﻿The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - graphics optimization mod for Steam Deck
Game version: 5.0.16 (Steam, DirectX 12), witcher3.exe 5.0.16.41566, Steam Build ID 26238013

WHAT THIS IS
A settings mod: every graphics settings level was made cheaper, plus hidden engine settings that are not in the menu.
Only two text files are changed; the exe and game assets are not touched. One preset for the whole game, tuned on
the heaviest scenes - Novigrad market and the forest.
What exactly was changed is in "Changes_EN.txt".

RESULTS (Steam Deck, TDP 18 W, settings from "IN-GAME SETTINGS")
- Novigrad market: was 44.8 fps (1% low 41.9), now 49.8 fps (1% low 40.5), no stutter.
- Forest: was 48.3 fps (1% low 45.4), now 50.5 fps (1% low 47.3).

INSTALLATION
1. You MUST back up the files that will be replaced. Without a backup the mod can only be removed by verifying
   game files in Steam:
   bin\config\r4game\user_config_matrix\pc\graphics.xml
   bin\config\platform\pc\rendering.ini
2. Copy the contents of the "The Witcher 3" folder from the archive (the bin folder) into the game folder and replace the files.
   Where the game folder is: Steam >> Library >> The Witcher 3 >> gear icon >> Manage >> Browse local files.
   On Steam Deck it is usually: /home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/common/The Witcher 3
3. Start the game and apply the settings from the section below.
   If an option is already at the right value, switch it to a neighbouring value and back: the game applies an option's
   values only when it is switched.

IN-GAME SETTINGS
You MUST turn off mod.io mods: Options >> Gameplay >> Mods >> Off.
Their background thread loads the CPU: without it +0.5 fps and smoother frame times.

Important settings (Options >> Graphics):
- Anti-aliasing: AMD FSR Upscaling
- FSR quality: Quality
- Dynamic resolution: On (the mod uses it to hold the internal resolution at 1004x624)
- Sharpening: High
- Ambient occlusion: GTAO, GTAO quality: Medium
- Shadow quality: Medium
- Screen space shadows: On
- Number of background characters: Low
- Foliage visibility range: Low
- Grass density: Low
Everything else is up to you.

IMPORTANT
- This mod is for game version 5.0.16 (Build ID 26238013) only. After a game update, do not copy these files into the new version.
- "Verify integrity of game files" in Steam brings back the original files, and the mod stops working.
  After verifying, repeat step 2.
- When FSR is selected, the game resets Sharpening and may not save it. If sharpening is off after a restart:
  close the game and in dx12user.settings, section [PostProcess], set SharpenAmount=2.
  On Steam Deck the file is here:
  /home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/292030/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/Documents/The Witcher 3/dx12user.settings
  On Windows: Documents\The Witcher 3\dx12user.settings

HOW TO REMOVE THE MOD
1. Restore the files from your backup
   (or Steam >> game Properties >> Installed Files >> Verify integrity of game files).
2. Switch these options to a neighbouring value and back: Grass density, Number of background characters, Detail level,
   Shadow quality, Foliage visibility range. Or pick any ready-made graphics preset. This puts the original values back
   into your settings.

TESTED ON
The licensed Steam version of the game. Not tested on the GOG version.
Device and settings used for testing:
- Steam Deck LCD (Van Gogh APU), modified BIOS
- RAM overclocked to 6400 MT/s (stock 5500)
- GPU overclocked to 1800 MHz (stock 1600)
- TDP 18 W (stock 15)
- Undervolt: CPU -50 mV, GPU -30 mV
- Screen 70 Hz
- SteamOS 3.9.5 (build 20261023.100), Proton 11.0-2e
- In the game: 1280x800, DirectX 12, settings from "IN-GAME SETTINGS"

AUTHOR
Made by Not_Oleg.
