The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered review: better graphics and boosted performance are just the beginning

Before diving into The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered, the main menu welcomes players to explore the game's patch highlights. The list of updates and improvements encompasses a wide range of enhancements, such as upgraded visuals and performance, reimagined skill systems, and much more. However, some of the most notable features are hidden under the "And Much, Much More" category.

For example, Geralt no longer struggles to navigate ladders and waist-high ledges like a novice, which seasoned fans might appreciate more than any new lighting tech. Additionally, looting resources while riding Roach – another fantastic update – will be a delight for fans who previously had to frequently dismount and re-mount their trusty steed to pick up items.

While these subtle changes may not be as eye-catching as a new visual update, they are meaningful fixes that demonstrate CD Projekt Red's dedication to providing more than just a superficial makeover.

The remaster undoubtedly brings about a significant graphical leap. The lighting effects and shadows are more realistic, textures have sharper details, and the environments look as if they've been lifted from a postcard. Players playing on a PlayStation 5 Pro can even customize the game's appearance with a Performance mode that uncaps the framerate, reaching up to 90 FPS, or a dedicated Ray Tracing mode that maintains around 60 FPS while focusing on the best lighting effects. Both options provide an exceptional visual experience.

Combat in The Witcher 3 has long been considered its weakest aspect, with clunky encounters that didn't match the quality of the game's other elements. However, the remaster has managed to breathe new life into the combat system by making it faster, fluid, and more dynamic. Hacking, slashing, and spell-casting feel more immersive, reflecting the overall excellence of the game.

The sword-swinging and spell-casting now pack a more precise and impactful punch, with enemy encounters feeling faster, more fluid, and kinetic. Smoother enemy animations, reactive foes, a new finishing move system, and a dynamic camera that keeps up with the action all contribute to an enhanced combat experience.

CD Projekt Red could have simply polished the visuals, improved combat, and added a few quality-of-life fixes, collecting a large sum of money in the process. Instead, they took the time to consider fan feedback, resulting in a remaster that goes far beyond a simple makeover. Geralt's well-worn boots now sport a transmog system that allows players to equip their preferred armor and weapons without sacrificing stats, while the reimagined skill system grants greater freedom in character progression.

Furthermore, quest tracking has been streamlined, looting has become less tedious, and meditation has been transformed into an immersive and interactive experience. All of these improvements, along with an extensive photo mode, make The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered the definitive version of a game that was already a genre-defining masterpiece when it launched 12 years ago.