The first new comparison video, shared by ElAnalistaDeBits, compares all versions of the next-gen update, highlighting the excellent implementation of ray tracing on PC, better screenspace reflections in performance mode on PlayStation 5, and better performance on Xbox Series X with ray tracing.
- PS5 and Xbox Series S offer two modes: Ray-Tracing or Performance. Xbox Series S also offers two modes: Quality or Performance. - Ray-Tracing mode on consoles only applies to global illumination of the sun, moon and fire. Xbox Series S does not have Ray-Tracing. This mode also improves the quality of SSR reflections. - PS5 has better SSR reflections in performance mode compared to Xbox Series X in some areas. - Xbox Series S has lower settings. Performance mode reduces draw distance, vegetation quality and shadows. - The Witcher 3 next-gen PC Ray-Tracing shows a palpable difference. It is the only version with Ray-Tracing for global illumination, shadows and reflections. - On PC, Ray-Tracing has some visual bugs in shadows and reflections. These are expected to be fixed with future patches. - PS5 has a slightly more noticeable pop-in than the other versions. - Series X performs better with Ray-Tracing, but PS5 offers better performance in Performance mode. - PS5 has better loading times. - In some areas,Series X resolution is higher than PS5 and vice versa, but overall both have a similar average resolution. - On Xbox Series S I recommend Quality mode, while on PS5 and Xbox Series X I would choose Performance mode. - Hairworks still marks an advantage on the PC version in terms of the fur on some models. However, this technique does not behave correctly with Ray-Tracing global illumination. As already mentioned, the PC version of The Witcher 3 next-gen update features an excellent ray tracing implementation, which makes quite a difference, judging by the comparison video below shared by Cycu1.
The Witcher 3 next-gen update goes live tomorrow, December 14th, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. You can learn more about everything the update brings to the game by reading the official update notes.
