Top 24 Must-Have Mods to Transform The Witcher 3 Next Gen Into the Ultimate RPG Experience

1. Essential Bug Fixes and Content Restorations

Brothers in Arms is a quite a nice mod that not only fixes over 5,700 bugs but also revives cut content and enriches the game’s narrative. Imagine a smoother experience where missing dialogues are restored, and bugged quests no longer disrupt your immersion. This mod gives players the feeling of a polished, complete game—one that feels as close to a director’s cut as it gets.

2. Gameplay Overhauls and Stat Adjustments

• Yellow Mutagens and Additional Perks: This mod broadens the customization options in combat. By adding new perks and optimizing the four mutagen slots, it allows you to refine your playstyle even further. No more choosing between essential bonuses—now you can experiment with powerful combinations.
• Events: It’s easy to miss side activities in such an expansive world, but this mod tracks unmarked quests in your journal, making sure you don’t overlook hidden opportunities to explore or gain rewards. It’s like having a secret map of untold stories right in your journal.
• Ard Bombs: If you’re looking to make combat even more explosive, this mod introduces unique bomb types like virus bombs that can disarm enemies, and shrapnel bombs to target groups. These bombs not only look stunning but add strategic layers to battles.
• Realistic Trophies: Trophies in the vanilla game may feel like mere decorations, but this mod changes the game by giving trophies meaningful, practical stats. When combined with the Huntsman perk, the bonuses create exciting opportunities to specialize Geralt’s monster-hunting abilities.

3. Visual and Gear Enhancements

• Griffin Armor on the Path: If there’s one armor set that has divided the community, it’s the Griffin armor. This mod takes the clunky, less appealing set and redesigns it into a visually striking and lore-friendly masterpiece. No more sacrificing looks for function—now, you can have both!
• Viper and Manticore Gear Expanded: These sets are fan favorites, but they were locked behind later-game progression. This mod introduces lower-tier versions of the Viper and Manticore gear, letting players access them much earlier. It’s perfect for those who want to experience these unique sets from the start without waiting hours to earn them.
• Realistic Weather and Sirens Mod: Weather in The Witcher 3 plays a crucial role in setting the atmosphere, but it can feel repetitive or bland after a while. This mod enhances the weather system by introducing dynamic effects that reflect the unpredictable nature of the Continent’s climate. Additionally, sirens—those dangerous and eerie creatures of the sea—transform more realistically into half-human forms upon defeat. The added realism pulls you further into the world and makes encounters feel more grounded in the game’s lore.
• 4K Textures and HD Rework Mods: If you’re playing the Next Gen update, you probably care about visuals. These mods significantly improve the overall look of the game by replacing outdated textures with high-definition 4K versions. This overhaul affects everything from character models and monster designs to environmental details like rocks, trees, and water effects. The result is a more immersive and visually stunning game that truly feels next-gen. Whether you’re revisiting Kaer Morhen or exploring the swamps of Velen, these mods make the world more vibrant and detailed than ever before.

4. Quality of Life Mods

• Leave Roach Alone: Let’s face it, Roach can sometimes be a handful, stopping unexpectedly or glitching at inconvenient moments. This mod fixes various horse behavior issues, making Roach more responsive and reliable. Now, your horse will be less of a hassle and more of the loyal companion Geralt deserves.
• Humanized Sirens: In the base game, sirens turn into an eerie spectacle upon death. This mod tweaks it so that sirens revert to a half-human form when defeated, adding a layer of realism that fits the game’s dark fantasy world. It’s a subtle touch, but it makes a big difference for immersion.
• Intuitive Fast Travel: Frustrated with having to find specific signposts to fast travel? This mod changes that by allowing you to fast travel from any location, all without breaking quests. Whether you’re stranded in a swamp or stuck in the middle of nowhere, you can teleport quickly, saving precious time while still respecting the game’s lore.
• Disable Story Book Videos: Loading screens in The Witcher 3 often feature Dandelion’s storybook narrations, which can be repetitive and slow down gameplay transitions. This mod removes those storybook videos, significantly speeding up the time it takes to load a save. It’s a game-changer for impatient players who want to dive right back into action without the interruptions.

These Quality of Life mods bring convenience, subtle improvements, and a more seamless gaming experience to The Witcher 3 Next Gen. With these additions, your journey through the Continent will be smoother, more immersive, and far less frustrating.

5. Additional Mods for Immersive Roleplay and Convenience

• Witcher Lore Collection: If you’re a lore lover, this mod adds a new dimension by incorporating lore-rich books into the game’s glossary section. Now, as you explore the Continent, you can unlock detailed books filled with stories and historical tidbits, giving you a more comprehensive understanding of the Witcher universe. It’s like having a lore library at your fingertips, helping you delve deeper into the game’s rich narrative.
• All Quest Objectives on Map & Colored Map Markers: In a game as vast as The Witcher 3, keeping track of quests can be a headache. This mod displays all your objectives on the map, and even better, color-codes them for clarity. Whether you’re tracking side quests, contracts, or main missions, this addition acts as a personal GPS for the game, saving you from constant map-checking and guesswork.
• Axii Always Active in Dialogue: Tired of wasting skill points on the Delusion skill just to get some Axii action in conversations? This mod keeps the Axii influence active at all times, allowing you to sway NPCs without having to invest precious skill points. It’s ideal for players who prefer a balanced build but still want the benefits of a smooth talker.
• Better Torches and Ladder with Torch: Navigating the dark can be tricky, especially when you’re fighting or scaling ladders. This mod allows you to hold a torch while riding a horse or climbing, ensuring you’re never left fumbling in the dark. Perfect for those nighttime hunts or spooky cave explorations where visibility can make or break your survival.
• Enable Jump in Shallow Water & No Rolling Downstairs: Nothing breaks immersion like being unable to jump over a puddle or rolling clumsily down stairs. This mod fixes these issues by enabling jumping in shallow water and stopping Geralt from rolling down staircases. It’s a subtle change that smooths out movement and keeps you in control, especially in tight spots or urban areas.
• Roach Never Stops / Gallop in Cities: Roach can sometimes stop unexpectedly or restrict galloping in cities. This mod lets you keep up the pace, even within city limits, making Roach a more reliable companion. It’s a small tweak, but it enhances the flow of the game by letting you move more freely in and out of settlements without annoying interruptions.
• Cheaper Corvo Bianco and Cheaper Runewright: Let’s be honest, upgrading Corvo Bianco or unlocking Runewright services can be pretty expensive. This mod lowers the cost of both, making it easier to enjoy these features without feeling like you’re losing out on gear or consumables. It’s a great option if you want to enjoy all the game’s offerings without grinding for cash.

Installation Guide for Beginners

Installing mods for The Witcher 3 Next Gen can be simple if you have the right tools and follow a few key steps. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide:

1. Use a Mod Manager: Start by using a mod manager like Vortex or The Witcher 3 Mod Manager. These tools help organize your mods and make it easy to install, update, and remove them without manually adjusting game files.
2. Install Script Merger: With so many mods available, there’s a good chance that some will have conflicting scripts. Script Merger is a lifesaver here, as it automatically detects and resolves script conflicts, preventing game crashes and ensuring smooth gameplay.
3. Check Compatibility: Before installing any mod, verify its compatibility with the latest game patch (currently Patch 4.04). Mod authors often update their creations, so look for the latest version or check community comments for any known issues.
4. Organize Your Load Order: The order in which your mods load can significantly impact game stability. Tools like Vortex or the built-in load order manager in The Witcher 3 Mod Manager allow you to prioritize which mods load first, helping to avoid issues.
5. Manual Installation (if needed): For mods that aren’t compatible with mod managers, you’ll need to install them manually. This usually involves placing files in the “Mods” folder within your game directory. Follow the instructions provided by the mod creator carefully.
6. Testing and Troubleshooting: After installing new mods, it’s crucial to test the game to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you encounter crashes or bugs, recheck your load order, look for compatibility patches, or temporarily disable the problematic mods to identify the issue.