The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Review

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, developed by CD Projekt Red, originally launched in 2015 to universal critical acclaim. In late 2022, it received a comprehensive next-gen update for the PlayStation 5 (PS5), breathing new life into this already legendary action RPG. This Witcher 3 PS5 review explores how this definitive version solidifies its place as one of the greatest gaming masterpieces of all time.

Gameplay: Unparalleled Open-World Freedom and Refined Combat

At its core, The Witcher 3 on the PS5 is an expansive open-world adventure. Players embody Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire, navigating a vast and richly detailed world filled with diverse landscapes, bustling cities, and treacherous wilderness. The combat system is fluid and satisfying, blending swordplay with magical Signs, alchemy, and tactical dodges. Every encounter, from a pack of Drowners to a towering Griffin, feels like a dance of death, requiring careful preparation and execution.

The quest design is unparalleled. Even seemingly simple side quests often unravel into complex, morally ambiguous narratives with lasting consequences, making every decision feel impactful. Exploration is constantly rewarded, with hidden treasures, monster nests, and intriguing characters around every corner. The next-gen update enhances the experience with a rock-solid 60 FPS performance mode, making combat and traversal incredibly smooth. The DualSense controller‘s haptic feedback adds subtle but effective immersion, making every sword swing and spell cast feel more visceral.

• Vast and richly detailed open world
• Fluid and strategic action RPG combat with Signs and alchemy
• Unparalleled quest design with meaningful moral choices
• Rewarding exploration filled with secrets and lore
• Solid 60 FPS performance and DualSense integration on PS5

Story and Setting: A Personal Tale in a Living World

The narrative of The Witcher 3 is deeply personal and emotionally resonant. Geralt embarks on a desperate search for his adopted daughter, Ciri, who is being hunted by the spectral Wild Hunt. Along the way, he reconnects with beloved characters like Yennefer and Triss, navigating complex relationships and the brutal realities of a war-torn world.

The game’s dark fantasy setting, based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, is incredibly mature, tackling themes of war, prejudice, and the lesser evil with nuance. Every region, from the war-ravaged Velen to the bustling city of Novigrad and the windswept Skellige Isles, feels authentic and lived-in, reacting dynamically to Geralt’s actions.

Graphics and Sound: A Visual and Auditory Feast

The PS5 update truly elevates The Witcher 3‘s presentation. With native 4K resolution and the addition of ray tracing for stunning global illumination and ambient occlusion, the game looks more beautiful than ever. The enhanced textures, improved foliage, and faster loading times create a truly immersive experience.

The soundtrack is legendary, featuring iconic folk-inspired melodies and powerful orchestral scores that perfectly capture the game’s mood. The voice acting is superb across the board, bringing the vast cast of characters to life with incredible depth and personality.

Legacy: The Definitive RPG Experience

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains an influential title, setting a benchmark for open-world RPGs and narrative-driven games. The Complete Edition, which includes the phenomenal Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions (each offering dozens of hours of high-quality content), makes it an even more incredible value.

Is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on PS5 Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on PS5 is a must-play for any fan of action RPGs, fantasy games, or simply great storytelling. The next-gen update makes this classic PS5 game shine brighter than ever, offering hundreds of hours of compelling monster hunting, intricate lore, and profound choices. It’s a true gaming masterpiece that continues to captivate on the PlayStation 5.