Does The Witcher 3 Next-Gen Include All DLC? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: it depends on what you mean by “all DLC.” The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Next-Gen update comes with significant enhancements, but the inclusion of all downloadable content (DLC) is not straightforward. Here’s a breakdown to clear up any confusion. The free next-gen upgrade for the base game does not include the major story expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. However, it does automatically include all 16 free DLC packs that were released after the original game’s launch in 2015. The confusion often arises from not distinguishing between these two types of content.
The Free Next-Gen Update: What’s Included?
The free next-gen update for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC brought a wealth of visual, performance, and technical enhancements to The Witcher 3. Key improvements include:
- Overhauled graphics: Enhanced textures, improved character models, and general visual fidelity upgrades.
- Ray tracing support: More realistic lighting and reflections, creating a more immersive experience.
- Faster loading times: Drastically reduced loading screens on consoles.
- Performance improvements: Smoother frame rates and overall better performance.
- Integrated mods: Select popular community-created mods were officially integrated into the game.
- New questline: A fresh side quest was added to the game, providing more content.
- Gameplay tweaks: Improvements to gameplay mechanics, such as quicker sign casting.
It’s essential to understand that this is an upgrade to the existing base game. It is not a new, separate game. The upgrade is free to those who already own The Witcher 3.
Differentiating Between Free DLC and Major Expansions
Here lies the crucial distinction. The Witcher 3 had several types of DLC:
- Free DLC packs: These are 16 smaller, mostly cosmetic or minor questline DLCs released shortly after launch. They are included in the free next-gen upgrade.
- Major Story Expansions: These are the substantial expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, which offer significant new stories, maps, characters, and content. These are not automatically included in the free next-gen upgrade.
Accessing Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine
The free next-gen upgrade does not automatically grant access to the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions. To experience these, you have two main options:
- Purchase them Separately: If you own the base game (either the PS4/Xbox One or PC version) and have applied the next-gen upgrade, you will need to buy the expansions separately through the platform’s digital store. These are treated as additional DLC content.
- Purchase the Complete Edition: If you don’t own The Witcher 3, or if you prefer a single purchase, the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition is the best option. This version includes the base game, the free next-gen upgrade, all 16 free DLC packs, and the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine story expansions. The Complete Edition is available digitally and physically for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The Complete Edition: The Definitive Way to Experience the Game
The Complete Edition is designed to be the most comprehensive package. It contains:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt base game
- The Free Next-Gen Upgrade
- All 16 Free DLC Packs
- Hearts of Stone expansion
- Blood and Wine expansion
This makes it the recommended choice for new players looking to dive into the entire Witcher 3 experience, as it provides everything in one package.
Why the Distinction?
The decision to exclude the major expansions from the free upgrade is likely due to their size and the value they provide. Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are not mere add-ons; they feature substantial storylines, new characters, and entire new map regions, amounting to an extra 50 hours of gameplay. By separating these expansions, CD PROJEKT RED gave players the option to upgrade the base game for free and purchase the major expansions at their discretion.
In Summary
The Witcher 3 Next-Gen update comes with the base game upgrades and all 16 free DLCs, but does not include the major expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. These need to be purchased separately unless you opt for the Complete Edition, which bundles everything together. This model allows both new and veteran players to tailor their experience based on their current ownership of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Witcher 3 Next-Gen update and its DLC:
1. What are the 16 free DLC packs included in the next-gen upgrade?
The 16 free DLC packs include various items, quests, and cosmetic changes. Some examples are the Temerian Armor Set, Beard and Hairstyle Set, New Quest – ‘Contract: Missing Miners’, and Alternative Look for Yennefer.
2. How do I access the free next-gen upgrade?
If you own The Witcher 3 base game on PS4, Xbox One, or PC, you will receive the next-gen upgrade for free on your respective platform. Simply update the game, and the enhancements will be available.
3. Do I need the Complete Edition to get the best experience?
For new players, yes, the Complete Edition is recommended as it provides everything – the base game, the free upgrade, and both major expansions. For existing players, if you want the expansions, you can either buy them separately or purchase the Complete Edition if you prefer.
4. What is the level cap in the Witcher 3 next-gen?
Completing the base game and all side quests can bring you to around level 70. Playing through both expansions can get you up to level 100.
5. Is the Witcher 3 next-gen update buggy?
Some players have reported experiencing issues such as stuttering, frame rate drops, and texture problems. However, CD PROJEKT RED has been actively releasing patches to address these concerns.
6. Can I play the DLCs before finishing the main game?
The Hearts of Stone expansion can be started earlier. However, playing it in release order, meaning after finishing the base game, is recommended. It is preferable to finish the base game before playing Blood and Wine, which chronologically concludes Geralt’s story.
7. How do I access the rewards included in the next-gen version?
Access the ‘My Rewards’ section in the main menu, and then travel to the Royal Palace in Vizima. Follow the instructions in the letter from Yennefer in your inventory.
8. Does the next-gen version include new armor or weapons?
Yes, there are new armor sets and weapons included in the free update and Complete Edition. These are available to find and collect throughout your playthrough.
9. Is there a difference between the PS4/Xbox One version and the next-gen version?
Yes, the next-gen version includes significantly improved graphics, ray tracing, faster loading times, performance enhancements, integrated mods, and other tweaks not present in the older versions.
10. How big is The Witcher 3 next-gen patch?
The size of The Witcher 3 next-gen upgrade update is approximately 50 GB, though this may vary slightly depending on the platform.
11. Does the next-gen update affect mods?
The PC update of The Witcher 3 broke some community mods. However, some popular mods are now officially integrated into the game.
12. Is the next-gen update worth it?
The next-gen update provides a smoother, better-looking experience of the game. The performance improvements, new quest, and visual upgrades make this the definitive version of The Witcher 3.
13. How much did Henry Cavill make for The Witcher series?
Henry Cavill earned $11.2 million for the first two seasons of The Witcher, but the salary for the third season has not been disclosed.
14. Why did Henry Cavill leave the Witcher series?
Henry Cavill stated that he wanted to ensure the adaptation remained faithful to the source material. He has also alluded to other projects, such as the possibility of more Superman movies.
15. Who is replacing Henry Cavill in The Witcher?
Liam Hemsworth is replacing Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher starting with season 4.
We hope this comprehensive guide has helped clarify the inclusions of the Witcher 3 Next-Gen update. Whether you choose to upgrade your existing game or jump into the Complete Edition, the world of The Witcher awaits in its most refined and beautiful form yet.