._SL160_.jpg)
- 1205504
- High-quality material
- Durable
- robustness
Is the Classic launch issue still a problem?
CD PROJEKT RED’s October 1, 2026 Hotfix 5.00c notes say the hotfix fixed an issue that prevented launching Classic (1.32). The notes identify Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and Xbox Play Anywhere (PC) versions as covered. That confirms the launch issue was fixed; it does not mean every listed storefront offers a selectable Classic channel. The documented channel choices remain the ones in the support instructions above. See the Hotfix 5.00c notes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the 2026 Remastered release the same as the next-gen update?
No. Version 4.0 is the December 2022 next-gen update. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered is a separate release announced as available September 29, 2026. CD PROJEKT RED says it is a free upgrade for owners and includes Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. See the Remastered release announcement.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- If you buy this game, you will receive a free next-gen update on December 14th!
- Play as a highly trained monster slayer for hire.
- Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth and complexity.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Game of the Year edition brings together the base game and all the additional content released to date.
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