To help you choose which one to use and when, this guide will demonstrate the two camera mode variations—Default and Close—available in The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt’s Next-Gen update.
December 14th, 2022 saw the release of The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Next-Gen Update. As of this patch, known in-game as 4.0, you have two camera positions and angles to select from while you play.
The old camera position and angle—far behind Geralt, almost from the top—remains available. A completely new alternate camera mode was added, offering a much closer, over-the-shoulder perspective with Geralt to the left of the screen’s center.
Similar to the recently introduced Close camera mode, you might have seen it before. Through a user-made mod, the camera could be placed in a position that was similar. Sadly, PlayStation and Xbox players were never able to use this feature because Mods are only available to PC players.
This camera was integrated into the game by CD PROJEKT RED as part of the Next-Gen Update.
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How to Access and Change the Camera Mode
At any time, you have the option to switch between the Close and Default camera modes. While not actively playing, you can be in the game or on the main menu. There are no restrictions on how frequently and when you can change these.
Here is how to do it:
- Pause the game and navigate to Options from the main menu on the left-hand side.
- Open the Gameplay Tab in the Scroll down a little in the Options Menu.
- Choose Default or Close camera for Combat, exploration, and riding a horse.
Interesting fact: According to the developers, the new camera mode was not intended to be a standalone new feature in the Next-Gen update. Kind of by accident, this occurred. The developers tried this up-close camera while testing and playing internally, and everyone found it enjoyable. So they made the decision to make it an option that will always be available. The majority of the updated functions and features are optional, so you can choose to revert to the Classic setup if you’d rather.
The Close camera will be set as your active one when you log in to the game for the first time after installing the Next-Gen Update.
You can choose between the Default and Close Camera Modes for three different types of activities in the game:
Exploration Camera Distance
You can run or walk around The Continent while exploring the world. This includes all pursuits besides horseback riding and combat.
Combat Camera Distance
When Geralt engages in combat, this camera mode becomes active. Whether you start it or are caught off guard by an enemy is irrelevant. This camera begins to operate as soon as you start a battle.
Horseback Camera Distance
While you are riding your horse Roach, this camera is recording. It doesn’t matter if you gallop down the road or stroll around the neighborhood. This view is available while you are on the summit of Roach.
Which Camera Mode to Use and When
You are aware of what I’m about to say, right? Personal preference governs this. I can confidently state that I adore the new Close camera as a seasoned player with roughly a thousand hours of The Witcher 3 playtime under my belt.
Here are some thoughts and my suggestions for each camera mode in case you are new to The Witcher 3 or are having trouble deciding which one you want to use.
Combat Camera Recommendation
It takes some getting used to combat. You can see a lot more of the surrounding terrain with the Default Camera. When you are battling numerous foes, this is advantageous.
But the combat is seen from a new perspective when viewed from close. With the addition of new textures and other graphic updates, the creatures appear better. The best part, though, is that you feel more engrossed and involved in the battle. This type of close-view camera is available in a lot of contemporary games, and for good reason.
You give up some viewability, but you can better engage with the action. I’m confident you won’t want to return once you get used to it. Depending on how long you play, it could take only a few minutes or several hours. I believe you won’t regret giving it a try.
Horseback Camera Recommendation
When riding Roach, the Close camera is the one activity I do not like using. To get from point A to point B more quickly, you ride your horse. So your horse starts galloping. When Geralt is galloping along on his horse, CD PROJEKT RED gives us stunning visuals, but when he is running, the camera angle turns strange and even offensive.
When you run on your feet, this effect does not exist, at least not for me. I find that the camera angle is not overly distorted and that I really like this.
Take note that the camera will not change to the Combat Camera Distance if you enter Combat while riding Roach. When you’re on a horse, it will continue to be whatever you’ve decided it should be for. Only when you are walking can you see the combat camera distance.
Exploration Camera Recommendation
Because I’ve spent so much time playing the game in Default mode over the years, I actually prefer the Close camera’s unique perspective when I’m not in combat and am moving around or walking.
You gain a fresh viewpoint and a new perspective on things when using the Close camera. With the new textures and graphic fidelity, you almost get the impression that you are looking through Geralt’s eyes rather than just from behind him.
Running annoys me a little bit. Geralt appears to almost hit the camera when he runs, and the camera is too close to him, and the distortion angle is a little annoying. Thankfully, armor like the Bear School Witcher set help to mitigate this issue for me, heh
When you enter combat, your camera may change from Default to Close, which can be confusing. This is yet another factor in favor of the Close Camera Distance for Exploration, which I also favor and advise.
There are some benefits to exploring with the stock camera as well. Less of the breathtaking scenery and vistas are obscured by Geralt’s body as you move farther away from him. Personally, I find the Close camera to be superior. It gives me a fresh perspective on familiar locations.
Camera Modes Video Demonstration
To show the effects of the various camera modes and how they work together, I made a brief video. If you choose to use one type of camera for one activity and a different type of camera for another activity, the camera smoothly switches from Close to Default. You should, however, take a closer look.
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Source: vulkk.com
