The Witcher 3 (Next-Gen) PC Settings Guide
The next-gen update gave The Witcher 3 ray tracing and a DirectX 12 renderer that is noticeably harder on the CPU than the original build. On older processors the update can actually run worse than the version it replaced, especially in Novigrad.
Ray-traced global illumination is the headline feature and the largest cost by a wide margin. Everything else in the menu is comparatively cheap, so the practical decision is a binary one: RT on with upscaling, or RT off at high frame rates.
Settings that matter most
- Ray-traced global illumination: The dominant cost. Decide on this first; everything else is a rounding error.
- Upscaling: Quality mode is close to mandatory if you keep ray tracing enabled.
- Foliage visibility range: The most expensive non-RT setting, especially in Velen.
Scope and assumptions
Covers the next-gen PC update with the DirectX 12 renderer. Novigrad is the CPU reference scene.
- • 1080p: Ultra without ray tracing on mid-range GPUs.
- • 1440p: use DLSS/FSR Quality before enabling ray-traced global illumination.
- • Ray tracing: a high-end feature with a steep cost in crowded areas.
Troubleshooting checks
- • The DX12 renderer is more CPU-hungry than the older DX11 mode.
- • If Novigrad stutters while forests are smooth, lower crowd density and RT options.
Reviewed by GameOptimizer Editorial · August 2, 2026
Your Hardware
Best The Witcher 3 (Next-Gen) Settings for NVIDIA RTX 4060
Core Settings
The Witcher 3 (Next-Gen) — Specific Settings
Tips & Notes
- RT GI has heavy performance cost — use with DLSS
Based on benchmark data and community reports for this hardware combination — treat as an estimate, not a guarantee. How we calculate this.
Still stuttering after applying these? See what's holding your PC back — or read our graphics settings guide to understand what each option costs.
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Tap a resolution to see how the NVIDIA RTX 4060 handles The Witcher 3 (Next-Gen) at that target. Upscaling (DLSS/FSR) is auto-applied at higher resolutions where helpful.
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Save These Settings
Download a free, printable settings pack with the tuned values, hardware targets, and troubleshooting notes.
What's Next?
Settings and FPS figures are algorithmic estimates rather than measured benchmarks. Drivers, patches, cooling, background tasks, and individual scenes can change actual performance. Verify the result in game.