CDPR originally confirmed the next-gen update for its best-selling title two years ago and gave it an October 19, 2021 release date before delaying it to this year then indefinitely and ultimately pushing it back to Q4 2022. But, with literally zero concrete news about when it’s hitting store shelves, fans were bracing for another delay. At least, that was until a gaming store worker in the UK leaked its December 9 release date. Now, we know that the said leak was off by just a few days. According to CDPR, the PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is coming out on December 14. Unlike other next-gen upgrades for “older” games, CDPR is releasing the enhanced version of the award-winning open-world RPG for free for those who already own any edition of the base game. So, if you bought the cheapest version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt right now, you’ll get upgraded visuals, all the DLC packs for the game, as well as further content releases inspired by Netflix’s The Witcher, without paying a dime. Mind you, you don’t need to have a current-gen console to enjoy all the upgrades. CDPR confirmed that the update will also bring “numerous improvements” to the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch versions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CDPR’s next-gen patch for its marquee title is a breath of fresh air. It comes free, unlike the others on the market where you have to pay a full game’s price for what’s effectively just a remaster but repackaged as a remake. We’re not saying that this is what Naughty Dog did with The Last of Us Part 1 for the PS5 (and the PC) but if the shoe fits, why not? CDPR is currently handling multiple projects that will keep it busy for the next decade if not longer. First up is the expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, Phantom Liberty. CDPR is also working on the next The Witcher trilogy, which will kick off with The Witcher 4 on Unreal Engine 5. Also, since we’re on the topic, the fan petition to keep Henry Cavill on Netflix’s The Witcher continues to grow. Netflix recently confirmed that Liam Hemsworth will replace Henry as Geralt of Rivia.
