CD Projekt Red has patched The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC Xbox Play Anywhere, addressing the game’s washed-out lighting and a DLSS problem on PC. The studio announced the update on social media, saying it makes “various lighting adjustments” and fixes an issue where DLSS was unavailable in the PC Xbox Play Anywhere version of the game.
The patch comes after days of complaints about the game’s brighter, flatter look. Players pointed to the Bloom setting as a main offender, though the studio has not confirmed that directly. The patch also includes “various other adjustments to ensure parity with the PC version,” according to CD Projekt Red’s announcement.
The Lighting Complaints
The remaster launched earlier this week to mixed reception. Some scenes now feel too bright and flat, per the report. Path tracing and HDR contribute to the effect, according to the report. Interior rooms were singled out as appearing too dark, a problem the patch now claims to have fixed.
The Bloom setting is a likely culprit. On PC, players can turn it off entirely. On console, that option does not exist. The patch may address that, though CD Projekt Red has not said so explicitly. The studio’s announcement lists the lighting changes generally, without tying any single fix to a specific setting or menu.
“various lighting adjustments”
That line from the studio’s announcement is notable because it confirms the patch targets the game’s visual appearance directly. The wording is general, which matches the studio’s approach throughout the update: acknowledging problems without tying individual fixes to specific settings or menus.
What the Patch Fixes
The update is small but targeted. It addresses two specific issues:
- A fix for DLSS being unavailable in the Xbox Play Anywhere version of the game on PC
- Lighting adjustments, including fixes for interiors that appeared too dark
The parity adjustment is a broader category. The studio says it made “various other adjustments to ensure parity with the PC version,” which suggests additional tweaks beyond lighting. These changes aim to bring the console and PC versions closer together, though the studio has not detailed what those adjustments involve.
Save Issues and Future Fixes
CD Projekt Red also said it is preparing a hotfix for the PC version relating to a save-game issue. The company continues “investigating the issues you’re reporting via our Technical Support portal.” It thanked players for their patience and for reporting problems they were having.
The save-game issue is separate from the lighting complaint. It is not clear whether the hotfix will arrive before the next major update. The company’s investigation into reported issues remains ongoing, meaning more fixes may come down the line.
Why the Remaster Exists
The Witcher 3 Remastered is a significant visual upgrade. It refreshes the game’s look, improves animations, and adds gameplay and quality-of-life changes. The remaster is free for anyone who already owns any version of the game.
The remaster’s existence points to a larger plan. CD Projekt Red is preparing a third expansion for the game, called Songs of the Past, due next year.
The Console Picture
The remaster spans multiple platforms. The original Witcher 3: Wild Hunt launched on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The remaster covers PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC Xbox Play Anywhere, plus the Switch 2 version of Songs of the Past.
The patch’s scope is limited to the platforms it addresses. It does not mention PS4 or Switch. That omission matters for players who bought the game elsewhere. Those players may need to wait for separate updates, if they come at all.
What Players Should Expect
The patch is live now for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC Xbox Play Anywhere. Players on those platforms should check for the update and install it. The lighting changes should make some scenes easier to see, particularly in darker interiors.
The save-game hotfix is coming separately for PC. That means PC players have two updates to track: the lighting patch and the save fix. The company’s promise to investigate further issues suggests more updates may follow.
The patch addresses the right problems. The lighting complaints were the most visible issue, and the studio has responded quickly. The DLSS fix on PC is a smaller win, but it removes a technical barrier for players who want to play across systems.
The free rollout is a smart move. It keeps existing players engaged while preparing the ground for Songs of the Past.
The patch is a relief. It shows CD Projekt Red listening to feedback and acting on it. The company has promised to keep investigating, so players should expect more updates in the coming months.
The remaster is worth playing for its improvements, even if the lighting took a few days to get right.
See the video the story is built around at Eurogamer.
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