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Delving into the Past: Can You Still Play the Old Gen Witcher 3?

Absolutely! Despite the allure of the shiny next-gen update, you can indeed still play the old gen (original) versions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Whether you’re clinging to a beloved save file, prefer the original aesthetic, or simply want to avoid any potential bugs introduced in newer versions, the option remains readily available, particularly on PC. Let’s dive into how and why you might want to consider revisiting the classic Witcher 3 experience.

Accessing the Classic Witcher 3: A Step-by-Step Guide

The primary method for accessing the old gen Witcher 3 involves using the Steam platform. Here’s a breakdown:

Navigate to Your Library: Open your Steam client and head to your game library.
Find The Witcher 3: Locate The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in your list of games.
Access Properties: Right-click on The Witcher 3 and select “Properties” from the context menu.
Enter the Betas Tab: In the Properties window, click on the “BETAS” tab.
Select the Classic Version: In the dropdown menu, choose “Classic 1.32”. This tells Steam you want to revert to the original version 1.32 of the game.
Automatic Update: Steam will then automatically begin downloading and installing the specified classic version. This process may take some time, depending on your internet connection speed.

Once the download is complete, you can launch The Witcher 3, and it will be the old gen version you selected.

Why Choose Old Gen? The Reasons for Going Back

While the next-gen update offers substantial visual and gameplay enhancements, there are several compelling reasons to stick with or revert to the old gen Witcher 3:

Mod Compatibility: A significant factor for PC players is mod compatibility. The next-gen update fundamentally changed certain aspects of the game, rendering many existing mods incompatible. If you have a heavily modded game setup that you enjoy, sticking with the old gen version ensures you can continue using your favorite mods without issue. Modders are constantly working to update their mods for newer versions of the game, however, it may take a while for some mods to be compatible.
Performance Concerns: While the next-gen update generally improves the game’s visuals, some players have experienced performance issues, such as stuttering and frame rate drops. The old gen version may offer a smoother and more stable experience, especially on older hardware.
Personal Preference: Some players simply prefer the original look and feel of The Witcher 3. The next-gen update made significant changes to the visuals, and some players may find the original aesthetic more appealing.
Avoid Bugs: Although CD Projekt Red has released patches to address issues with the next-gen update, some bugs may persist. The old gen version is more stable and free of these newer bugs.
Save Game Compatibility: In some cases, save games might not be fully compatible between different versions of the game. Reverting to the old gen version can allow you to continue your playthrough without issues.

Understanding the Differences: Old Gen vs. Next Gen

The primary differences between the old gen and next-gen Witcher 3 lie in the following areas:

Visuals: The next-gen update features dramatically improved graphics, including enhanced textures, lighting, and environmental detail.
Performance: The next-gen version aims for higher frame rates and resolutions, but this can depend on your hardware.
Content: The next-gen update includes new content inspired by the Netflix series, as well as quality-of-life improvements.
Gameplay: The next-gen update includes some minor gameplay tweaks and improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to playing the old gen Witcher 3: