The Witcher 3 Next-Gen Update: Popular Mods Could Be Included

One of the most celebrated mods for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt could become part of the long-awaited next-generation update. The mod's creator is in direct talks with CD Projekt Red about the upcoming release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, and the signs are genuinely encouraging for anyone still hoping to revisit the Continent in sharper detail.

CD Projekt Red reaches out to the HD Reworked Project creator

Halk Hogan, the modder behind The Witcher 3 HD Reworked Project, posted a comment beneath one of his recent videos explaining the unusual silence from his channel. “I know I announced a new HDRP preview in early March, but I have been quiet all this time. I am sorry about that,” he wrote. “In return, I have some good news and the reasons why I have been silent and why I don't have much to show. I think the most important news is that I have received official word from CDPR about the collaboration. Although it is not certain yet, it is very likely that HDRP will be included in the official next-generation update.”

That kind of statement, from a modder who has spent the best part of a decade polishing the game's textures, lighting and environmental details, is exactly the sort of news the community has been waiting for. If you enjoy discovering standout titles like this one, our curated game keys collection is a good place to browse for your next adventure.

A mod with a long and respected history

The HD Reworked Project has been running since 2015 and is currently the most popular mod for The Witcher 3 on Nexus Mods. Halk is already working on another revision that will refresh the open-world role-playing game once again. Speaking to Kotaku, CDPR confirmed that alongside their internal work on the update for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, they are “in talks with developers of various mods for the 2015 version of the game”.

The original next-generation update was announced by CDPR some time ago, and anyone who already owns the fantasy epic will receive it free of charge. That includes owners on older platforms who will be upgraded to the current-gen version at no extra cost — a welcome gesture from a studio that has had its share of launch-day controversies in recent years.

The latest HD Reworked preview

Given the sheer amount of experimentation, refinement and creativity the Witcher 3 modding scene has produced, a formal collaboration would not come as a surprise. The community has remade the starting area in 4K, re-recorded dialogue, turned Geralt into a snowboarder and even tied Blood and Wine into entirely new quests. There is, in short, no shortage of ambition among the people who love this game.

What it means for players on PC

For PC players, the next-generation update is particularly interesting because it promises ray-traced lighting, faster load times and better-looking vegetation and crowds. If you want to get the most out of it, a well-maintained Windows system helps enormously — cluttered installs and outdated drivers can quickly sap performance from even the most capable hardware. Our range of PC tools and optimisation software can keep things running smoothly before you head back to Velen.

If you happen to be catching up on other titles while you wait, you may also enjoy our overview of the games included with PS Plus, which regularly features RPGs in the same spirit as The Witcher 3. For readers who like a broader view of what is popular on desktop beyond gaming, our rundown of the top 5 most popular computer programs is a quick and useful read.

When can we expect the update?

There is no confirmed release window for the official next-generation update at the time of writing, and CDPR has been understandably cautious about promising specific dates. In the meantime, the existing version remains excellent, and the modding community continues to add ways of keeping the experience fresh. Whether you are a first-time visitor to White Orchard or a returning monster hunter, there is plenty to enjoy while the next chapter is finalised.

Do not own the game yet?

If you have been putting off picking up The Witcher 3, the prospect of a remastered edition with official mod support is a fine reason to finally jump in. You can find the digital edition for PC in our games catalogue, with instant delivery and customer support available around the clock.

If you have any doubts or questions, you can contact us via live chat or email — we are here for you 24/7.

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The Licendi Team