“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered” patch 5.01 for the Switch 2 version primarily adjusts image sharpening, resolution, and lighting. The update also includes general performance optimizations, fixes for dynamic resolution artifacts, and several technical issues.

The main change is a clearer image on the Switch 2 screen

The patch was developed in response to player feedback about blurry visuals. The issue was particularly noticeable when playing in handheld mode. CD Projekt Red has adjusted image sharpening and resolution to improve overall image clarity and quality.

The published changelog does not specify what resolution was used before the update or exactly how it changed after installing version 5.01. No direct visual comparisons have been provided either, so the source only confirms that these adjustments were made and states their intended purpose.

Another visual issue addressed by the patch was the excessive brightness of the Remastered release. This had been one of the main topics of discussion since the updated version of the game launched in late September. Patch 5.01 introduces lighting changes similar to adjustments that previously appeared in updates for other console versions.

Graphics changes and new options

Image sharpening and resolution are not the only areas affected. The changelog mentions improvements to Bloom, tone mapping, character lighting, ray tracing, and path tracing. The developers do not detail each change individually, making it impossible to determine exactly how each one affects the final image or the game’s performance.

• Adjusted image sharpening and resolution.
• Improved Bloom, tone mapping, and character lighting.
• Made changes to ray tracing and path tracing.
• Added Bloom, Light Shafts, and Depth of Field options to the graphics settings.
• Fixed dynamic resolution artifacts that appeared on certain configurations.

The new Bloom, Light Shafts, and Depth of Field options allow these visual effects to be controlled separately.

The dynamic resolution scaling issue is listed as a separate fix. On certain configurations, this system could cause visual artifacts. Version 5.01 addresses the problem, although the developers do not specify the exact conditions under which it occurred or how frequently it appeared.

What can be confirmed about performance

CD Projekt Red says it has introduced various optimizations intended to improve performance. The published changelog does not include FPS results, the exact internal resolution, or comparative benchmarks, so the source does not make it possible to assess the patch’s impact on frame rate.

Stability, save files, and mod support

Version 5.01 fixes a rare crash that could occur when moving from one region of the game to another. Cache management related to cross-platform mod support has also been optimized.

A separate fix addresses save-file data. The developers resolved an issue that could affect save files and added measures for files that may already have been affected. No further details are provided about the exact nature of the issue, how widespread it was, or the recovery process.

Control responsiveness and movement issues

The update fixes an unintended delay in the response of the dodge action. It also resolves an issue that caused Geralt to completely drain his stamina when sprinting and dodging at the same time.

Under certain circumstances, a player-controlled boat could begin moving uncontrollably and ignore collisions with the terrain. This issue has been fixed. Ladder interaction animations have also been improved, while HD Rumble vibration when climbing ladders should no longer work only through the left Joy-Con 2 controller.

Geralt should no longer collide with dead enemies after an Aard finishing move. Vegetation should also now respond properly to collisions. These fixes are not presented as performance optimizations, but they do address specific issues involving movement, animations, and environmental reactions.

Ability and combat system fixes

An issue that caused the automatic blade oil application feature to work only if it had been enabled during the current gameplay session has been fixed. The ability to throw a bomb when the corresponding option is disabled has also been removed.

The bonuses granted by the Synergy ability could previously be displayed with incorrect values. The patch corrects how they are shown, while damage reflection has been added to the Exploding Shield ability. Vesemir should also no longer repeat the same line when the Quen sign is used several times.

Interface, audio, and reward changes

The user interface fixes include incorrectly aligned progress bars and control prompts that briefly flickered on the meditation screen. The notification for receiving an ability point should no longer remain stuck on the screen, while opening the Consumables tab should now properly display the tutorial for using potions. Map markers can also no longer be placed on the black bars surrounding the map.

An audio fix has been implemented on consoles to prevent voice-over volume from becoming significantly quieter than other in-game sounds after navigating through tabs in the pause menu. This fix now also applies to the console versions.

Due to issues with internal systems, the policy consent screen will appear again. Players will need to confirm their choices once more.

My Rewards items and Twitch and Bilibili Drops should now appear in the Vizima chest even if it was opened previously. As a result of the fix, some items may be granted again. The developers suggest treating any potential duplicates as an extra bonus rather than a new bug.

Ukrainian text localization is available in all regions following the update.

The scope of patch 5.01

Version 5.01 is not merely a resolution adjustment. The patch simultaneously covers image clarity, lighting, dynamic resolution artifacts, general performance optimizations, stability, control responsiveness, save files, the interface, and several issues affecting gameplay systems.

The Remastered update itself visually modernizes the eleven-year-old role-playing game, adds new animations, and adjusts systems such as abilities and enemy behavior. It also prepares the game for the upcoming “Songs of the Past” expansion, which is scheduled for release next year.