The Witcher 3 Next-Gen or The Witcher 3 (+ mods)?

[Katarn]

I didn't get the chance to play The Witcher 3 when it came out, so I thought the new update would be a good chance to finally give it a go.

I was also looking forward to the integration of HDR, since I like the effect.

 

But ever since it came out, I've been hearing bad things about the new update, in particular its performance, to the point where some people suggest just sticking to the original. They argue that the updated version is just like the original except that it is more taxing on the system, and the visual improvements are just mods you can easily acquire for the OG. The only reason to play it, they seem to argue, is raytracing (and I don't care for raytracing).

I was further disappointed to hear that HDR support is not very good either.

 

So which choice is the better option?

The Next-Gen version or the original?

In what ways is the one superior to the other?

 

I don't want to burden my system more than it is necessary if the visual effect is going to be the same. But if there are improvements that cannot be modded into the original (or it is better to have them without modding), then I will consider the update, provided it doesn't significantly tax the system.

I have a Ryzen 5 3600 with an RX 5700 XT if my specs matter.

 

Thanks.

[bluehawk]

Haven't tried it myself yet, but there are quite a few improvements beyond ray tracing which you can leave off. It does look like it incorporates quite a few community mods that would be recommended if you get the original. It just dropped so there might be some bugs needing fixing, good ol Projekt Red. The update is free and the complete game is like 8 bucks now on Steam. 

[Poinkachu]

34 minutes ago, Katarn said:

I didn't get the chance to play The Witcher 3 when it came out, so I thought the new update would be a good chance to finally give it a go.

I was also looking forward to the integration of HDR, since I like the effect.

 

But ever since it came out, I've been hearing bad things about the new update, in particular its performance, to the point where some people suggest just sticking to the original. They argue that the updated version is just like the original except that it is more taxing on the system, and the visual improvements are just mods you can easily acquire for the OG. The only reason to play it, they seem to argue, is raytracing (and I don't care for raytracing).

I was further disappointed to hear that HDR support is not very good either.

 

So which choice is the better option?

The Next-Gen version or the original?

In what ways is the one superior to the other?

 

I don't want to burden my system more than it is necessary if the visual effect is going to be the same. But if there are improvements that cannot be modded into the original (or it is better to have them without modding), then I will consider the update, provided it doesn't significantly tax the system.

I have a Ryzen 5 3600 with an RX 5700 XT if my specs matter.

 

Thanks.

If you want more QoL stuffs, stick with the OG, since it is most likely supported by most if not all Witcher 3 mods out there.
 

[xAcid9]

1 hour ago, Katarn said:

I have a Ryzen 5 3600 with an RX 5700 XT if my specs matter.

OG + Mod. 

[Katarn]

16 hours ago, bluehawk said:

It just dropped so there might be some bugs needing fixing, good ol Projekt Red. The update is free and the complete game is like 8 bucks now on Steam. 

The problem is that I don't feel like waiting for them to fix the bugs. It could take a while, and I want smt to play now (as opposed to 2 months from now).

 

16 hours ago, Poinkachu said:

If you want more QoL stuffs, stick with the OG, since it is most likely supported by most if not all Witcher 3 mods out there.

I just want the definitive experience. I don't intend to mod heavily on the first run. If I play the OG, the only mods I would use would be the ones that make it look/play like the NextGen version.

I am interested in the HDR since I have a screen that supports HDR and I want to put it to use (seeing as most games don't have HDR) and afaik only the update has it -- but this doesn't rule out all the other problems the update has, nor the fact that I am yet to see if it has quality HDR or if it is like Marvel's Spider-Man, which HDR was thoroughly unimpressive.

 

15 hours ago, xAcid9 said:

OG + Mod.

I see you have come to this conclusion from my specs.

How so?

[Princess Luna]

I have played The Witcher 3 twice but never quited finished the game either times, took this opportunity to finally finish it properly including the extra content, so far it has been a very pleasant experience.
 

I am currently playing it on a 2060Super which can play it at 1080p all maxed up (no RT) just fine so should the 5700XT I presume. Ray Tracing is w/e the game is already drop dead gorgeous and realistic at the same time, with excellent soundtrack you get sucked into immersion in a way I rarely see, no wonder Assassin's Creed sought out to copy the model so hard /s

[Katarn]

22 hours ago, Princess Luna said:

I am currently playing it on a 2060Super which can play it at 1080p all maxed up (no RT) just fine so should the 5700XT I presume.

Yes, but the 5700XT can run OG on 4K, whereas NextGen will mostly stutter at 4K.

Then again, I play on a TV, so the distance makes 4K (mostly) pointless.

 

22 hours ago, Princess Luna said:

the game is already drop dead gorgeous and realistic at the same time, with excellent soundtrack you get sucked into immersion in a way I rarely see, no wonder Assassin's Creed sought out to copy the model so hard /s

this is a long sentence so I don't know at which point the /s begins to apply.

Is it the part about Assassin's Creed or the idea that The Witcher 3 is immersive on its own?

 

I keep hearing great things about The Witcher 3, so I'm going in with high expectations. I'd hate to have another GTAV experience, when I go in expecting a masterpiece and end up remembering the definition of overhyped.

[xAcid9]

On 12/28/2022 at 2:50 AM, Katarn said:

I see you have come to this conclusion from my specs.

How so?

Since you can't use ray tracing, much better stick with the OG and install graphic mod or QOL mod to improve the game. 

But if you're not into modding, go with the "next-gen".

[Stahlmann]

Most mods are already updated for next-gen, plus most new mods will be next-gen only without legacy support. Something changed with next-gen and i find it way easier to mod. I don't have nearly as many script compilation errors and mods seem generally easier to merge.

 

And the next-gen version still includes a DX11 executable  if you want the built-in mods like better textures etc. but don't need ray tracing and that sort of stuff. DX11 seems to perform better than DX12 from the reviews i've seen.