Does The Witcher 3 Next-Gen Update Include Expansions? A Deep Dive

The answer, like a perfectly brewed potion, is layered and depends on your specific situation. The Next-Gen update itself is a free visual and technical upgrade to the base game for those who already own it. However, the expansions, “Hearts of Stone” and “Blood and Wine,” are NOT automatically included unless you own the “Complete Edition” (formerly known as the “Game of the Year” or GOTY edition).

So, to break it down:

• If you own the base game: You get the free Next-Gen update with graphical enhancements and quality-of-life improvements. You still need to purchase “Hearts of Stone” and “Blood and Wine” separately to experience their fantastic stories.

• If you own the “Complete Edition”: Congratulations! You already have everything. The Next-Gen update enhances the base game and both expansions. This is the most comprehensive and arguably the best way to experience The Witcher 3.

• If you are buying the game for the first time: Opt for the “Complete Edition.” It’s the most cost-effective option in the long run, providing hundreds of hours of gameplay with the base game and both critically acclaimed expansions.

The Next-Gen update is more than just a visual facelift. It includes increased resolution textures, improved models, enhanced environments, ray tracing support (on supported platforms), and general performance improvements that allow console players to play at 60 FPS. These enhancements elevate an already incredible game to a whole new level.

The decision of whether to purchase the expansions separately or opt for the “Complete Edition” boils down to your current ownership of the game and your budget. However, it’s worth emphasizing that both “Hearts of Stone” and “Blood and Wine” are substantial additions to the Witcher 3 experience, adding significant depth to the story, gameplay, and world. They’re not just tacked-on content; they’re expertly crafted experiences that rival many standalone games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Witcher 3 Next-Gen Update and Expansions

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify the details of The Witcher 3 Next-Gen update and its relationship to the expansions and other content:

1. What exactly does the Witcher 3 Next-Gen update contain?

The Next-Gen update focuses on visual and technical improvements. This includes increased resolution textures (upscaled to 4K for Geralt, major NPCs, monsters, and environments), enhanced models, ray tracing support (where available), faster loading times, and performance improvements like 60 FPS on consoles. It also includes new quality-of-life features, gameplay upgrades, and bug fixes.

2. Does the Witcher 3 Complete Edition include all DLCs?

Yes, the Complete Edition includes the base game, the two major story expansions (“Hearts of Stone” & “Blood and Wine”), and all 16 free DLCs that were originally released for the game. It’s the definitive Witcher 3 experience.

3. How do I access the free DLCs in Witcher 3?

If you own the base game, the 16 free DLCs should be available for download on your respective platform’s store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, Steam, GOG). If you own the Complete Edition or GOTY version, the free DLCs are already integrated into the game.

4. Will my mods work with the Witcher 3 Next-Gen update?

Some mods may work, while others will likely break. Mods that rely heavily on scripts are more prone to incompatibility. CD Projekt Red released information about popular mods to help modders prepare for the update, which will help you figure out if your favorite mods will need to be updated.

5. Does the Witcher 3 Next-Gen update look significantly better?

Yes, the visual improvements are substantial. The higher resolution textures, improved models, enhanced lighting, and ray tracing (where supported) make the game look much sharper and more detailed. The increase in frame rate to 60 FPS on consoles also contributes to a smoother and more responsive gameplay experience.

6. How do I transfer my save game to the Witcher 3 Next-Gen version?

The Next-Gen update supports cross-saves, allowing you to transfer your save game from the previous-generation version of the game. You’ll typically need to use a GOG account and enable cross-save functionality within the game.

7. Is the Witcher 3 Next-Gen update buggy?

Initially, the Next-Gen update had some performance issues, including stuttering, frame rate drops, and texture rendering problems. However, CD Projekt Red has been actively releasing patches to address these issues and improve the overall stability of the game.

8. What’s the difference between Witcher 3 GOTY and the Complete Edition?

There is no functional difference. The “Complete Edition” is essentially a re-branding of the “Game of the Year” (GOTY) edition. Both versions include the base game, “Hearts of Stone,” “Blood and Wine,” and all free DLCs.

9. What is enemy upscaling in the Witcher 3 Next-Gen update?

Enemy Upscaling is a feature that allows enemies to scale to Geralt’s level, providing a more consistent challenge throughout the game, even in lower-level areas. You can toggle this feature on or off in the gameplay options menu.

10. What is the level cap in Witcher 3 Next-Gen?

The level cap in The Witcher 3, including the Next-Gen version and expansions, is level 100.

11. What are the major gameplay and quality-of-life improvements in the Next-Gen update?

These improvements include a new map filter system, allowing players to customize the map icons they see, haptic feedback support on consoles, selectable walking modes, and various bug fixes and tweaks to improve the overall gameplay experience.

12. What order should I play the Witcher 3 DLC in?

The generally recommended order is: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (the base game), followed by Hearts of Stone, and then Blood and Wine. While Hearts of Stone can be played before the end of the main game without major spoilers, Blood and Wine is designed to be played after completing the main storyline.

13. Is Hearts of Stone worth playing?

Absolutely! Hearts of Stone is a fantastic expansion with a compelling story, memorable characters, and challenging boss fights. It’s a must-play for any Witcher 3 fan. Some gamers and critics find it the superior overall story compared to Blood and Wine.

14. Is Blood and Wine better than Hearts of Stone?

This is subjective, but Blood and Wine offers a larger and more visually stunning new region (Toussaint), a more open-ended storyline, and more content overall. Some prefer Blood and Wine for its scope and atmosphere, while others prefer Hearts of Stone for its tighter narrative and memorable villain. Both are excellent.

15. Is there new content in the Witcher 3 Next-Gen update?

While the core gameplay and storyline remain the same, the Next-Gen update includes a new quest inspired by the Netflix series “The Witcher.” It also offers new armor and weapons and incorporates various quality-of-life improvements.

Hopefully, this article and FAQ section have provided you with a clear understanding of what the Witcher 3 Next-Gen update entails and its relationship to the expansions. Whether you’re a returning veteran or a newcomer to the world of Geralt of Rivia, The Witcher 3 has never looked or played better. The enhanced visuals, improved performance, and the incredible content offered by the expansions make it a must-play experience for any RPG fan. To enhance your experience and delve further into the educational aspects of games, consider exploring resources from institutions like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. These communities offer valuable insights into the art and science of game design and how they can be used to create impactful learning experiences.