W3R: The Wild Hunt Revisited
A STEP hosted mod guide created and maintained by Neovalen.
Last Update: 17:11:42 7 September 2015 (UTC)
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Introduction and Summary
W3R: The Wild Hunt Revisited is a mod guide designed to keep up with the ever changing Witcher 3 mod landscape. Key tenets of this mod guide include:
- Increased Immersion and Realism including but not limited to blood/gore, intense combat, nudity/sex, realistic needs, and survival.
- Maintained Lore Friendliness meaning remaining true to the majority of The Witcher lore - but not in a purist sense - some liberties will be taken.
- Maintained Stability with Maximum Functionality including conflict resolution, mod ordering, and more.
Author's Development System
The system used for the creation of this guide is as follows:
Processor: Intel Core i5 3570k @ 4.4 Ghz
Motherboard: Gigabyte G1 Sniper 3
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600
Video Card: Gigabyte GTX 980 G1 Gaming 4GB @ +135 Core + 350 Memory
Hard Drive (OS): Samsung 840 PRO 256GB SSD
Hard Drive (Games): Samsung 840 PRO 256GB SSD
Hard Drive (Data Backup): Western Digital Black 500GB 7200RPM
Prerequisites
- Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation. --Robert H. Schuller
To use this guide to it's fullest extent, the following software must be installed and configured as specified.
Official CD Projekt RED Content
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt v1.8.3
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Free DLC Program
- COMING SOON! The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Expansion Pass
Tools
- 7-Zip v9.20
The function of this tool is to open archives manually when not using other tools as it handles most modern compression schemes and is free to use.
- Nexus Mod Manager 0.56.1
If you use Mod Organizer to handle nxm links for other games: uncheck all file association options in the installer then configure Mod Organizers nxmhander to point to NMM for witcher3.
The function of this tool is to manage mods and is the mod manager of choice for this guide.
All Journeys Begin With The First Step...
- The first step, my son, which one makes in the world, is the one on which depends the rest of our days. --Voltaire
The road of the White Wolf begins slowly yet with purposeful resolve.
Configure The Witcher 3
Upon downloading The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt there are no settings files pre-generated. Thus, it is imperative to run the game once to generate the initial set of configuration files and do basic setup.
- Note 1: Some of the user interface settings provided assume a basic knowledge of game mechanics such as disabling tutorials and control hints. If this is a first play-through, it is advised to leave these options enabled temporarily.
- Note 2: The video settings provided assume a PC similar to the authors system. Some settings may need to be adjusted to maintain FPS on the target system.
Start The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt directly or via the game manager of your choice (GOG Galaxy / Steam). Click "Options" on the main menu. Click "Gameplay" in the options menu. Set "On Screen Tutorials" to Off. Set "Movement Response" to Alternative. Return to the options menu. Click "HUD Configuration". Set "HUD Size" to Small. Set "Minimap" to Off. Set "Active Quests" to Off. Set "Display Witcher Medallion and Stat Bars" to Off. Set "Display Current Buffs" to Off. Set "Control Hints" to Off. Return to the options menu. Click "Postprocessing". Click "High". Set "Ambient Occlusion" to HBAO+. Return to the options menu. Click "Graphics". Click "Ultra". Set "Maximum Frames Per Second" to Unlimited. Set "Resolution" to the monitors native resolution. Set "Display Mode" to Fullscreen. Set "Hardware Cursor" to On. Return to the options menu. Return to the main menu. Click "Downloadable Content". Click "Options". Set "Alternative Look For Yennefer" to Off. Set "Alternative Look For Triss" to Off. Set "Alternative Look For Ciri" to Off. Return to the downloadable content menu. Return to the main menu. Exit the game.
These settings have now been saved into the configuration files. These settings have accomplished the following:
- Setup the user interface for minimal obstruction and disabled tutorial messages.
- Setup the graphics for maximum fidelity.
- Setup movement for maximum responsiveness and disabled mouse acceleration.
- Setup the DLC to be lore friendly. Some mods may use the alternative looks at various points in the game.
Configure Nexus Mod Manager
With The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt properly configured, the next step is to initially set up our mod management utility. When starting Nexus Mod Manager for the first time, it will scan for any supported games. Once this process has finished, perform the following:
Verify any game paths found by clicking the checkmark icon by each game then click [OK]. In the "Game Selection" window, select "The Witcher 3", check the box to prevent being asked on the next time, then click [OK]. In the "The Witcher 3 Setup" window, modify any file paths as desired. Default is recommended for ease of use. In the "Category Setup" window, select [Yes]. Click through any news or warnings until you are at the main UI screen. Click the bottom icon on the left side of the mods tab to switch view from category to files. Exit Nexus Mod Manager.
Nexus Mod Manager has now been configured to install mods for The Witcher 3. When downloading a mod for the first time a prompt will appear asking for a Nexus username and password. Enter valid credentials, check the box to save them, and click [OK].
Mods for The Witcher 3 are installed to the <The Witcher 3>/Mods folder for use by the game. Each mod is installed with its own folder prefixed with "mod". Mods for The Witcher 3 generally consist of bundles for textures or .ws files for script changes. Mods are loaded in alphabetical order and use the first instance of each file found.
ReShade Graphics Modification
Crosire's ReShade is an advanced, fully generic post-processing injector for games or alike. Imagine your favorite game with ambient occlusion, real high quality bokeh depth of field, color correction and more ... ReShade provides a generic way to access both color and depth information (latter is automatically disabled during multiplayer to prevent exploitation) and all the tools to make it happen.
Initial Settings Tweaks
The following tweaks aim to increase gameplay and visuals in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt by tweaking the game engine to provide a better than vanilla experience.
TBD
The White Wolf Comes
- Ooh a man - nay - a wolf, gray, but not old. 'Tis he the pellar awaits. "They shall come whose stench is rape and death, but the wolf shall disperse them. The White Wolf." --The Pellar
With the start of the journey complete, the Butcher of Blaviken strides strongly into the hunt for his adopted daughter Ciri. The important points to remember when installing mods are as follows:
- Mods are sorted into categories and should be installed in the order presented for proper overwrites. Any deviation from a standard installation will be clearly marked.
- The recommended option/texture size will be specified next to the version number.
- Backup a copy of the original mod archives in case a mod is ever taken down.
User Interface and World Interaction
AutoLoot
Author: JupiterTheGod
Version: 1.5.0 (No Accidental Stealing)
Mod Notes: This mod allows the player to loot without having to click loot all on every container or plant.
Friendly HUD
Author: wghost81 aka Wasteland Ghost
Version: 7.0
Mod Notes: This mod is a feature rich user interface overhaul with additional must-have features.
Mod Configuration Required
Navigate to and open <The Witcher 3>/Mods/modFriendlyHUD/content/scripts/game/modFriendlyHUDConfig.ws and modify as follows:
Under //---=== Witcher Senses ===--- const var showMinimapWhileUsingWSense: bool; default showMinimapWhileUsingWSense = true; const var showQuestsWhileUsingWSense: bool; default showQuestsWhileUsingWSense = true; Under //---=== Quest Markers Settings ===--- const var userMarkerTextFont : string; default userMarkerTextFont = "<font face=\"$BoldFont\" size=\"15\" color=\"#3CB371\">"; const var currentMarkerTextFont : string; default currentMarkerTextFont = "<font face=\"$BoldFont\" size=\"15\" color=\"#FFD700\">"; const var otherMarkerTextFont : string; default otherMarkerTextFont = "<font face=\"$NormalFont\" size=\"15\" color=\"#EEE8AA\">";
All Good Things Must Come To An End
We come to the last leg of the journey, the road was long and hard but the end worth it.
Post Install Configuration Tweaks
Some mods installed during the previous section require xml and settings tweaks for proper operation.
input.xml
This file can be found at <The Witcher 3>/bin/config/r4game/user_config_matrix/pc. It is used to allow certain functions to be rebound in the options menu.
Friendly HUD
Search for
<!-- [BASE_CharacterMovement] -->
Add the following lines before it:
<!-- ---=== Friendly HUD ===--- -->
Search for
<UserConfig>
Add the following lines after it:
<!-- ---=== Friendly HUD ===--- -->
<Group id="Hidden" displayName="hidden">
<VisibleVars>
</VisibleVars>
</Group>
input.settings
This file can be found at <My Documents>/The Witcher 3. It is used to assign hotkeys to actions in various contexts. Simply add the key assignment to the bottom of the section(s) indicated.
AutoLoot
The following key assignments are made in this section:
- [U] will activate radius looting.
Make the following changes:
[Exploration]
IK_U=(Action=AutoLootRadius)
[Swimming]
IK_U=(Action=AutoLootRadius)
[Horse]
IK_U=(Action=AutoLootRadius)
Friendly HUD
The following key assignments are made in this section:
- [1-9], [0], [-], and [=] keys may now be used to drink potions and equip bombs when in the Radial Menu. [Q] will switch between potions/bombs display, [F1] will show potions, [F2] will show bombs, [F3] will show active buffs.
- [F2] will toggle 3D quest markers on or off.
- [F3] will toggle the entire HUD on or off.
- [F4] will toggle refilling of potions during meditation on or off.
- [F11] will pause the game.
- [ESC] will now be able to open the main menu during dialogue and cutscenes.
Make the following changes:
[Boat]
IK_F2=(Action=QuestMarkersToggle)
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
[BoatPassenger]
IK_F2=(Action=QuestMarkersToggle)
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
[Combat]
IK_F2=(Action=QuestMarkersToggle)
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F4=(Action=RefillPotionsToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
[Combat_Replacer_Ciri]
IK_F2=(Action=QuestMarkersToggle)
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
[Diving]
IK_F2=(Action=QuestMarkersToggle)
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
[Exploration]
IK_F2=(Action=QuestMarkersToggle)
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F4=(Action=RefillPotionsToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
[Exploration_Replacer_Ciri]
IK_F2=(Action=QuestMarkersToggle)
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
[Horse]
IK_F2=(Action=QuestMarkersToggle)
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
[Horse_Replacer_Ciri]
IK_F2=(Action=QuestMarkersToggle)
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
[JumpClimb]
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
[RadialMenu]
IK_1=(Action=ConsumePotion1)
IK_2=(Action=ConsumePotion2)
IK_3=(Action=ConsumePotion3)
IK_4=(Action=ConsumePotion4)
IK_5=(Action=ConsumePotion5)
IK_6=(Action=ConsumePotion6)
IK_7=(Action=ConsumePotion7)
IK_8=(Action=ConsumePotion8)
IK_9=(Action=ConsumePotion9)
IK_0=(Action=ConsumePotion10)
IK_Minus=(Action=ConsumePotion11)
IK_Equals=(Action=ConsumePotion12)
IK_1=(Action=EquipBomb1)
IK_2=(Action=EquipBomb2)
IK_3=(Action=EquipBomb3)
IK_4=(Action=EquipBomb4)
IK_5=(Action=EquipBomb5)
IK_6=(Action=EquipBomb6)
IK_7=(Action=EquipBomb7)
IK_8=(Action=EquipBomb8)
IK_F1=(Action=ShowPotionsHelper)
IK_F2=(Action=ShowBombsHelper)
IK_F3=(Action=ShowActiveBuffs)
IK_Q=(Action=SwitchBuffsMode)
[Scene]
IK_Escape=(Action=IngameMenu)
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
[Swimming]
IK_F2=(Action=QuestMarkersToggle)
IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
IK_F11=(Action=PauseGameToggle)
Conflict Resolution
Various mods will conflict with each other in one way or another, when this happens it must be dealt with. This is essential for bug free gameplay. As a first step, perform the following:
Go to <The Witcher 3>/Mods and create a folder named modAAAAAAAAAA.
This creates a base directory where merged files will be placed. The Witcher 3 reads mods in alphabetical order. Therefore, any files placed into this mod folder will be used in place of the same file in any later mod folder. Note that the folder path is important and should match exactly as it is listed under the modAAAAAAAAAA folder.
content/scripts/game/player/playerInput.ws
The base version of this file should be copied from Friendly HUD. After the base file has been copied, make the following modifications to merge it with the listed mods:
AutoLoot
Search for
theInput.RegisterListener( this, 'OnCommSprint', 'Sprint' );
Once found, place the following code directly above it:
// ---=== AutoLoot ===--- theInput.RegisterListener( this, 'OnAutoLootRadiusLoot', 'AutoLootRadius' ); // ---=== AutoLoot ===---
Search for
event OnQuestMarkersToggle( action : SInputAction )
It should be found directly below a comment marker for Friendly HUD. Once found, place the following code directly above the Friendly HUD marker comment.
// ---=== AutoLoot ===---
event OnAutoLootRadiusLoot( action : SInputAction )
{
var AutoLootInstance : AutoLootMod;
AutoLootInstance = new AutoLootMod in this;
AutoLootInstance.Initialize();
// Check If This Feature Is Enabled
if( AutoLootInstance.IsRadiusLootEnabled() )
{
AutoLootInstance.RadiusLoot();
}
// Cleanup
delete AutoLootInstance;
}
// ---=== AutoLoot ===---
content/scripts/game/player/playerWitcher.ws
The base version of this file should be copied from Friendly HUD. After the base file has been copied, make the following modifications to merge it with the listed mods:
No Auto Sword Sheathe
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LogChannel( 'OnCombatFinished', "OnCombatFinished: DelayedSheathSword timer added" );
Place the following code directly above it:
/* ---=== No Auto Sword Sheathe ===---
Search for
AddTimer( 'DelayedSheathSword', 2.f );
Place the following code directly below it:
*/
Tips, Known Issues, and Troubleshooting
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is not a bug free experience and is being patched often. Invariably, issues are going to occur in any adventure on The Continent. That said, this section will list any known issues and some troubleshooting tips any good Witcher should know.
Tips
TBD
Known Issues
Visuals
- None
Gameplay
- None
Troubleshooting
TBD
Important Dates
- 08/29/2015 - Development started.
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