Does The Witcher 3 Have a Free PS5 Upgrade? Your Complete Guide
Yes, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers a free PS5 upgrade to owners of the PlayStation 4 version of the game. This next-gen update brings significant enhancements to the game, including improved graphics, performance, and gameplay features, allowing you to experience the world of Geralt of Rivia like never before on your PlayStation 5. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this fantastic upgrade.
Understanding The Witcher 3 PS5 Upgrade
The free PS5 upgrade for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is more than just a simple resolution bump. It’s a comprehensive overhaul designed to take full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s powerful hardware. Expect vastly improved visuals, including higher resolution textures, enhanced draw distances, and ray tracing support, making the already stunning world even more immersive. The upgrade also includes faster loading times, making travel between regions much smoother, and a stable framerate for a more fluid gameplay experience.
One of the highlights of the upgrade is the inclusion of content inspired by the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher. This includes new armor sets, weapons, and even a new questline, adding fresh content even for veteran players. The upgrade also introduces quality-of-life improvements, such as selectable walking modes and customizable map filters, letting you tailor the game to your preferences.
To claim the upgrade, you’ll need to own either the standard edition of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or the Game of the Year Edition on PS4. If you own a physical copy of the game, you’ll need to insert the disc into your PS5 to verify ownership and download the upgrade. Digital owners can simply download the PS5 version from the PlayStation Store.
How to Upgrade Your Game
Upgrading from a Digital Copy
- Sign in to your existing account on your PS5 console (or create an account).
- Search for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in the PlayStation Store or your game library under the “Your Collection” tab.
- Select the upgrade offer on the game hub and review the upgrade offer.
- Select Download to add the game to your download queue.
Upgrading from a Physical Copy
- Sign in to your existing account on your PS5 console (or create an account).
- Insert the eligible PS4 game disc into your PS5.
- Go to the game hub for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
- Select the upgrade offer on the game hub and review the upgrade offer.
- You will need to keep the disc inserted each time to play the game.
It’s important to ensure that the region of your physical game copy matches the region of your PlayStation account. If these don’t match, you won’t be eligible for the upgrade.
Transferring Save Data from PS4 to PS5
Don’t worry about losing your progress! You can easily transfer your save data from the PS4 version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to the PS5 version. Here’s how:
- Save the game on your PS4 and ensure that the cloud symbol is next to it.
- Ensure you are logged into GOG’s cloud save service within the PS4 version of the game. You can do this by selecting “My Rewards” from the main menu.
- Install the PS5 version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
- Start the game and select My Rewards – this will confirm that you are logged into GOG’s cloud save service.
- Load the save and continue playing on the PS5.
The New Content
The free PS5 upgrade includes new content in addition to the graphical and performance improvements. In the main game, you are able to receive the items and gears inspired by the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher.
To claim the new rewards, you’ll need to head to the main menu of The Witcher 3 and find the ‘My Rewards’ section. Then, all you have to do is travel to the Royal Palace in Vizima. Once there, open the letter from Yennefer in your inventory and follow the instructions.
Enhanced Gameplay Experience
The PS5 upgrade enhances the overall gameplay experience through several key features. With the advanced graphic capabilities of the PS5, you may be wondering, “Do PS4 games look better on PS5?”. Most PS4 games will look the same whether you play them on the PS4 or PS5, however with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt PS5 upgrade the game includes an upgrade patch, allowing for improved visuals and gameplay on the PS5. With the advanced graphic capabilities of the PS5, you may be wondering, “Do PS4 games look better on PS5?”.
Players on PS5 have the added bonus of playing the game with new Haptic feedback and Adaptive Trigger implementation of the DualSense. You can feel this most in combat when you cast different signs, as each one rumbles and resonates differently, and you can also feel Roach galloping through the haptic feedback as well.
Gameplay upgrades and quality of life improvements are also included in the PS5 upgrade. There are new map filters that you can apply so that you only see the icons you want to see. Consoles also boast selectable walking modes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does the Witcher 3 PS5 upgrade include?
The Witcher 3 PS5 upgrade includes overhauled graphics, a new questline inspired by the Netflix series, enhanced gameplay options, faster loading times, and support for ray tracing.
2. How do I activate the Witcher 3 PS5 upgrade with a physical copy?
Insert the PS4 game disc into your PS5. Highlight the game on the main menu and press down. The option for the free PS5 upgrade should appear on the right-hand side of that menu.
3. Is the Witcher 3 PS5 upgrade free on Reddit?
The consensus on Reddit is that the PS5 upgrade itself is free if you already own the game on PS4. However, the DLCs are not free unless you’ve purchased them previously, either separately or as part of the Complete Edition.
4. How do I upgrade my PS4 games to PS5, specifically Witcher 3?
Sign in to your existing account on your PS5. Insert the PS4 game disc. Go to the game hub for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and select the upgrade offer.
5. What if my physical game copy region is different from my PlayStation account region?
If your physical game copy region is different from the region of your PlayStation account, you will not be eligible for the free upgrade.
6. Can I play The Witcher 3 without the next-gen update on PS5?
Yes, you can play the PS4 version of The Witcher 3 on your PS5 without the next-gen update. However, you’ll miss out on the graphical and performance enhancements.
7. Do I have to repurchase The Witcher 3 for PS5 to get the upgrade?
No, The Witcher 3 PS5 upgrade is free if you already own the game on PS4, including both the original release and the Game of the Year Edition.
8. How do I claim my rewards for the next-generation Witcher 3 update?
Head to the main menu of The Witcher 3 and find the ‘My Rewards’ section. Travel to the Royal Palace in Vizima, open the letter from Yennefer in your inventory, and follow the instructions.
9. What are the 16 free DLCs for The Witcher 3?
The 16 free DLCs were initially released alongside the original game and include additional quests, armor sets, weapons, and cosmetic items. These are included with the PS4 version and carry over to the PS5 upgraded version if you already owned them.
10. Does The Witcher 3 automatically upgrade to the PS5 version?
No, the upgrade doesn’t happen automatically. You need to go to the game page on the PlayStation Network and choose to upgrade to the PS5 version manually.
11. Who is eligible for The Witcher 3 upgrade?
PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S users who already own The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are eligible for the free upgrade.
12. What quality of life improvements does The Witcher 3 Next Gen upgrade include?
The upgrade includes new map filters and selectable walking modes on consoles.
13. How to get The Witcher 3 Netflix armor?
To get The Witcher 3 Netflix armor, you must complete a quest called In The Eternal Fire’s Shadow. We’d recommend reaching at least level 15 before taking on this adventure.
14. What is the difference between The Witcher 3 and the PS5 upgraded version?
The PS5 upgraded version features improved graphics, faster loading times, ray tracing support, a new questline, haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support on the DualSense controller, and quality-of-life improvements.
15. How do I get The Witcher 3 on PS5 without the disc?
If you own a digital copy of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on PS4, you can download the PS5 version directly from the PlayStation Store without needing a disc. If you own a physical copy, you’ll need to insert the PS4 disc into your PS5 to play the upgraded version.
The free PS5 upgrade for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a fantastic opportunity to revisit this iconic game with significant enhancements. Whether you’re a seasoned Witcher veteran or a newcomer eager to explore its vast world for the first time, the PS5 version offers an unparalleled experience. Dive in and enjoy the adventure!
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