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Yes, The Witcher 3’s December 2022 next-gen update added console Performance Modes that target 60 FPS, alongside substantial visual upgrades. That is a target, not a guarantee of a locked frame rate in every scene. The update also added ray-tracing options on some platforms, quality-of-life features, and cross-progression.
Does The Witcher 3 next-gen update run at 60 FPS?
On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, Performance Mode targets 60 FPS and uses dynamic resolution scaling. The alternative Ray Tracing Mode targets 30 FPS. Xbox Series S has a Quality Mode targeting 30 FPS and a Performance Mode targeting 60 FPS, but it does not include ray-tracing features. These are mode targets published by CD PROJEKT RED, not independent measurements or promises that the frame rate will stay at the target in every situation. CD PROJEKT RED’s next-gen update notes describe the modes and platform differences.
| Platform | Graphics modes and official targets | Ray tracing and scaling |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Ray Tracing Mode: 30 FPS target; Performance Mode: 60 FPS target | Ray Tracing Mode includes ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion; Performance Mode uses dynamic resolution scaling |
| Xbox Series X | Ray Tracing Mode: 30 FPS target; Performance Mode: 60 FPS target | Ray Tracing Mode includes ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion; Performance Mode uses dynamic resolution scaling |
| Xbox Series S | Quality Mode: 30 FPS target; Performance Mode: 60 FPS target | No ray-tracing features |
| PC | No single frame-rate target; results depend on hardware and settings | Ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion; compatible hardware can also use ray-traced reflections and shadows. DLSS 3 requires compatible hardware; FSR 2.1 is also supported. |
The modes are a choice between priorities: use Performance Mode if a higher frame rate matters more, or select the ray-tracing or quality option where available if you prefer its visual features. The published mode descriptions do not establish how consistently any platform holds its target in every area or during every effect-heavy scene.
What did the December 2022 update change?
Sharper, denser world visuals
On next-gen consoles, the update improved textures, visual fidelity, shadow quality, draw distances, and crowd density. CD PROJEKT RED also listed updated sky textures, vegetation and water improvements, a new weather type, and changes to meshes and effects. On PC, version 4.0 added ULTRA+ settings for details such as background characters, shadows, grass, textures, foliage visibility, terrain, water, and overall detail. The results depend on platform, settings, and compatible hardware.
#1 Best Overall
![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
Ray tracing and upscaling on PC
PC gained ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion, with optional ray-traced reflections and shadows on compatible hardware. The update also added NVIDIA DLSS 3 support for compatible hardware and AMD FSR 2.1. These features are options rather than a uniform performance improvement: their availability and effect depend on the PC’s hardware and selected settings.
Camera, photo mode, and convenience features
The update added a closer, more responsive camera, photo mode, and the ability to pause during cutscenes. It also introduced quick Sign casting, map and UI changes, and cross-progression. The official launch announcement lists faster loading times and community-created mods incorporated into the game, as well as content inspired by the Netflix series. CD PROJEKT RED’s December 14, 2022 announcement identifies the update as free for existing owners on supported platforms; the Complete Edition was also sold separately and includes Hearts of Stone, Blood and Wine, and 16 additional pieces of content.
Rank #2
- 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.
Why might Performance Mode still stutter or drop frames?
A 60 FPS target is not evidence of a locked 60 FPS in every scene. CD PROJEKT RED’s May 2023 Patch 4.03 notes specifically addressed a brief autosave freeze or stutter on next-gen consoles and performance drops when using Witcher Senses in Beauclair and Novigrad. Those fixes show that particular issues were recognized and addressed; they do not establish that all possible performance problems were eliminated. The Patch 4.03 change list names those fixes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is this the same update as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered?
No. The next-gen update discussed above is version 4.0, released on December 14, 2022. CD PROJEKT RED released The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered on September 29, 2026, describing it as a free upgrade for eligible owners with further visual, performance, gameplay, and progression improvements. Its modes should not be confused with the 2022 update’s targets. For example, the Remastered overview says PS5 Ray Tracing Mode targets 60 FPS, while Performance Mode targets 60 FPS and up to 90 FPS on VRR-capable displays. The September 28 overview says physical and digital owners can upgrade for free within the same platform ecosystem. See the Remastered release announcement and Remastered feature overview for those separate release details.
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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