CDPR is investigating ways to maximize CPU core utilization and DX12 performance in The Witcher 3

CDPR is sprucing up the already impressive Witcher 3 – investigating ways to maximize CPU core utilization and DX12 performance for an even smoother next-gen gaming experience.

CD Projekt RED is taking on some ambitious projects to make the next-gen version of The Witcher 3 an even better experience! They’re seeking ways to increase CPU core utilization and DirectX 12 performance. Plus, they’re tackling Ray Tracing glitches like global illumination lighting leaks and RT shadows pop-in issues with plans to restore horizon-based ambient occlusion.

CDPR is preparing to release a hotfix for PC users shortly, hopefully fixing some of their performance drops. It’s unclear how long it’ll take CDPR to completely resolve all issues – this Next-Gen Update was delayed several times before being released two months ago! Let’s see if they can find an effective solution soon enough.

As per the company’s statement revealed on the official forums:

Following Patch 4.01, we wanted to take a moment to talk about some of the issues the team is currently working on and to give a better understanding of what’s ahead. We are working on patches for the game and investigating all the reports you’re sending our way – please keep them coming!

We are currently investigating the following issues:

• CPU core utilisation.
  We are working to improve how the game handles CPU core utilisation.

• Performance of the DirectX 12 version.
  We are continuously working to improve the overall performance and stability of the DirectX 12 version of the game, and hope that you’ll see improvements with the coming patches.

• Performance on next-gen consoles.
  We’ve received reports from players who have noticed a decrease in frame rate while playing in Performance Mode on next-gen consoles. This is especially noticed in more demanding areas of the game like Novigrad and Beauclair.

• Ray traced global illumination improvements.
  We’re working on reducing global illumination lighting leaks.

• Ray traced shadows improvements.
  We’re investigating an issue with vegetation shadows “popping” depending on Geralt’s proximity and angle.

• Restoring horizon-based ambient occlusion on PC.

• Game crashes.
  We are continuously investigating game crashes that are reported to us via telemetry and tech support tickets.

• Battle Preparations quest still not working after the patch for some players.
  We are aware that some players who experienced an issue where it could be impossible to interact with Avallac’h before patch 4.01, may now experience an issue where there are no dialogue options that can progress the quest after the fix. We’re working on the underlying cause and steps to reproduce it.

CDPR released The Witcher 3’s next-gen update in December, free for owners of the Complete Edition on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. It includes graphical improvements and gameplay tweaks, all previously released DLC, integrates a few of the game’s most popular mods, and lots more.