The Witcher 3 Remastered, set to launch on September 29 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, introduces several visual enhancements over its predecessor. A comparison between Version 5.00 of the remastered game and Version 4.04 of the original release, both tested on 4K Ultra settings with all options enabled, reveals significant differences.
Path Tracing and Ray Tracing Enhancements
Key among the new graphical features is path tracing, a technology exclusive to the remastered version. While the original version (4.04) included ray tracing, the remastered version (5.00) adds path tracing alongside ray tracing. Path tracing represents a substantial upgrade in lighting and reflection realism, offering a more immersive visual experience.
CD Projekt Red acknowledged that the pre-release version tested may exhibit minor graphical issues, with the developer committed to addressing these leading up to the official launch. Visuals presented in media may therefore see further refinement.
For players looking to experience these improvements, upgrading to The Witcher 3 Remastered may be a free option. In related news, The Witcher 3 is also slated to receive a new expansion in 2027, titled "Songs of the Past." This will be the first DLC for the game in over a decade and is described as a mystery focused on the character of Dandelion.