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Enemy Upscaling is an optional Gameplay setting that makes foes more challenging when a level difference would otherwise make them too easy to defeat. It does not increase experience points, loot, or quest rewards, according to CD PROJEKT RED’s Patch 1.20 changelog.

What Enemy Upscaling changes

The setting was added in Patch 1.20. CD PROJEKT RED describes its purpose this way: “If foes are too easy to defeat due to level difference, upscaling will render them a challenge.” The changelog does not specify that every enemy is brought to Geralt’s exact level or document the mechanics for every enemy type.

Find the setting under Options > Gameplay. It adjusts the challenge posed by foes in relation to level difference; it is not a separate difficulty mode or a reward modifier.

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Does Enemy Upscaling give more XP or better loot?

No. The Patch 1.20 changelog explicitly says changing the option does not affect experience-point gain, loot, or quest rewards. Its stated effect is on how challenging certain foes are, not what they pay out.

Can you change it during a fight?

Yes. The changelog says the option can be toggled at any time, including during combat. When you change it, the affected foes’ Vitality or Essence is fully restored. Because of that restoration, changing the setting mid-fight can undo damage you have already dealt to them.

How to tell whether an enemy is above or below your level

The official PC manual says a targeted enemy’s health bar displays its name, level, and remaining health. Its level number is color-coded as follows:

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  • Gray: Geralt is at least five levels above the enemy.
  • Green: The level difference is within five levels.
  • Red: The enemy is stronger than Geralt.
  • Skull: The enemy is marked as a major threat.

These indicators come from the PC manual; they are not a platform-by-platform description of current Enemy Upscaling mechanics.

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What the official notes do—and do not—establish

The Patch 1.20 changelog establishes the setting’s purpose, its location, its lack of effect on rewards, and the consequences of changing it during combat. It does not give a complete formula for how enemy strength is adjusted or list every foe affected. The accompanying level-color guidance is from the official PC manual, not a current mechanics reference for every platform or game version.

Sources: CD PROJEKT RED, Patch 1.20 changelog and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt PC manual.

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