The pixel wizards at Digital Foundry have put the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt through its paces, and have found that the version available on Sony’s chunky hardware boasts improved draw distance in both Performance and Ray Tracing modes.
There appears to be a big difference in draw distance, especially for foliage. In other words, plants draw in much farther afield on PS5 than on Series X, leaving patches of the Xbox version’s world looking more barren up ahead. At least up until they get up close.
To be clear, the actual density of the foliage is identical once they actually do draw in — it’s just the rendering range is set to a higher value range on PS5.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition was released for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S earlier this month, and you can read our verdict here. The game was originally released for PS4, PC and Xbox One back in May 2015, and received a number of expansions – all of which are included in the Complete Edition.
Looking ahead for the franchise, CDPR has confirmed that they are working on a brand new series of The Witcher games, as well as a full The Witcher remake using the Unreal Engine 5. The latter will release after the next Witcher game, so we’ve still got a long wait on our hands.
In the meantime, fans have the Netflix series of The Witcher to keep them entertained, although Henry Cavill will no longer be playing Geralt.