CD Projekt has released a significant update, patch 5.01, for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered, primarily addressing player feedback regarding its visual presentation, particularly on consoles. Previously, PC players had the ability to disable bloom effects, but console versions lacked this option, leading to a washed-out appearance for some.
Graphical Enhancements
The latest patch introduces new graphics options for console players, allowing them to toggle bloom, light shafts, and depth of field. CD Projekt has also implemented broader improvements to bloom, tone mapping, character lighting, and advanced ray tracing and path tracing technologies. These changes aim to provide a more balanced visual experience and better fidelity.
Patch Details and Future Content
Patch 5.01 is a substantial download, weighing in at approximately 5.5 GB on consoles and 8.5 GB on PC. CD Projekt also mentioned ongoing work for a Nintendo Switch version update, which will aim for parity with other platforms and enhance image clarity and sharpness.
Looking ahead, CD Projekt has outlined future content for The Witcher universe. A new expansion for The Witcher 3, titled "Songs of the Past," is planned for 2027. This expansion is described as being as ambitious as "Blood & Wine" and will serve as a narrative bridge between The Witcher 3 and its sequel. The next main installment, "The Witcher 4," is slated for a 2028 release and will feature Ciri as the protagonist.
Patch 5.01 Notes Summary
Beyond the graphical updates, patch 5.01 includes numerous fixes and improvements across gameplay, UI, PC, and console specific features. Key gameplay fixes include addressing issues with the "Automatically Apply Blade Oils" feature, player-controlled boat movement, ladder interactions, and Geralt's stamina drain. UI fixes involve resolving persistent pop-ups and ensuring tutorial visibility. PC-specific fixes include addressing graphical setting resets and ensuring correct GPU selection. Console-specific improvements include performance optimizations and a fix for settings resetting on PlayStation 5.
Other notable fixes include improvements to visual adjustments, a resolution for the "My Rewards" and Twitch/Bilibili Drops not appearing in Vizima, and measures to address potential save file data corruption.