The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

CD PROJEKT RED

activeReleased May 18, 2015steam

You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.

Year 12

May 18, 2026 - Aug 5, 2026

2 changes

Tracked sources for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt were limited between 2026-05-18 and 2026-07-29, with only 2 verified changes captured in this window. The recorded activity centers on Announcement of Songs of the Past Expansion and Update to System Requirements and sits between The Witcher IV Cinematic Reveal on 2024-12-13 (new_content) and no later tracked updates in the current dataset, making this a light but still readable period in the game's history.

  • Verified activity: 2026-05-27 - Announcement of Songs of the Past Expansion: New expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt announced, set to release in 2027.; 2026-05-27 - Update to System Requirements: New system requirements will be implemented to ensure performance and compatibility for the upcoming expansion..
  • What stands out: The period is defined more by a small number of isolated updates than by a large roadmap beat or expansion-sized release.
  • Before this window: The closest earlier tracked activity was The Witcher IV Cinematic Reveal on 2024-12-13 (new_content).
  • After this window: No later tracked activity is present in the current dataset.

Year 11

May 18, 2025 - May 18, 2026

0 changes
Nothing notable this year.

Year 10

May 18, 2024 - May 18, 2025

16 changes

The Witcher IV Cinematic Reveal on December 13, 2024, marked a significant highlight during this period, showcasing Ciri as the protagonist in a new saga. Additionally, the release of The Witcher 3 REDkit on May 21, 2024, provided players with a powerful tool for modding, enabling them to create and modify content in the game.

  • New Modding Options: Players gained access to new modding options on May 21, 2024, allowing for alternate clothes, hairstyles, characters, and environments through community-created content.
    • Steam Workshop Support: The update on May 21 also introduced support for mods that include entirely new content via Steam Workshop, streamlining the mod management process.
    • Enhanced Script Capabilities: On June 6, 2024, the modding script compiler received enhancements to support new annotations, facilitating modifications to existing game functions without merging script files.
  • Modding Contests: The The Witcher 3 REDkit Modding Contest began with the first challenge on July 16, 2024, encouraging players to create summer-themed character looks. The contest was officially announced alongside the REDkit launch on July 15, 2024.
  • Quality of Life Improvements: On July 15, 2024, submission guidelines for the modding contest were released, detailing how participants could submit their mods.

Year 9

May 18, 2023 - May 18, 2024

28 changes

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt saw major updates during its ninth year, highlighted by the announcement of the REDkit Playtest on April 16, 2024, allowing players to create and edit content. The Witcher 3 Collaboration Event in Summoners War launched on January 31, 2024, introducing new characters and gameplay elements, including a unique version of Gwent and a Witcher Quest through Kaer Morhen.

  • New Characters: Geralt, Ciri, Triss, and Yennefer became available in Summoners War during the collaboration event.
    • Free Character: Players received a free ★ (Water) Geralt character for logging in during the event.
  • Gameplay Additions:
    • A new collaboration dungeon featured familiar foes like Leshen, Fiend, and Archgriffin.
    • Players could switch potions and apply oils from the radial menu, enhancing gameplay fluidity.
  • Seasonal Events:
    • The Imbaelk Elven Holiday Celebration began on March 28, 2024, celebrating spring with new content.
  • Modding Tools:
    • The official Mod Editor was announced, allowing for extensive content creation.
    • Beta testing for Steam Workshop support began, streamlining mod sharing and integration.
  • Visual and Performance Fixes:
    • A range of visual issues were addressed, including fog appearance and sky reflections in water.
    • The DLSS Frame Generation Frame Count Fix corrected frame counting issues when enabled.

Year 8

May 18, 2022 - May 18, 2023

99 changes

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt saw a significant next-gen update launch on December 14, 2022, bringing a wealth of enhancements and new content, including a free DLC inspired by Netflix's series that added new weapons and armor for Geralt. This update also introduced a cross-progression feature, allowing players to continue their adventures across different platforms.

  • Next-Gen Update Features: Released on December 14, 2022, this update included enhanced visuals with ray tracing, performance improvements, and various graphical settings adjustments.
    • Improved visuals with ray tracing and better textures.
    • Added 'ULTRA+' graphical settings on PC.
    • Support for FSR 2.1 and DLSS 3.
  • New Content: The update included a new quest titled 'In The Eternal Fire's Shadow', alternative character appearances, and support for community mods.
    • New side quest inspired by Netflix's The Witcher series.
    • Alternative looks for Dandelion and Nilfgaardian soldiers.
    • Community-made mod integration for enhanced gameplay.
  • Gameplay Changes: Players enjoyed new mechanics and options, such as the photo mode for capturing in-game moments and an alternative camera option for dynamic gameplay.
    • Cross-progression feature allowed saves to be carried over between platforms.
    • Game can now be paused during cutscenes.
  • Balance Adjustments: Modifications included increased health and damage for the Axii Puppet and adjustments to fall damage mechanics, allowing players to survive higher falls.
  • Quality of Life Improvements: Several new features enhanced the user experience, such as quick sign casting and an option to auto-apply oils in combat, streamlining gameplay and reducing clutter on the map.

Year 7

May 18, 2021 - May 18, 2022

1 change

Tracked sources for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt were limited between 2021-05-18 and 2022-05-18, with only 1 verified change captured in this window. The recorded activity centers on Steam Deck Compatibility Verified and sits between Next Generation Edition Announcement on 2020-09-04 (dlc_release) and Next-Gen Update Release Date Announced on 2022-11-14 (new_content), making this a light but still readable period in the game's history.

  • Verified activity: 2022-03-11 - Steam Deck Compatibility Verified: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has been verified for Steam Deck compatibility, ensuring optimal performance on the device..
  • What stands out: The period is defined more by a small number of isolated updates than by a large roadmap beat or expansion-sized release.
  • Before this window: The closest earlier tracked activity was Next Generation Edition Announcement on 2020-09-04 (dlc_release).
  • After this window: The next tracked activity was Next-Gen Update Release Date Announced on 2022-11-14 (new_content).

Year 6

May 18, 2020 - May 18, 2021

7 changes

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt announced its Next Generation Edition on September 4, 2020, bringing significant visual and technical improvements, including ray tracing and HDR support. This edition will be available as a standalone purchase and a free update for existing owners. Notably, GWENT: The Witcher Card Game launched on Steam on May 19, 2020, introducing full cross-play and synchronization functionality.

  • New GWENT Features:
    • Thronebreaker Rewards for GWENT players launched on May 19, allowing players to earn premium cards and vanity items by progressing in the Thronebreaker campaign.
    • Startup Rewards for GWENT players included 2 avatars, 2 titles, 5 premium kegs, and 20 new cards for Multiplayer GWENT, also available on May 19.
  • Performance Enhancements: The Next Generation Edition included faster loading times, improving the overall gameplay experience.
  • Visual Upgrades: The addition of ray tracing and HDR support in the next-gen edition enhanced the game's visuals significantly.

Year 5

May 18, 2019 - May 18, 2020

0 changes
Nothing notable this year.

Year 4

May 18, 2018 - May 18, 2019

4 changes

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales launched on November 9, 2018, marking a significant expansion in The Witcher universe. This standalone game is available for purchase on Steam and includes a free copy of The Witcher: Enhanced Edition for those who buy Thronebreaker. Additionally, players received the Thronebreaker soundtrack and concept art as part of their purchase.

  • New Language Support: Simplified Chinese language support was added on November 14, 2018, broadening accessibility for players in that region.

Year 3

May 18, 2017 - May 18, 2018

0 changes
Nothing notable this year.

Year 2

May 18, 2016 - May 18, 2017

178 changes

Blood and Wine, the highly anticipated expansion for *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*, launched on May 31, 2016, delivering over 30 hours of new content. This expansion introduced a vibrant new region, Toussaint, along with fresh quests, characters, and gameplay enhancements. Additionally, several gameplay adjustments and bug fixes improved the overall experience.

  • New Region: Blood and Wine introduced the expansive region of Toussaint, featuring new quests, characters, and a unique narrative arc.
  • Gameplay Adjustments: The August 30, 2016 patch adjusted maximum levels for New Game+ mode, ensuring a more balanced experience with item and quest levels now capped at 100 and NPCs at 105.
    • Killing Blow Adrenaline Generation Fix: Corrected adrenaline generation from killing blows.
    • Loot Randomization System Tweaks: Implemented improvements to the loot randomization system.
  • Balance Changes: The game saw difficulty adjustments for Rabid Rock Trolls, making them slightly less challenging on the 'Just the Story' difficulty level.
  • Visual Updates: Vimme Vivaldi received a new look, updating his appearance for players to enjoy.

Year 1

May 18, 2015 - May 18, 2016

493 changes

Hearts of Stone, the first major expansion for *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*, launched on October 13, 2015, introducing over 10 hours of new adventures, characters, and powerful monsters. This expansion also featured the Runewords system, allowing for new gameplay strategies and significantly altering combat dynamics. Additionally, new romance options with Triss and Yennefer were added in the quest The Sunstone.

  • Major Content Drop: Hearts of Stone expansion released on October 13, 2015, added new quests and characters.
  • New Mechanics: The Runewords system, introduced in the Hearts of Stone expansion, enabled players to customize their strategies in combat.
    • Unique romance storyline shaped by player choices was also introduced.
  • New Adventures: The expansion included over 10 hours of new content, including quests like The Sunstone featuring new romance segments.
  • Gameplay Improvements:
    • The Wolven Hour potion was added, reducing level requirements on gear temporarily.
    • Preparatory features for New Game + were introduced, allowing players to replay the game with enhanced features.
  • Balance Changes: Prices of goods in Skellige were reduced by 10% after defeating a giant, making it easier for players to manage their resources.