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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Short answer: The Witcher 3’s 2022 Next-Gen update (version 4.0) added substantial visual and quality-of-life improvements over the Classic 1.32 build, but features vary by platform. Since September 29, 2026, the current updated edition is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered, which CD PROJEKT RED says is a free same-platform upgrade for existing owners.
What do “Classic,” “Next-Gen,” and “Remastered” mean?
In this comparison, Classic means the older 1.32 version, while Next-Gen refers to the version 4.0 update released in December 2022. That update brought graphical, performance-mode, and quality-of-life changes to newer hardware and other supported platforms. CD PROJEKT RED’s October 1, 2026 PC hotfix also explicitly addressed launching Classic 1.32.
Remastered is the newer updated edition, available since September 29, 2026. It is not another name for the original 2022 update: the publisher describes additional rendering, asset, and PC graphics features for Remastered. The comparisons below distinguish the historical 1.32-to-4.0 changes from this current release.
How do the graphics differ?
Classic 1.32
Classic is the earlier baseline. The publisher’s 2022 notes describe the later update as adding or improving visual features including lighting, textures, vegetation, and graphics options. They do not provide a controlled, side-by-side image-quality ranking against Classic.
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#1 Best Overall
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Version 4.0 Next-Gen update
CD PROJEKT RED’s December 12, 2022 update notes list ray-traced global illumination and ambient occlusion for PC and next-generation consoles. On compatible PC hardware, players can also enable ray-traced reflections and shadows. Other listed changes include 4K character textures, environmental lighting and vegetation updates, mod and mod-inspired visual improvements, and FSR 2.1.
On PC, the update added ULTRA+ settings affecting crowds, shadows, grass, textures, foliage visibility, terrain, water, and detail. DLSS 3 was available only on compatible hardware. These features do not mean every PC can use every setting: support depends on the hardware and the specific feature.
Rank #2
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Remastered
The publisher’s September 29, 2026 feature list, available in Ukrainian, describes a new shading model; textures and models based on The Witcher 3 HD Reworked Project; improved grass and foliage lighting; updated color grading; GTAO; updated screen-space reflections and shadows; and ray-traced local shadows. For PC, it also lists image-processing and multithreading changes, path tracing, NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 with ray reconstruction, and AMD FSR 4 support on Radeon RX 7000 and newer, with FSR 2 used on other cards. These are publisher-described capabilities, not independent image-quality or performance test results.
What performance modes and frame-rate targets are available?
For version 4.0, CD PROJEKT RED’s December 12, 2022 notes describe these console mode targets. They are targets published by the game’s developer, not measured frame rates from a comparative benchmark.
Rank #3
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| Platform | Mode | Publisher-stated target | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Ray Tracing | 30 FPS | Dynamic resolution scaling |
| PlayStation 5 | Performance | 60 FPS | Dynamic resolution scaling |
| Xbox Series X | Ray Tracing | 30 FPS | Dynamic resolution scaling |
| Xbox Series X | Performance | 60 FPS | Dynamic resolution scaling |
| Xbox Series S | Quality | 30 FPS | No ray-tracing features |
| Xbox Series S | Performance | 60 FPS | No ray-tracing features; prioritizes smoother gameplay over visual quality |
The same notes describe the Performance Mode on PS5 and Xbox Series X as “ensures smoother gameplay targeting 60 FPS with dynamic resolution scaling.” The wording identifies an intended target; it does not establish sustained frame rates in every scene, exact resolution behavior, or a measured Classic-versus-Next-Gen performance gap.
For PC, available performance and image-quality options depend on hardware and settings. The October 1, 2026 hotfix says it fixed visual and performance issues affecting some users with HairWorks enabled, so patch level and configuration matter when interpreting individual reports. No independent comparative benchmark is established by the cited publisher material.
Rank #4
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
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Which features and content did version 4.0 add?
The 2022 update was more than a graphics patch. Its listed additions included:
- Cross-progression after logging in.
- A new side quest and alternate character and armor appearances.
- Photo mode and the ability to pause cutscenes.
- A closer alternative camera.
- Chinese and Korean voice-over, with console availability varying by region.
- On PS5, DualSense adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and Activity Cards.
Feature availability and the scope of the update vary by platform. The publisher’s version 4.04 notes from July 2023 document later changes, including some version 4.0 content and fixes for Nintendo Switch, PC and next-generation visual fixes, an HDR calibration option, and quality-of-life changes. They also show that fixes did not always reach PC and consoles at the same time.
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
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Is the Next-Gen update worth it?
If you own the game, the 4.0 changes offer reasons to try the updated version: improved visuals, platform-specific graphics modes, and added convenience and content. Whether the difference is worthwhile for you depends on your platform, hardware, and which features you value. For example, PC ray tracing and DLSS 3 require compatible hardware, while Xbox Series S does not offer ray tracing.
For a purchase or upgrade decision today, account for Remastered rather than treating version 4.0 as the latest release. CD PROJEKT RED announced Remastered as a free upgrade for existing owners on the same platform, and its September 29, 2026 launch announcement lists GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The announcement says the update includes Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine for owners on the listed platforms. Check the platform-specific entitlement before buying or advising someone to repurchase.
Can you still play the Classic version?
On PC, the October 1, 2026 hotfix says CD PROJEKT RED fixed an issue that prevented launching the Classic (1.32) version. This confirms PC launchability after that fix; it does not establish that Classic remains available on every platform. The hotfix also matters for comparisons: reports should identify whether they concern Classic 1.32, version 4.0, or Remastered, and include the relevant patch date when performance or visuals are at issue.
Quick Recap
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