Over two years have passed since The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt‘s next-gen update was first announced. But now, after a succession of delays and fears of “development hell”, CD Projekt Red has finally given it a release date.
Despite initially being slated for the second half of 2021, The Witcher 3 next-gen update had been pushed back a number of times. Finally, the release date was pencilled in for Q4 2022. But with the end of the year fast approaching, things were looking increasingly doubtful.
However, on 14 November 2022 CDPR took to Twitter to announce the game’s release date. They confirmed that The Witcher 3 next-gen update will launch on 14 December 2022.
After such a protracted development period, fan expectations are high. But judging from initial reactions on social media, most are simply glad the game finally has a confirmed release date.
The Witcher 3 Next-Gen Upgrade Improvements
CDPR are yet to share details on what exactly the next-gen update will include. However, a full reveal is set for an official REDstreams event next week.
According to a previous report from Eurogamer, the next-gen update “will boast ray-tracing and faster load times, and come with both expansions and all extra content included.”
What’s more, CDPR previously told Kotaku that they were “also in talks with creators of various mods for the 2015 release of the game” in relation to the next-gen upgrade.
Modder Halk Hogan – the individual behind The Witcher 3 HD Reworked mod – said that CDPR had been in touch about cooperating on the upgrade and that they had sent an “official message”.
On top of this, CDPR has also confirmed that The Witcher 3 update will be coming to PC as well as PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. That indicates the changes are more than just increased resolution and frame-rate – but will also boast improved textures and visuals.
How does The Witcher 3 next-gen update work if you already own it?
In their announcement CDPR confirmed that players who already own The Witcher 3 on PS4, Xbox One or PC will be entitled to the next-gen upgrade for free. First-time players will be able to buy it separately.
Most surprisingly, The Witcher 3 upgrade will also receive a standalone physical release for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S at some point in the future. However, CDPR has not confirmed exactly when that will be.
Are you counting the days until The Witcher 3‘s next-gen update is released? Let us know in the comment section and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
