The Witcher 3 Receives Long-Awaited Update After 8 Years, You Won't Believe What's Included!

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has recently received an update that addresses a wide range of issues. Originally released in 2015, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt garnered critical acclaim with a 93 score on Metacritic for the PC version. Since then, CD Projekt Red has brought the game to newer platforms such as PS5, Xbox Series X, and the Nintendo Switch. In December 2022, the game was released on current generation consoles with added features like ray tracing and a performance mode for 60 FPS gameplay. Now, CD Projekt RED has rolled out update 4.04 for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt across all available platforms.

Update 4.04 of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt introduces a comprehensive list of changes for all versions of the game, with specific attention given to various platforms. Notably, the PC version has been enhanced, rectifying a bug that caused the game to freeze in specific situations.

Consoles also receive significant improvements in patch 4.04. Flickering issues have been addressed, along with the resolution of quest-related problems. Furthermore, stability has been enhanced when loading save files, especially for players who have utilized ray-tracing for extended periods. Additional enhancements encompass visual upgrades, improvements to grass collision, and various bug fixes.

Patch 4.04 for the Nintendo Switch version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt introduces significant enhancements. These include a new side quest and an alternate appearance for Dandelion. In addition, the Switch edition makes various quality of life improvements, such as a Quick Sign Casting option, a higher minimum height for fall damage, and the ability to instantly gather herbs. The patch notes also outline gameplay changes specific to the Switch version. Overall, this update greatly improves the user experience of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on all platforms, with the Switch version receiving notable attention through additional content and bug fixes found in other editions of the game.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Update 4.04 Patch Notes

PC-SPECIFIC

GOG achievements for the Complete Edition will no longer unlock for the base version.

Frames allowed by the "Maximum Frames Per Second" setting will now be accurately counted when DLSS Frame Generation is enabled.

Improved the appearance of characters' hair by addressing excessive brightness when Ray Tracing was turned on.

Resolved a crash issue specific to Bald Mountain, which occurred when Ray Tracing was enabled but other Ray Tracing options were disabled.

Improved Version:

Addressed a problem that caused the game to freeze when loading a specific checkpoint save with Ray Tracing enabled for The Beast of White Orchard quest.

Resolved an issue where the game would launch without REDlauncher and prompt a browser tab to grant approval for using Cyberpunk 2077 with your Epic Games Account.

The issue of gamepad input still functioning during game suspension has been resolved.

The problem of encountering a secondary cursor with excessive sensitivity in the Main Menu when "Hardware Cursor" was disabled has been fixed.

CONSOLE-SPECIFIC

Fixed an issue where certain hairstyles from the "Beard and Hairstyle Set" DLC would clip through the Nilfgaardian helmet on previous-gen consoles.

Fixed a problem where flickering textures would occur during Gwent matches on next-generation consoles.

Regarding "A Towerful of Mice," resolved an occurrence on previous-generation consoles in which the conversation with Keira would occasionally fail to initiate following the fight with the pesta.

Cabaret - Resolved visual glitches with Dandelion's character model prior to and during the staged fight on previous-generation consoles.

The Last Wish and Wandering in the Dark - Addressed a bug causing potential game crashes on PlayStation 5 during these specific quests.

Improved stability when loading a saved file after an extended period of playing in Ray Tracing mode.

Resolved an issue where the Cross Progression setting does not accurately reflect the status of Cloud Saves on Xbox Series X.

VISUAL - PC and Next-Gen Exclusive

Fixed an issue where fog could look as if it were 2D in some places.

Improved the rendering of the sky's reflection on water when Ray Tracing is activated, resolving the partial absence in certain areas of White Orchard, Velen, and Toussaint.

The issue with grass collision has been resolved, ensuring it now functions correctly.

Added an HDR calibration option.

Fixed an issue where the mountains in Kaer Morhen could disappear when changing the camera angle while Geralt is under water.

Get Junior - Removed an unnecessary body of water from Oxenfurt sewers.

Fixed an issue where the loading screen would stutter while having Ray Tracing enabled.

QUESTS & GAMEPLAY

Added an option to switch potions and apply oils from the radial menu.

Content

- Improved the health depletion issue when Geralt dives to prevent rapid depletion.

- Resolved a bug in "The Final Trial" where Lambert would stand in the water instead of sitting in the boat, hindering progress.

MISCELLANEOUS

Addressed some issues with loading saves when using the Cross Progression feature on multiple machines with the same GOG account.

ONLINE FEATURES — NINTENDO SWITCH

Introducing a new cross-progression feature for Nintendo Switch, replacing the previous save file integration introduced in patch 3.6. Your most recent saves will now be automatically uploaded to the cloud, enabling you to seamlessly continue your gameplay on other platforms. Cross-progression ensures you have access to the latest save for every save type. To enjoy this feature, simply log into your account, which requires a GOG account regardless of your platform.

By signing up to MY REWARDS in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players can receive:

• Swords of the Nine-Tailed Vixen

• White Tiger of the West Armor

• Dol Blathanna Armor Set

• Roach Card

Detailed information on how to redeem the rewards is available at thewitcher.com/my-rewards

ADDITIONAL CONTENT — NINTENDO SWITCH

Added a new side quest, In The Eternal Fire's Shadow, in Velen. Rewards are inspired by Neftlix's The Witcher series.

A new appearance for Dandelion has been added, taking inspiration from Netflix's The Witcher series. To enable this appearance, go to Options → Gameplay.

A new Nilfgaardian Armor set has been added, inspired by Netflix's The Witcher series. To enable this armor set, go to Options → Gameplay.

Added Chinese and Korean voice-overs. Availability varies by region and version.

QUALITY OF LIFE CHANGES — NINTENDO SWITCH

Introduced a new feature called Quick Sign Casting, enabling seamless switching and casting of signs without the need to access the radial menu. Accessible under Options → Gameplay.

Revamped the fall damage mechanism by modifying the minimum height threshold, granting players the ability to withstand falls from greater heights.

The single interaction now allows for instant looting of herbs, eliminating the need for an additional loot window.

New options have been added to dynamically hide the minimap and quest objectives when not in combat or using Witcher senses. These options can be found in the Options menu under Video and HUD Configuration. Users can choose to hide the minimap during Exploration and hide objectives during Exploration.

The option to slow down movement while using a controller has been implemented. To slow walk, gently nudge the left stick forward.

A new alternative sprint mode has been added for controller users. This can be activated by tapping the left stick. To access it, go to Options → Control Settings.

An option has been added to ensure that camera inversion does not affect target-lock. This feature can be found in the Control Settings section of the Options menu.

The radial menu has been enhanced to allow seamless switching between bombs, bolts, and pocket items without the need to open the inventory.

The font size for subtitles, NPC chatter, and dialogue choices can now be adjusted by scaling. To access this feature, navigate to Options, then Video, and finally HUD Configuration.

Numerous additional improvements, adjustments, and convenience enhancements have been implemented, as well as several hidden surprises waiting to be uncovered by players.

Added an option to switch potions and apply oils from the radial menu.

Added an option to auto-apply oils in combat.

The default map filter has been updated to enhance user experience. It now hides certain icons like "?" and boat icons to prevent the map from being overcrowded with icons. However, users still have the option to display all icons by using the "All" map mode toggle.

- Nintendo Switch Gameplay

Full Combat Rebalance 3 by Flash_in_the_flesh has been incorporated, featuring gameplay balance adjustments and several fixes. A curated approach was adopted in modifying certain aspects beyond the default settings of the mod, while also excluding certain elements.

Resolved an issue concerning the inability to open the chest at the Signal Tower in the Wolf School Gear Scavenger Hunt.

Fixed a bug in Ofier's Distant Shores where the diagram in the chest at the bandit's hideout might be absent.

Addressed a bug in Hard Times where Geralt was unable to engage in dialogue or deliver the letter to the blacksmith.

Fixed a bug in Echoes of the Past where players were unable to interact with Yennefer after defeating the foglets, causing the quest to become unprogressable.

Addressed an issue in Wine Wars where players were unable to complete the quest if they destroyed one of the necessary monster nests while exploring.

Fixed an issue where the Grandmaster Wolven Set wouldn't require Mastercrafted items.

Various small fixes to quests and cutscenes.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.