CD Projekt Red recently released a comparison video showcasing the visual differences between The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remaster and the original version, sparking player skepticism regarding certain color grading, fog effects, and fire representations. The remaster will be released as a free update for all players on September 29.
Comparison Video:
The video shows Geralt using the Igni sign to attack a group of Drowners in a swamp, with side-by-side comparisons of the original and remastered visuals. However, it is currently unclear what specific graphics settings and hardware environments were used for both clips, and some effects may have been disabled to highlight other changes.
CDPR also noted that the video content is still in development and does not represent the final in-game experience. With only a few days left until the free update launches, it remains unclear how much the final product will differ from the current demonstration.
From the video, the skin and muscle textures of the Drowners in the remaster are still visible, but their surfaces exhibit a stronger glossiness. The lingering fire effects appear more realistic but lack the intensity of the original; the red fire reflections on the water surface seen in the original are less noticeable in the remaster clip, and the extent to which surrounding vegetation is affected by the firelight has been reduced.
There are also differences in the overall atmosphere between the two versions. The original scene features more pronounced fog and warmer, dimmer tones, while the remaster appears somewhat washed out due to brighter path tracing effects. However, this difference may also be related to the in-game time of day during recording.
Some players commented expressing hope that the original's colors, fog, sparks, and water reflections would be preserved. Others acknowledged the improved lighting and clarity in the new version but still preferred the red glow present in the original visuals.
CDPR is no longer using its proprietary REDengine and has switched to Unreal Engine 5 for The Witcher 4. Co-CEO Michał Nowakowski previously stated that this change was not driven by technical issues encountered with Cyberpunk 2077.