User:Rootsrat/TheWitcher3 Return Of The White Wolf

This world doesn't need a Hero. It needs a Professional.

FEEDBACK THREAD ON THE STEP FORUMS

CURRENTLY SUPPORTED GAME VERSION:
1.08.4

LATEST UPDATES:

• 12/09/2015 - MAJOR UPDATE!
  • General changes
    • Updates in the various sections of the guide to make the text clearer and more readable.
    • Some mods moved to different categories. No functional changes required.
    • user.settings section updated
      • Please reconfigure your files, as some settings were made mandatory for the purpose of this new version of the guide
    • mods.settings section updated
      • Delete all the entries you have in the mods.settings file so far
      • Add new entries as per the new instructions
    • Small addition to Credits section
  • Guide section changes
    • Added new Gameplay section.
    • Added new GOG Galaxy section.
      • Follow new instructions
    • Added Mod Hotkeys section.
    • Added New Game Configuration section.
      • Follow new instructions
    • Updated DLC section.
      • Follow new instructions
    • Updated Mod Conflicts to be a separate section at the end of the guide.
    • Updated Post Processing section to introduce a ReShade preset of choice
      • Follow new instructions for ReShade and the preset
  • Mods Updated
    • Assorted Mod Patches - combined into just 1 mod
      • New patches were created to support the below mod changes.
      • Uninstall all the patches
      • Install the new, combined patch.
    • No Automatic Camera Centering
      • New 1.2 version installed.
      • Uninstall old version and install new one.
    • PhotoMode 2in1
      • Uninstall and delete the old version
      • Manually download the new file
      • Unzip the archive somewhere on your drive, open "mods" directory and use WinZip or 7zip to pack the modPhotomode2inOne directory into modPhotomode2inOne.7z (or zip) archive
      • Open Nexus Mod Manager and select Add Mod From File icon on the left menu, navigate to and add modPhotomode2inOne.7z archive as a new mod
  • Mods Removed
    • Buffs in radial menu
      • Replaced by Friendly HUD
    • Enhced Console Commands
      • This mod was not useful for the normal gameplay. Unnecessary addition.
    • Fix Exp For Quests
      • This mod is unblanced and while it was OK for a main-quest-only speed run of Witcher 3 it will actually make the player character overpowered when playing normally with side quests, witcher contracts, searches etc.
    • HUD Key Toggles
      • Replaced by Friendly HUD
      • Navigate to your Documents\The Witcher 3 folder and edit input.settings file
      • Delete all IK_F3=(Action=ToggleHUD) entries, save the file and exit
    • Immersive HUD - iHUD
      • Replaced by Friendly HUD
    • Sit On Demand
      • Replaced by Friendly HUD
      • Navigate to your Documents\The Witcher 3 folder and edit input.settings file
      • Delete all IK_T=(Action=Sit) entries, save the file and exit
    • Spawn Companion console command
      • This mod wasn't really that useful and required compatibility patches. Unnecessary addition.
    • World Map Unlimited Zoom
      • Replaced by Friendly HUD
  • Mods Added
    • Active Witcher Zoom
    • Alchemy side effects cat removal
    • Disable SoftLock targeting
    • Explore everywhere - map bounds disabled
    • Face them
    • Fantasy Ultimate ReShade preset
    • Friendly HUD
    • FS Restored Icons
    • Gear Enhancement Fade Tweak
    • Geralt is Smart
    • Hair - increase LOD distance shift
    • Horse DLC equipment fix
    • New Djinni Face
    • New Game Plus Wolven Glove Recipe Fix
    • No Dirty Lens Effect
    • No Infinite Horse Galloping
    • No or Permanent Rune Glow Effect
    • Proper Oil and Bomb Icons
    • Refill Alcohol Selection
    • Relic Weapons Redone
    • Remove Screen Water Droplets Effect
    • Unseen Monsters
    • What's For Dinner
    • Witcher 3 Witcher Sense Color Customizer

FULL UPDATE LOG

Introduction

This guide's main aim is to make the game a better experience, improving all of the game aspects and focusing specifically on the following aspects:

• Graphics - improved textures and models
• Realism - introducing mod that enhance the experience
• Challenge and balance - to make the game more difficult and demanding, but still fun and entertaining
• Lore - remain friendly to The Witcher universe lore, including the previous games and the books

This last part is very important to me, so you can rest assured that if you follow this guide, you'll get The Witcher experience as close to the books as possible and the one that will be serious and realistic.

The guide is using step-by-method to instruct users how to install the mods. It's listed from top down and it is advised to install the mods in that order to make sure that all directions are followed correctly and no steps are missed.

Without the support of STEP, this guide would not be possible. If you would like to make a donation, that would be awesome! Do so with Paypal.

ALL donations are applied to hosting expenses.

System requirements

The below is taken from The Witcher 3 Support website.

Please note that the game is both graphics- and processor-intensive and it’s the graphics card and the processor not meeting the minimum requirements that will often be responsible for performance problems with the game.

Minimum requirements:

OS: 64-bit Windows 7 or 64-bit Windows 8 (8.1). DirectX 11 is necessary to run the game.
Processor: Intel CPU Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz, AMD CPU Phenom II X4 940
Finding a Gaming CPUs performance chart and comparing one’s CPU with our minimum is suggested.
Graphics: Nvidia GPU GeForce GTX 660 or AMD GPU Radeon HD 7870
Please mind that we only officially support full-size desktop graphics cards. Finding a graphics card performance hierarchy chart online and comparing one’s video card with our minimum is suggested.
RAM: 6GB
Disk space: 40 GB

Recommended requirements:

OS: 64-bit Windows 7 or 64-bit Windows 8 (8.1). DirectX 11 is necessary to run the game.
Processor: Intel CPU Core i7 3770 3,4 GHz, AMD CPU AMD FX-8350 4 GHz
Graphics: Nvidia GPU GeForce GTX 770 or AMD GPU Radeon R9 290
RAM: 6GB
Disk space: 40 GB

The graphic settings can be adjusted to go BEYOND the in-game Ultra settings, which are already quite demanding. Please be aware of your hardware limitations when introducing graphical changes. I play on the following system, so if you have similar or better machine, you don't have to worry.

Windows 10
Intel Core i5 4590 @ 3.30 GHz	
Corsair Vengeance 8.00 GB @ 1600 MHz (9-9-9-24)
MSI Z87-G45 GAMING (MS-7821)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 ASUS Strix 

The Witcher 3 modding

I. Overview

Witcher 3 supports mods created with help of the official ModKit tool. It allows for easy access to the game files and also for modifying game scripts. The mods are installed into

\The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\Mods

directory which needs to be manually created. The Nexus Mod Manager application, which is being used as the mod manager of choice for this guide, allows for automated download, installation and management of the mods, which makes the whole process very easy.

Some of the mods that will be used in this guide were created before Mod Kit was released. Nexus Mod Manager does not support these older mods and they need to be installed manually. Detailed step by step installation instructions are provided for each mod.

A few points to note

1. The Witcher and GOG Galaxy in general should not be installed in the Program Files or Program Files (x86) directory.
2. Make sure The Witcher 3 directory is clean from any other modding previously done. You can achieve that by deleting Mods folder and then verifying the game files using built-in GOG or Steam functionality.
3. Delete the user.settings, input.settings and mods.settings files from your Documents\The Witcher 3 directory and then launch the game. Exit the game when main menu is displayed. This will allow for all the config files to revert back to default before starting.
4. Remember to make a backup of every file that you modify. This will save you time reinstalling the game should things go south.

Monitor Calibration

This is very important step - it will assure your monitor has correctly calibrated colours, white balance etc.

Navigate to Control Panel (Win8/10 users: right click Start menu and select Control Panel)
Select View by: Large Icons
Select Display
Select Calibrate Colour
Follow on screen instructions

nVidia Control Panel settings

For nVidia users only

Open nVidia Control Panel (you can access it from your PC Control Panel or - if you use GeForce Experience - from this application's icon in the tray). Follow these instructions:

Select "Manage 3D Settings" from the left hand side menu
Go to "Global Settings" tab
Expand DSR Factors setting and activate all multipliers
Leave DSR Smoothness at 33%
Select Apply and close the application

DSR allows for rendering a game at a higher, more detailed resolution and then downscaling the result back down to the resolution of your monitor, giving you up to 4K (3840x2160) quality graphics on any screen. You will be now able to select these high display resolutions in your game options.

nVidia Inspector settings

For nVidia users only

Download the file if you don't have this program. It's a portable application, so extract it wherever you want to store it on your disk.

Run the application
Select "The Witcher 3" from the Profiles drop down list
Force Anisotropic filtering mode by setting Anisotropic filtering to "User-defined / Off".
Set Anisotropic filtering setting to 16x. 
Set Texture Filtering - Quality to High Quality.
Click Apply changes twice and then close, accepting any overwrite when prompted.

GOG Galaxy

For GOG Galaxy users only

Navigate to GOG Galaxy and select The Witcher 3 game
Select "More" buttton
Select "Configure"
In the "Install Updates" section change Automatically to Manually

This allows to keep the game at a specific version if required and also allows rolling back to a previous version if required.

DLC

Navigate to GOG Galaxy and install all the DLC content. For GOG Galaxy users the process is as follows:

Navigate to GOG Galaxy and select The Witcher 3 game
Select "More" buttton
Select "Configure"
Under "Game" section select all the DLCs (note GOG will install them one by one)

Now launch the game, navigate to Downloadable Content in the main menu and select Options. Turn off the following:

Alternative Look For Yennefer
Alternative Look For Ciri

The alternative look for Yennefer is not lore friendly, as she always, no exceptions, wore black and white clothes (and obsidian star pendant) and alternative look for Ciri doesn't really fit the in game story of her being exhausted and on the run.

III. Configuration Files Edits

user.settings

MANDATORY CHANGES

Before modifying the file launch the game and set all the graphical options according to your PC capabilities, however ensure the following settings under Video Settings > Graphcis are set to:

Display Mode = Fullscreen
NVIDIA HairWorks = ON
Hardware Cursor = ON

DO NOT change the hotkeys for the different menus (i.e. Alchemy, Bestiary, Quests, Map etc.)!

Now exit the game and navigate to your "Documents\The Witcher 3" directory. Right click the user.settings file and select Open With, then select a text editor of your choice (I recommend Notepad++).

Ignore the red text below and don't input it. It's commentary only and should not be entered.

The below changes are required for the purpose of this guide, for various reasons, from technical to gameplay.

First Search for the below individual values and ensure they are set as follows:

GammaValue=1
TextureMipBias=-0.7
ShowCompatWarning=false

Now find [Hud] section, delete all the entries from it and replace them with the below ones:

[Hud]
MinimapRotation=false
NPCNames=true
Minimap2Module=false
MessageModule=true
OnelinersModule=false
BossFocusModule=false
ItemInfoModule=false
TimeLapseModule=true
HudSize=0
QuestsModule=false
BuffsModule=false
DamagedItemsModule=true
HorsePanicBarModule=false
ConsoleModule=true
MiminapPoiQuestionMarks=true
WolfMedalion=false
OxygenBarModule=true
EnemyFocusModule=false
EnemyHitEffects=false
HorseStaminaBarModule=false
CompanionModule=true
MinimapTracksWaypoints=false
ControlsFeedbackModule=false
BoatHealthModule=false

Now find [PostProcess] section, delete all the entries from it and replace them with the below ones:

[PostProcess]
AllowChromaticAberration=false
SharpenAmount=1
MotionBlurPositionTreshold=0.05
AllowVignette=false
AllowBloom=true
MotionBlurRotationTreshold=1
AllowShafts=true
AllowMotionBlur=true
AllowAntialias=false
AllowDOF=true
SSAOSolution=2
AllowBlur=true

Now find [Gameplay] section, delete all the entries from it and replace them with the below ones:

[Gameplay]
Difficulty=4
EnableUberMovement=1

Now find [LevelOfDetail] section, delete all the entries from it and replace them with the below ones. These settings control Level Of Detail (trees in the far distance etc.). Setting them to the below values will greatly increase the distant detail at a very low performance cost:

[LevelOfDetail]
SwarmHideDistance=800
DecalsHideDistance=400
DimmerHideDistance=400
DynamicDecalsHideDistance=400
StripeHideDistance=400

Now find [Audio] section, delete all the entries from it and replace them with the below ones:

MusicVolume=80 Default music volume is too loud and you'll want it lowered down because of a certain mod we'll install later on.
Subtitles=false This controls the subtitles in the retrospective slides shows during loading a game.

Now add the following to the end of the file (directly below MaxVisibilityDepth)

[Streaming/Textures]
UseMipRefiner=true
CinematicModeMipBias=-0.3

OPTIONAL SETTINGS

The following modifications are purely optional and you need to decide whether you want to introduce them. Some of them will have significant impact on your performance and some just minimal. The FPS hit varies per user and seems to depends on the individual PC build, so the best thing is to introduce the change one by one and check in game what performance impact the modifications have on your game. You can go with even higher values than the ones below, but beware of the performance hit!

Under [Gameplay/EntityPool] section:

SpawnedLimit=300 This controls how many actors can be active on the scene at any given time. Ultra setting value: 150

Under [Hidden] section:

These two entries control the location of HUD on the screen. These values will move them HUD more towards the edges of the screen. WARNING - APPLIES TO 16:9 aspect ration only! For other aspect ratios experiment with the values.
uiVerticalFrameScale=1.065 
uiHorizontalFrameScale=1.0375 

Under [Budget] section

This section controls how much system resource will be spared to run the game.
TerrainTileMipDataBudget=300
TerrainTileMinTimeout=2
TerrainTileTimeout=10
OcclusionQueryAdditionalMemory=5
TerrainTileLoadingTimeout=5

Under [Rendering] section:

Note the values in this section can have significant performance hit. Try the below ones and experiment with different values to get the best performance vs quality.
GrassDensity=3600 Self explanatory. Density of grass. Ultra setting value: 2400. Settings above 3600 look messy and not natural.
DecalsSpawnDistanceCutoff=10
TextureStreamingHeadsDistanceLimit=40
GlobalOceanTesselationFactor=128 This controls the water quality. Ultra setting value: 64
WaterGeometryQuality=10 This a new entry, you need to add it. It also controls the water quality.
TextureStreamingCharacterDistanceLimit=200 Ultra setting value: 64
CascadeShadowFadeTreshold=1
HairWorksGlobalWidthLimit=10 Ultra setting value: 5.
CascadeShadowDistanceScale2=4 Best quality vs performance setting for this shadow type: 4. Change it to 2 or 1 if you want.
MaxTextureAnizotropy=16
TextureStreamingDistanceLimit=80000
HairWorksGlobalDensityQuality=1
TextureMemoryBudget=2000 Ultra setting value: 800.
CascadeShadowDistanceScale3=2 Best quality vs performance setting for this shadow type: 2. Change it to 1 if you want.
HairWorkstGlobalDensityLimit=2
MeshLODDistanceScale=8
ScaleformTextureUnstreamDelay=2.5
DecalsChance=1
TerrainReadAheadDistance=1200 Ultra setting value: 800.
HairWorksLevel=2 
TerrainScreenSpaceErrorThreshold=1.6
TerrainScreenSpaceErrorThresholdFar=3.5
MaxTerrainShadowAtlasCount=4
HairWorksGlobalDetailLODFactor=1
TextureMipBias=-0.7
HardwareCursor=true
TextureInFlightCountBudget=12
TerrainErrorMetricMultiplier=2 
CascadeShadowmapSize=3072 Shadows resolution. Ultra setting value: 3072. Feel free to try other settings: 2048,3072,4096,8192.
CascadeShadowDistanceScale0=16 Best quality vs performance setting for this shadow type: 16. Change it to 8 or 4 if you want.
MeshRenderingDistanceScale=4 Ultra setting value: 2
CascadeShadowQuality=4
HairWorksAALevel=2 HairWorks AA. Best quality vs performance setting: 2 or 4, depending on your rig. Input 8 if you want, but it's no visible quality improvement vs performance drop.
CascadeShadowDistanceScale1=8 Best quality vs performance setting for this shadow type: 8. Change it to 4 or 2 if you want.

Under [Rendering/SpeedTree] section:

These settings control drawing range of grass and foliage. They hit performance heavily so you need to experiment with what is best for you. I have them set up as follows. They cause my game to stutter if I set them any higher than that, but feel free to experiment.
GrassDistanceScale=1 High and Ultra setting values, respectively: 1.0, 1.5
FoliageDistanceScale=1 High and Ultra setting values, respectively: 1.0, 1.8
FoliageShadowDistanceScale=32 High and Ultra setting values, respectively: 16, 54
GrassRingSize=4194304 High and Ultra setting values, respectively: 4194304, 16777216. IMPORTANT! If you want to increase this setting ensure the value is a multiplication of 4194304

Under [Foliage] section:

Again, this depth of grass and foliage. This setting also can have performance it, so - again - experiment with what's best for you. Ultra setting: 24.
MaxVisibilityDepth=36

When you're finished editing, Save the file and exit. Now, set the file to Read Only (right-click the file, select Properties, place a tick in Read-Only box, select Apply and then OK).

gameplay.ini

This change will disable blurred edges when using Witcher Senses (foucs) mode. The screen will still dim and sounds will be muffled. This is not required and is only a personal preference.

Navigate to \The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\bin\config\base directory
Edit gameplay.ini file
Change MotionSicknessFocusMode=false to MotionSicknessFocusMode=true 
Save the file and exit
Set the file to Read Only (right-click the file, select Properties, place a tick in Read-Only box, select Apply and then OK).

mods.settings

This file controls the mod load order and it is used to ensure the mod are loaded into the game in the correct order, to achieve all the required effects and changes. It can also be used to check for mod conflicts (more on that later). Follow these instructions:

Navigate to your \Documents\The Witcher 3 folder
Create a new text file
Name it "mods.settings" and remove the .txt extension
Edit the file
Add the following contents:
  
  [modAMP]
  Enabled=1
  Priority=1
  
  [modSilverSwords]
  Enabled=1
  Priority=2
  
  [modBear]
  Enabled=1
  Priority=3
  
  [modRelicWeaponsRedone]
  Enabled=1
  Priority=4
  
  [modFSRestoredIcons]
  Enabled=1
  Priority=5
  
  [modCiriHair]
  Enabled=1
  Priority=6
  
  [modHairLodMainNpc]
  Enabled=1
  Priority=7
  
Save the file and exit

Tools and Utilities

Nexus Mod Manager

• Author: Nexus
• Version: Always Latest
• Installation: Click on the relevant Download button. Follow these instructions:

Run the installation program and follow on-screen instructions
Run the program
Wait until scan for all the compatible games is finished and confirm
Select Witcher 3 from the menu
Select Mod Downloads location and leave the Install Info in the default location
Navigate to your The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt directory and create a new directory in there called Mods

The Nexus Mod Manager (NMM) is a free and open source piece of software that allows you to download, install, update and manage your files through an easy to use interface. It integrates with the Nexus sites allowing you to download the compatible mods using Download With Manager button on the mod pages. When you will use this functionality for the first time you'll be required to log in, using your Nexus credentials.

The mods will be downloaded to the directory of your choice and installed into your \The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\Mods directory, which needs to be manually created.

W3HC - Witcher 3 Hunter's Config

• Author: MelekTaus
• Version: 0.7.7
• Installation: Download "W3HC 0.7.7 - Standalone version" file. Follow these instructions:

Navigate to your game main installation directory: X:\GOG Games\The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\
Unzip and copy everything to that directory 
Navigate to "\The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\bin\config\base\", create a new directory and name it "ReShade"

This is a standalone tool that allows to change many options in the user.config file and various INI files without the need to manually edit the files. The program also allows for very easy Re-Shade preset management and this is it's main role in this guide. We will do this later on in the guide, for now just install the tool.

The newly created directory will be used later on in the guide during ReShade installation.

Debug Console Enabler Updated

• Author: Skomski
• Version: 1.08.1
• Installation: Download "debug-console-enabler-default" file. Follow these instructions:

Navigate to your game installation directory: \The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\bin\x64
Unzip and copy everything to that directory 

This mod adds a developers' console (similar to the one in Skyrim) and also enables the free camera.

Enable free camera ingame with "F1". Enable debug console ingame with "~" or "F2".

PhotoMode 2inOne

• Author: CAPA
• Version: 2.4.1
• Installation: Manually download only the main file. Follow these instructions:

Unzip the archive somewhere on your drive
Copy bin directory into your Witcher 3 installation directory and overwrite the file when prompted
Open "mods" directory and use WinZip or 7zip to pack the modPhotomode2inOne directory into modPhotomode2inOne.7z (or zip) archive
Open Nexus Mod Manager and select Add Mod From File icon on the left menu
Navigate to and add modPhotomode2inOne.7z archive as a new mod
Navigate to \My Documents\The Witcher 3 directory
Edit input.settings file
Add the following lines to the end of each section APART FROM [InputSettings] section
  
  IK_R=(Action=Photomode2inOne)
  IK_NumPad1=(Action=TimeScaleDown)
  IK_NumPad2=(Action=TimeScaleUp)
  IK_NumPad3=(Action=TimeScaleReset)
  IK_NumPad4=(Action=SelectWTDown)
  IK_NumPad5=(Action=SelectWTUp)
  IK_NumPad6=(Action=ActivateWT)
  IK_NumPad7=(Action=SelectFXDown)
  IK_NumPad8=(Action=SelectFXUp)
  IK_NumPad9=(Action=ActivateFX)
  
Save the file
Right click the file and mark it as Read Only

The main purpose of this mod is to capture action scenes, which becomes very difficult when you have to bring the console down and type the commands. It also come handy when testing mods.

The main function is to "hide hud and pause" with one button and "unhide hud and unpause" using the same button. Then you can use the Freecam solution of the Debug Console Enabler to take some nice action Screenshots. It's also possible to: - Change Weather (possible Weathers are by area) - Select and Toogle Visual Effects like Sepia, Cat, Toxicity, Low Health, Drunk. - Control Time: Slowmo or FastForward to how much you want.

Note that we've set the "R" button as a "pause" command (IK_R=(Action=Photomode2inOne line we've added to Input.settings file). You can change this button to anything you want, just change the IK_R to IK_Your_Key. The other once you pause the game with R, you can control the mod as follows:

• NumPad 1 - Time Scale Down (If is 1 and you press it it will decrement 0.1 until reaches 0)
• NumPad 2 - Time Scale Up (If from 0 to 1 increments 0.1, from 1 to 10 increments 1 and from 10 above increments 10)
• NumPad 3 - Timescale Reset (Resets multiplier to 1 normal time scale)
• NumPad 4 - Weather Down
• NumPad 5 - Weather Up
• NumPad 6 - Activate Weather (this just activates the selected weather is not a toogle) / Activate Effect (this is the key to Toogle the selected effect)
• NumPad 7 - Effect Down
• NumPad 8 - Effect Up

Tweaks and Fixes

Alchemy side effects cat removal

• Author: Kurtney
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod removes Cat from the list of random potions applied by Side Effects alchemy perk. It was very annoying for Cat to randomly kick in in the middle of the fight during the day.

Fast Travel from Anywhere

• Author: JupiterTheGod
• Version: 1.00
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the file.

This mod allows for fast travel from anywhere on the map. You no longer need to be near a signpost, however you can still only fast travel to signposts.

Gear Enhancement Fade Tweak

• Author: ghostneedle
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download "GearEnhancementFadeImproved" main file only by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This game fixes the animation and sound when you're improving your gear (both weapons and armours) by smoothing the fade-out and -in transitions.

Gear Improvements Last Longer

• Author: Elenear
• Version: 1.1
• Installation: Download "Gear Improvements Last Longer (GILL)" main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This simple mod changes the duration that armour and weapon improvements last to more realistic, not exaggerated values. Both improvements now last for a full in game day (roughly 96 minutes) after which they wear off. The vanilla 15 mins was 3h 45 min in game time. Sharpening your sword and improving the armour should last longer than that! A full day makes them more useful and actually worth getting, but also short enough to actively look for the places where we can make improvements when they wear off.

Geralt is Smart

• Author: SheepDarklord
• Version: 1.03
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

Did you ever wonder why in Witcher 3 Geralt of Rivia, the famous monster slayer also known as The Butcher of Blaviken, doesn't know any potion recipes and why his bestiary is empty, despite his now nearly fully recovered memory, despite learning all this stuff about potions and monsters anew in the 2 previous games and spending loads of recent time (between Witcher 2 and Witcher 3) in Kaer Morhen with the other witchers? It doesn't make sense! Did he forget all this stuff yet again?

This mod changes this aspect of the game by adding all the basic recipes into the Alchemy and all basic monsters entries into the Bestiary. This will only add the first level recipes of the alchemy items to your inventory, and does not include any of the entries for the unique Witcher Contract monsters in the bestiary, so there is still plenty of things to search for and discover.

This also balances the ridiculously high difficulty level at the beginning of the game, allowing you to have more support in the shape of potions, but not making you overpowered.

More Realistic Food And Drink

• Author: Elenear
• Version: 1.1
• Installation: Download the main file only by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod changes how food and drink items work to a semi-realistic way. Now the food and drink will heal you slowly over long period of time, which is supposed to simulate satiation and hydration. Both duration and healing rate are randomised to simulate various quality of food within it's in game tier.

Additionally the inventory menu tooltip for food and drink items was removed so that you won't know how long the regeneration effects exactly last until you eat and drink. This is to increase realism - Geralt doesn't know exactly how soon he will be hungry/thirsty after eating and drinking.

No Infinite Horse Galloping

• Author: Alexander Dikanchukov
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod restores normal stamina draining while following road on the horse.

No More Rolling Down Stairs

• Author: KCS
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod fixes the silly rolling down the stairs bug by replacing it with stuttering animation, which looks much more natural.

New Game Plus Wolven Glove Recipe Fix

• Author: z0b0t
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

Fixes the requirements for enhanced and superior Wolf Gloves in New Game Plus mode. Enhanced Legendary Wolf gloves now require Legendary Wolf Gloves (they don't by defualt) and Superior Legendary Wolf gloves no longer (incorrectly) require Enhanced Griffin Gloves.

Random Gameplay Tweaks

• Author: pMarK
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download "(Stamina) 10 Sec No Cost Sprint" optional file only by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

With this mod the Stamina consumption from sprinting starts after 10 seconds when exploring. If in combat it starts after 3 secs (which is vanilla default).

Refill Alcohol Selection

• Author: aquisitor
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

Drowning in Dwarven Spirit while Alcohest is drying up? No more! This mod changes the way of selecting alcohol for replenishing potions when meditating. Instead of choosing the cheapest, which happens to be Alcohest, refill now picks the alcohol you have the most of.

Unseen Monsters

• Author: DJ_Kovrik
• Version: 0.1
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod make the game more challenging by removing highlighted circles from monsters while using witcher sense. Now you need to really pay attention when using witcher sense!

HUD and UI

Active Witcher Zoom

• Author: SP3333DO
• Version: 4.0
• Installation: Download the main "modActiveWitcherZoom (normal)" file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.
Navigate to your Documents\The Witcher 3 directory
Edit input.settings file
Delete ALL the following entries
   IK_MouseZ=(Action=ToggleSigns)
  
Add the following line...
   IK_MouseZ=(Action=ZoomPlayer)
  
...to all the sections APART FROM:
  [BASE_DEBUG]
  [BASE_JOURNAL_AND_QUEST_MANAGE]
  [BASE_PanelsShortcuts]
  [BASE_SHOW_RADIAL_MENU]
  [EMPTY_CONTEXT]
  [InputSettings]
  [LootPopup]
  [Meditation]
  [RadialMenu]
  [SCENE_IS_STARTING_HACK]
  [Scene]
  [TutorialPopup]
  
Save the file
Right click the file and mark it as Read Only

Active Witcher Zoom allows you to dynamically zoom the camera closer to or further from Geralt while you are playing! Instead of modding either nearer or further fixed distances, this mod allows you to change the distance as you play, adapting the camera to best fit the current situation and environment. You can use mouse wheel for that. Warning! This makes the Signs no longer selectable by the mouse wheel.

Close Cam - Move Camera Closer-Farther-1st person

• Author: SunBroDave
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the Close Cam file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Do not download the optional file. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

The aim of this great little mod is to bring the camera closer to Geralt during exploration. It's the same position as indoors. This makes the game and the character feel more personal and it allows for better immersion in the game world. You will find yourself walking more often, looking at things up close, admiring the surroundings and experiencing the environments - be it woods, city or swamps - more from Geralt's perspective. The camera still zooms out during combat and when Geralt's riding a horse.

Note there is also an optional 1st person camera file available, but it more proof of concept mod and it's quite clumsy at this point.

Even Smaller HUD and Lower Opacity

• Author: TheLastWitcher
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the main "modHUD" file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

A tweak to the HUD that makes it even smaller and lowers the opacity.

Friendly HUD

• Author: TheLastWitcher
• Version: 7.0
• Installation: Download the main "modFriendlyHUD" file (v 7.0) by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.
Navigate to your Documents\The Witcher 3 directory
Edit input.settings file
Add the following line...
  IK_F3=(Action=HUDToggle)
  
...to every section of the guide APART FROM [InputSettings]
Remove the following line:
  IK_Space=(Action=OpenMeditation)
  
...from [RadialMenu] and add the following lines to this section:
  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_Q=(Action=SwitchBuffsMode)
  IK_Space=(Action=ShowActiveBuffs)
Save the file
Right click the file and mark it as Read Only
Make sure you have copied [HUD] section over from user.settings file from the beginning of this guide
Navigate to \The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\Mods\modFriendlyHUD\content\scripts\game directory
Edit modFriendlyHUDConfig.ws file
Change the following values to be:
  fullHealthRegenAnyDifficulty = true;
  minimapZoomExterior = 0.75
  minimapZoomInterior = 1.50
  userMarkerTextFont = "";
  currentMarkerTextFont = "";
  otherMarkerTextFont = "";
  potionsTabOpensByDefault = false
Save the file and exit

This mod modifies the entire HUD and display and adds new functionalities. Please read the below description carefully!

1. New features, introduced by the mod: - 3D markers for tracked quest: this feature shows tracked quest's map marker(s) (and also user map marker) as floating text while using witcher senses (see screen-shots). - Real time meditation: holding a hotkey (N) allows you to enter new "Exploration Meditation" state with no menu and an ability to see world around you while time fast-forwards. It updates buffs and regenerates stats in real time multiplied by acceleration factor. Sun and Stars skill is actually useful now! It also refills your potions while meditating this way. - You can now drink potions and equip bombs while in radial menu with hotkeys (see this screen-shot). Use 'Q' to quickly switch between potions and bombs display and '1'-'9', '0', '-' and '=' to drink potion/equip a bomb. Use 'Space' to show active buffs.

2. HUD controls and customization options: - HUD on/off hotkey: toggle all HUD modules on and off with the F3 hotkey. - Hold-to-see feature: the mod redesigns default keys to work in two different ways - when you hold M (map) key minimap is displayed temporarily; when you hold J (journal) key the same happens to active quest info; holding K (character screen) hotkey temporarily displays character information related modules, namely Wolf Medallion module (health/stamina), Buffs module (active buffs), Items module (equipped items in quick slots) and Damaged Items module; Holding Enter (pause menu) displays character information modules, minimap module and quest info module simultaneously. Pressing these keys still works as usual, bringing up respective menus. - You can change zoom levels for minimap when inside, outside and on boat (by default map is zoomed out when inside and outside twice as compared to vanilla, boat zoom is the same as vanilla).

3. Menu options (map, journal and inventory): - Journal now shows current tracked quest when you open it instead of always showing a very first storyline quest. - Inventory now shows potions tab when opened (can be disabled) - Potions are now sorted in new order by default: oils, bombs, potions, mutagen potions, others.

No Automatic Camera Centering

• Author: wghost81 aka Wasteland Ghost
• Version: 7.0
• Installation: Download only the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod disables the automatic camera centering when you ride a horse and sail in a boat.

No Talk Icon

• Author: AnotherSymbiote
• Version: 1.0.2
• Installation: Download only the "No Talk Icon" Main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This small edit hides the speech bubble icon that appear over NPCs who are far away.

Toxicity - Clean Face and Screen

• Author: DJ_Kovrik
• Version: 0.3
• Installation: Download only the "Toxicity - Clean Screen" file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod removes toxicity green swirls from screen corners.

Lighting and Weather

Cutscene Lighting Mod

• Author: KNG
• Version: 1.10
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.
Navigate to \The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\Mods\modKNGCSLM\content\scripts\local\game directory
Edit KNGCSLM.ws file
Find line 24 "envBlendValue = 0.5" and change the value to 0.75

This mod for The Witcher 3 changes the default lighting definitions to the one used for cutscene illumination, which is much better than normal gameplay lighting. The new value is required for the guide's ReShade preset of choice to look correctly in game.

Models and Textures

Black and Grey Mare Roach

• Author: Stairz
• Version: 0.2
• Installation: Download the "GreyRoach" main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod changes Geralt's horse textures. Note this mod stopped working in my game as of latest patch. Even when it's the only mod installed it doesn't work. I have also tried other hose texture mods and they don't work either. Hopefully this will be fixed soon. There is no harm in installing this mod.

Ciri Ashen Hair

• Author: Rustine
• Version: 1.02
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This is a mod that will change the colour of Ciri's hair to better match the lore.

Concept Art Bear Armor

• Author: Rustine
• Version: 1.01
• Installation: Download the Concept Art Bear Armor file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod brings back the design from the 2014 artwork for the Bear Armor. There is also an optional no-bandana version if you prefer that one.

Concept Art Cat Armor

• Author: Rustine
• Version: 1.00
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod brings back the design from the 2014 artwork for the Cat Armor.

Dearg Ruadhri - The Wild Hunt Redesign

• Author: Rustine & PATROL
• Version: 1.00
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

The Wild Hunt was also called Dearg Ruadhri - The Red Riders. We wanted to make them darker, more unnatural and out of the world. People were terrified by the sight of the Hunt. They were scared of the riders in skeleton armors, scared of red color of blood, black and dark armors and old, white bones. The mod changes the appearance of the king, the generals the troops of the Hunt and their horses. It also erases Eredin's eyeliner and makes his eyes green, as they were in the books.

Griffin Set Redesign

• Author: Rustine & Holgar96
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This is a redesign and retexture of the whole set of Griffin Armor.

Hair - increase LOD distance shift

• Author: Rivianbleidd
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download all 3 main files. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate each mod by double clicking on it. Select "No" in the dialogue box when it appears.

This mod increases the distance at which the main (high poly) hair mesh, shifts to medium and low LODs. It seems originally this change occurred at 3 meters, for the majority, and 5 meters for some other few. So unless you got within 3m, you were looking at very low poly meshes, since it’s so close no wonder it also occurred during some cut scenes. This mod changes this to 20 meters.

Horse DLC equipment fix

• Author: Rivianbleidd
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the main file. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate each mod by double clicking on it.

This mod fixes some mesh visibility issues with the dlc horse equipment. There was a problem with some empty meshes meant for the Nilfgaard saddle bags, as for the rest, their LOD and visibility settings were way more conservative than the non-DLC equipment.

Lore-friendly Silver Swords

• Author: ErdnussSpass
• Version: 0.3
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod enhances the appearance of silver swords in the game. The books of Andrzej Sapkowski describe silver swords as very special and unique weapons. The game degrades the silver sword to being the second sword on your back, so it is my aim to add more remarkable optics to it.

The newest version of this mod includes

• All silver swords of the game
• Wolven Silver Sword, Lvl 1-4 (Wolf School Gear) (DLC)

The mod does not interfere with or change the optical effects of runes.

Lore-friendly Witchers

• Author: DazzlingDjango
• Version: 0.5
• Installation: Download the 3 main files by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate each mod by double clicking on it. Select "No" in the dialog box.

This modification series aims for a more lore-friendly appearance of Geralt and the other witchers. By "lore" I mean the previous games, references in the current game itself and Andrzej Sapkowski's books. So far, three mods have been realized:

• Real Witcher Eyes - Makes the witchers' ordinary eyes from the main game look more extraordinary and cat-like as it can be seen on earlier artworks or in the first game.
• True Mutantism - Turns Geralt into the sickly-looking mutant he should be.
• White Wolf - According to the books and games, Geralt has lost all his hair pigmentation giving him the name "White Wolf". However, as many of my supporters correctly remarked, his hair and beard are too grey in the vanilla game. That's why this mod turns them completely white.

Naked Ciri is Naked

• Author: HartXIII
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download "Naked Ciri is Naked v1.0" file. Follow these instructions:

Navigate to your game installation directory: \The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\content\content0\bundles
Unzip and copy everything to the above directory
Run the "Install.bat" file
Press Enter to exit the installer 

Note THIS IS NOT A NUDE MOD.

This mod will make Ciri wear no bandages during the bath scene, which makes it more realistic. Note Ciri isn't actually naked, it's just her bandages gone. The model was already in game, but wasn't used.

New Djinni Face

• Author: Rustine
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod give Djinni a face taken from the cover of Polish edition of "The Last Wish".

Triss DLC appearance for masquerade only

• Author: Sarcen
• Version: v1
• Installation: Download "triss_dlc_dressonly.rar" file. Follow these instructions:

Download and install the "Alternative Look for Triss" DLC from GOG 
Backup "The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\DLC\DLC6\content\bundles\blob.bundle" in case you want to revert
Extract "blob.bundle" to "The Witcher 3\DLC\DLC6\content\bundles\" and overwrite the existing one.

This mod makes Triss wear the dress from Alternate Look For Triss DLC content only during the masquerade ball, which makes perfect sense, rather than her wearing it all the time. She's supposed to be in hiding and this dress ain't very discreet...

Equipment

Crow's Saddle Overhaul

• Author: Crow
• Version: 1.2
• Installation: Download only the main "Crow's Saddle Overhaul Pack" file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod.

Saddle Overhaul allows players to choose between four different saddle and saddlebag types, each of them having distinct style and uses. You'll be able to immediately tell the difference between the racing saddle and a cavalry one. Each saddle type is divided into four tiers, and you should get new tiers as the game progresses. Now each of those types is a viable option and is best for doing certain things.

Relic Weapons Redone

• Author: Mangekyoumadara1987
• Version: Recommended
• Installation: Download only the main "Relic Weapons Redone with Improved Witcher set crossbows and swords" (version: Recommended) file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod.

Vanilla Relic Weapons are not really useful. Let`s face it, in this moment you got access to your first complete Witcher tier set, you`ll never ever use an ancient relic weapon again. They`re just good for selling, even after you risked your life to got it. Relic Weapons Redone tries to fix this, by bringing diverse more useful and interesting abilities to the blades.

Gameplay

What's For Dinner

• Author: Az0r3
• Version: 0.1
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

This mod adds a lot of recipes for foods to the Alchemy menu. You can cook your own food now! No witcher should ever lower themselves to the role of a mere chef, but when your out on the trail and you have a choice between a raw meat and a cooked venison... As long as nobody's looking!

The recipes can be purchased from the merchant in Crow's Perch.

Combat

Disable SoftLock targeting

• Author: FoxHoundSWE
• Version: 1.0.1
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it.

A real Witcher has full control over where he strikes his sword! This mod does exactly what it says on the tin. Now you will have to properly aim where you strike and cast signs. This gives you more control over the combat and also makes it more interesting and tactical. No more frantic clicking mouse buttons! You have to aim carefully and time your attacks right.

No Auto Sword Sheath - Unsheath

• Author: skyrayfox
• Version: 1.1
• Installation: Download all 3 files by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the No Auto Sword Sheath - Unsheath - NoAutoSwordSheath file
In Nexus Mod Manager activate the No Auto Sword Unsheathe file and select NO (Install Normally) in the dialog box
In Nexus Mod Manager activate the Combat Distance Fix (with manual combat stance toggle) file and select NO (Install Normally) in the dialog box

A real Witcher has also full control over his weapons! This mod will prevent auto unsheathing your sword when before the fight and sheathing it when you get out of enemy's aggro zone. It will also allow to exit the combat stance by pressing the sheathe button and deflect arrows from a greater distance than vanilla game.

Miscellaneous

Explore everywhere - map bounds disabled

• Author: SkacikPL
• Version: 1.00
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the file.

This mod allows you to explore everywhere by disabling the teleportation when you go beyond the map. Please note that it can cause glitches if you wander off too far (you will fall off the ground into the void or go under invisible and infinite water). The main reason for installing this mod is to allow access to some treasures and chests that are right on the border of allowed areas and are not accessible in the vanilla game because Geralt is being teleported away when he goes near.

Face them

• Author: SkacikPL
• Version: 1.01
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the file.

This mod makes Geralt and Ciri look at the nearest NPC when they're walking past them.

FS Restored Icons

• Author: FreeSergey
• Version: 1.1
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the file.

This mod restores some missing equipment icons (boots, gloves etc.). They were in the game, but were never used.

Gwent Redone and Alternate Art

• Author: Sleemani
• Version: 1.1
• Installation: Download "Gwent Redone and Alternate Art v1.1" file. Follow these instructions:

Unpack the mod to the location of your choice
Navigate to that location and edit Config.ini file
Change InstallVersion = 1 to InstallVersion = 2
Save the file and exit
Run "GwentRedone.exe" installation program
Confirm the 2 pop ups
Navigate to "\The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\content\patch0\bundles" directory and select "patch.bundle" file
Press Enter to exit the installer

This mod will make use of the additional artwork for some Gwent cards that was already in the game, but was never used.

Hide Readables from Dismantle Screen

• Author: TheLastWitcher
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the file.

This mod hides all readable items like books and notes from the Dismantle Item screen.

No Dirty Lens Effect

• Author: RumenWest
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the file.

This mod removes the dirty lens effect from the camera.

No or Permanent Rune Glow Effect

• Author: Gismogin
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download only the "Permanent Rune Glow" file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the file.

In the vanilla game the runes that Geralt enhances his swords with were visible only when in combat. This mod makes the rune glow effect on swords permanent even when out of combat.

No Sword Swing Trails Effect

• Author: FPSRazR
• Version: 1.1
• Installation: Download only the "No Sword Swing Trails" main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the file.

This mod removes the cartoonish trails/tracer effect you get when you swing a sword/axe.

Proper Oil and Bomb Icons

• Author: QedrBlaster
• Version: 0.1.0
• Installation: Download only the "Proper Oil and Bomb Icons" main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the file.

This mod changes the icons to have less duplicates and be more distinguishable from each other.

Remove Screen Water Droplets Effect

• Author: FPSRazR
• Version: 1.0
• Installation: Download only the "No Water Droplets on Screen" main file by clicking on Download with Manager button. Follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the file.

This mod removes the water droplets effect that appear on the screen while its raining.

Witcher 3 Witcher Sense Color Customizer

• Author: Tomwa Lee Ivory
• Version: 1.04
• Installation: Manually download only the "Sense Customizer 1.04" main file by clicking on download manually link. Follow these instructions:

Unpack the archive into a location of your choice
Navigate to that location
Run "Witcher 3 Witcher Sense Customizer.exe" file
Select "Browse" button and select your Witcher 3 root installation directory
Input "#ff0002" in the Quest Color field
Input 0.3 in the Opacity field next to Quest Color 
Input "#ff6600" in the Interact Color field
Input 0.2 in the Opacity field next to Interact Color
Select "Save" button
Press Enter when the mod finished installation (you will be prompted in the pop up window)
Close the program

This mod reduces the opacity of the outline of quest and interaction targets when using witcher sense, so they are more subtle, but still visible. Note you can change the actual colours to your liking by entering the relevant HEX code. The codes used during the installation are the default ones used in vanilla game.

Patches

Assorted Mod Patches

• Author: Elenear
• Version: always the latest
• Installation: Download the main file by clicking on Download with Manager button and follow these instructions:

In Nexus Mod Manager activate the mod by double clicking on it. 
Navigate to your \My Documents\The Witcher 3 folder
Ensure the following entry is present in the "mods.settings" file (it should already be there if you followed the guide correctly)
  [modAMP]
  Enabled=1
  Priority=1

This mod provides patches that resolve mod conflicts in this guide. Note there should be other entries in the mods.settings file apart from the modAMP if you followed the guide correctly.

Post Processing

ReShade

• Author: Crosire
• Version: Framework
• Installation: Download "Framework" version and fllow these instructions:

Navigate to \The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\bin\config\base\ReShade directory
Create a new directory called "Fantasy Ultimate 3.4"
Unzip the archive to this new directory. 
Delete Reshade32.dll file
Rename Reshade64.dll to d3d11.dll

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 ... No more waiting: 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 your dreams come true.

Fantasy v3.4 Ultimate

• Author: CooliSushi
• Version: 3.4
• Installation: Manually download the main file only. Follow these instructions:

Extract the archive directly into E:\Program Files (x86)\The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\bin\config\base\ReShade\Fanstasy Ultimate 3.4\ReShade directory overwriting all the files 
Run Witcher 3 Hunter's Config tool that we've installed earlier
Select "Install SweetFX" button and choose the Fantasy Ultimate 3.4 preset
The button will change to "Uninstall SweetFX" following successful installation
Close the application and DO NOT save the changes (the changes are for configuration files only and we don't want to change those)

You can turn the preset on and off in game using the ScrollLock key. PrintScreen takes a screenshot which is saved in \The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\bin\x64 directory.

V. New Game Configuration

Please read this section fully before starting a new game.

There is some final in-game configuration that needs to be done after starting the game before we can start playing.

I strongly recommend playing the game on Death March difficulty level. That's what was set in the settings file initially. It will provide quite challenging experience at the first few levels to then balance out and be accordingly demanding. The lower difficulty levels get really trivial from mid-game and the opponents pose no real challenge. By learning how to survive at the early levels you will get the necessary skills to play the game comfortably later on.

Once you start the game, fully play through the initial Kaer Morhen introduction scene until you get the access to the alchemy menu and the inventory (when you'll be back on the road with Vesemir), as that's where we'll need to follow a few extra steps.

Follow these instructions

1. Run the game
2. From the main menu select New Game
3. Select Death March (read the notes below regarding the difficulty level)
4. Select Tutorials On or Off (I recommend to turn them on if it's your first playthrough)
5. If you have The Witcher 2 finished game save, select "Import The Witcher 2 Save". Skip to step 6.
5a. Otherwise select On for simulating W2 story choices
6. Select the relevant Witcher 2 finished game save file.
7. Select New Game or New Game+ (only if you've already finished Witcher 3)
8. Watch the starting cinematics
9. Play the game

The game will now start. Watch the cinematics and play the game until you're back on the road with Vesemir. Once you gain control over your character follow these instructions:

Press the hotkey for Alchemy menu, default "L" 
Press the hotkey for Bestiary menu, default "B"

These two actions will activate Geralt Is Smart mod. You can now continue playing. With progressing the game additional markers will be added to the map. You'll eventually get notification about Points Of Interests. I strongly recommend turning the following ones OFF (open the map and press F for filters):

Hidden Treasure
Dungeon
Monster Nest
Place of Power
Person In Distress
Spoils of War
Smugglers' Cache
Guarded Treasure
Abandoned Site
Bandit Camp
Monster Den

By turning all these markers off you will ensure realistic experience. Geralt doesn't know where all the stuff is in the world. I can assure you that this is a massive game changer. Your game experience will be greatly enhanced by allowing you to just explore the world and discover all these places by yourself. Note that once you discover them you'll get on screen notification and they'll be shown on the minimap. It's awesome to just stumble upon POIs randomly while exploring the world and I really can't recommend this enough. I encourage you to give it a go! You can always turn the filters back on if you don't like it.

CONGRATULATIONS!

This is it! Now you can fully enjoy your heavily modded Witcher 3 game. It is a very different experience to the unmodded vanilla game and I hope you will find at as engaging and immersive as I did. Stay vigilant, Witcher. The danger lurks out there and remember that there is a hidden monster in a lot of people. Good luck!

Additional Information

Mod Hotkeys

If you have followed the guide to the letter, here is a list of all the new hotkeys from the mods we've installed:

F1 - activate/deactivate Free Camera mode
F2 or ` - open/close Console
F3 - turn the whole HUD on/off
R - activate/deactivate Photo Mode for screenshots (usable at any time, including cutscenes). Enable Free Camera after activate this mode to take some nice screenshots.
NumPad1 - decrease game speed 
NumPad2 - increase game speed
NumPad3 - activate Slo-Mo mode
NumPad4/5 - cycle weather
NumPad6 - activate weather
NumPad7/8 - cycle visual FX
NumPad9 - activate visual FX
Mouse Wheel - camera zoom
ScrollLock - turn ReShade processing on/off
PrintScreen - take a screenshot (saved into the \The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt\bin\x64 directory)

Hold keys (defaults)

N - active meditation
K - show health
M - show minimap
Enter - show all HUD 

While in Radial Menu:

Q - switch between buffs and potions
Space - show active buffs
1 - consume potion / equip bomb 1
2 - consume potion / equip bomb 2
3 - consume potion / equip bomb 3
4 - consume potion / equip bomb 4
5 - consume potion / equip bomb 5
6 - consume potion / equip bomb 6
7 - consume potion / equip bomb 7
8 - consume potion / equip bomb 8
9 - consume potion  9
0 - consume potion 10
- (minus) - consume potion 11
= (equal) - consume potion 12

Mod Conflicts

This part is for information only and serves as a learning experience.

To check your mods for compatibility follow these instructions:

Navigate to your \My Documents\The Witcher 3 folder
Make a backup of "mods.settings" file 
Edit "mods.settings" file
If you have any patches installed, change their priority to something like 99
Input the following lines:
  [modName_Of_Confliting_Mod_1] 
  Enabled=1
  Priority=0 
  
  [modName_Of_Confliting_Mod_2] 
  Enabled=1
  Priority=1
Save the file

Now run the game and check if Mod 1 and Mod 2 are working.

• Both mods working correctly = No Mod Conflict.
• Mod 1 YES and Mod 2 NO = Mod Conflict. Follow these instructions to double check

Navigate to your \My Documents\The Witcher 3 folder
Edit "mods.settings" file
Swap the mod priority:
  [modName_Of_Confliting_Mod_2]
  Enabled=1
  Priority=0
  
  [modName_Of_Confliting_Mod_1] 
  Enabled=1
  Priority=1
Save the file

Now run the game and check if Mod 1 and Mod 2 are working.

• Mod 1 NO and Mod 2 YES = Mod Conflict Confirmed. Most likely outcome. You can either use only one of the mods or nicely ask mod authors for a patch.
• None of the mods work = Mod Conflict Confirmed. Same as above.
• Both are working correctly = Magic? Change the patch priority to 0, and move both mods up 1 priority and pray that the magic lasts forever.

After troubleshooting your mods don't forget to restore the mods.settings backup file and introduce any changes if necessary.

Support & Feedback

Support is provided via a forum thread on STEP Community forums, so if you have any questions, suggestions or any feedback in general please post there and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Credits

rootsrat aka Elenear - Master Witcher
EssArrBee and Neovalen - the guide style sheet.
STEP for being one the best communities on the internet, gaming or not
A.l.e.x. for the configuration files guide
The Nexus for hosting all the mods
SkacikPL for providing a lot of information about Witcher 3 scripting
Countless modders for making their excellent contributions, this one goes without saying, we wouldn't be here if not for them!
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