The next-gen update for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt brings with it a long list of improvements. Much has changed in gaming since Geralt first sharpened his swords and set out on the path in 2015. Many features that were considered non-essential back then are commonplace now. No feature exhibits that mentality more than photo mode.
When compared with some of the better photo modes, The Witcher 3's version may seem light on features in comparison. Like so much else in this game though, perhaps the focus is meant to be on the story, and on Geralt himself. Although it may be missing stickers or kooky poses, it provides more than enough to capture the White Wolf at his monster-killing best.
How to Initiate Photo Mode in The Witcher 3
Activating Photo Mode in The Witcher 3 is very simple, and works the same as in many other games.
Console:
- Press R3 + L3 (simultaneously).
PC:
- Press U on the keyboard.
Unfortunately, Photo mode is only available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The update did not bring the feature to PS4, Xbox One, or Switch.
To do this, Geralt must be exploring the open world. In other words, Photo Mode will not work during cutscenes or during dialogue screens. Like most photo modes, once R3 + L3 is pressed, the world will go into a suspended state and the player will have control over the camera.
Photo Mode Features in The Witcher 3
Once Photo Mode is initiated, the user will have access to a menu box in the bottom right corner of the screen. This menu contains four main tabs that the user can switch between, each giving them control over various effects. The tabs are as follows:
Camera:
The camera section has two main effect controls:
- FOV
- Tilt
This section pertains to the basic view of the image. Players can use this to set the image in the correct position.
Depth of Field:
The depth of field section has four sliders:
- Depth of Field
- Autofocus
- Aperture
- Focus Distance
This section deals with creating classic depth-of-field shots where one object is in focus and the rest of the image is blurry.
Effect:
The effect tab has seven sliders:
- Exposure
- Contrast
- Highlights
- Temperature
- Saturation
- Chromatic Aberration
- Grain
This section deals with the various effects that go into producing a final image.
Overlay:
The overlay section has a single slider:
- Vignette
Creates a border around an image.
With this, Geralt is free to strut the runway anywhere his monster-killing jobs take him. The next-gen update contains much more to explore, and may well be the last time that players see Geralt in a video game, for a while at least.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.