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Difference between revisions of "The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(VR section)
(Added mention of the newly added GOG Galaxy achievement support for the game, all these years later, in a happily unexpected manner.)
(201 intermediate revisions by 66 users not shown)
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{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
|cover        = The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings cover.png
+
|cover        = The Witcher 2 Assassins of Kings cover.jpg
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|CD Projekt Red}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|CD Projekt Red}}
{{Infobox game/row/osxporter|Virtual Programming}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Virtual Programming|OS X}}
{{Infobox game/row/linporter|Virtual Programming}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Virtual Programming|Linux}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|CD Projekt}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|CD Projekt}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Atari|Retail}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|PlayON|Hungary}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
{{Infobox game/row/engine|REDengine{{!}}REDengine 2}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/engine|REDengine|name=REDengine|Past}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/engine|REDengine|name=REDengine 2|Enhanced Edition}}
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|May 17, 2011}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|May 17, 2011}}
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|October 18, 2012|ref=<ref>[http://www.deliver2mac.com/products/witcher2 The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Mac Game :: Deliver2Mac]</ref>}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|October 18, 2012|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.deliver2mac.com/products/witcher2|title=The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Mac Game :: Deliver2Mac|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|May 22, 2014|ref=<ref>[http://store.steampowered.com/news/13401/ News - Now Available on SteamOS - The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition, 80% off!]</ref>}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|May 22, 2014|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/13401/|title=News - Now Available on SteamOS - The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition, 80% off!|date=May 2023}}</ref>}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings|88}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings|86}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | None }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Third-person }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | RPG }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Fantasy }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | The Witcher }}
 
|steam appid  = 20920
 
|steam appid  = 20920
|gogcom page  = the_witcher_2
+
|gogcom id    = 1207658930
 +
|official site= http://thewitcher.com/witcher2/
 +
|hltb        = 10268
 +
|lutris      = the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-enhanced-edition
 +
|strategywiki =
 +
|mobygames    = 51611
 
|wikipedia    = The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
 
|wikipedia    = The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
 
|winehq      = 13079
 
|winehq      = 13079
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
{{Series|The Witcher}}
 
  
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
{{++}} Has official modding tools.
+
|introduction      =
{{++}} Owning any version, including retail, entitles you to a DRM-free copy on GOG.com; see [https://www.gog.com/witcher/backup/ Witcher Backup].
+
 
{{--}} No in-game ability to change video, input, and language options.
+
|release history  =
{{--}} Incompatible with Windows' built-in color calibration feature. Calibrated screens will have ill in-game colors.
+
 
 +
|current state    = [[Company:CD Projekt Red|CD Projekt Red]] has released official modding tool for the game.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://redkitwiki.cdprojektred.com/|title=REDkit Wiki|date=May 2023}}</ref> The game is incompatible with Windows' built-in color calibration feature. Screens calibrated using this feature will have incorrectly-displayed in-game colors.{{cn|date=11-8-2023}}
 +
 
 +
As of May 17, 2023 <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/the_witcher_2/announcement_achievements_now_available_for_the_witcher_2_assassins_of_kings_enhanced_edition_on_g|title=ANNOUNCEMENT: Achievements now available for The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition on GOG|date=2023-12-28}}</ref>, [[GOG Galaxy]] has added achievement support for the game. Before that, achievement support had been advertised in the game's store page, with the respective trophy icon, but in actuality achievements didn't exist for the game in that platform. This has now been rectified, years later, in a happily unexpected manner.
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
{{mm}} [http://thewitcher.com/witcher2/ Official Website]
+
{{mm}} [https://forums.cdprojektred.com/forums/37-The-Witcher-2-Assassins-of-Kings Official Forums]
{{mm}} [http://forums.cdprojektred.com/forums/37-The-Witcher-2-Assassins-of-Kings Official Forums]
+
{{mm}} [https://witcher.fandom.com/wiki/Witcher_Wiki Official Witcher Wiki (Fandom)]
{{mm}} [http://witcher.gamepedia.com/Witcher_Wiki#The%20Witcher%202 Official Witcher Wiki]
+
{{mm}} [https://witcher-games.fandom.com/wiki/Witcher_Wiki Official Witcher Game Series Wiki (Gamepedia)]
{{GOG.com links|the_witcher_2|the_witcher_2}}
+
{{GOG.com links|1207658930|the_witcher_2}}
 
{{mm}} [https://www.gog.com/forum/the_witcher_2/list_of_known_bugs/page1 A comprehensive list of known issues and potential fixes].
 
{{mm}} [https://www.gog.com/forum/the_witcher_2/list_of_known_bugs/page1 A comprehensive list of known issues and potential fixes].
{{mm}} [http://en.thewitcher.com/forum/index.php?/topic/22348-the-witcher-2-for-pc-technical-faq/ The Witcher 2 for PC Technical FAQ].
+
{{mm}} [https://en.thewitcher.com/forum/index.php?/topic/22348-the-witcher-2-for-pc-technical-faq/ The Witcher 2 for PC Technical FAQ].
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/20920/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
+
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/20920/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
{{Availability/row| Retail | | DRM-free | [[DRM]]: [[SecuROM]]. Removed in [[#Patches|patches]] and later retail releases. | GOG | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Disc, Activation, DRM-free | {{removed DRM|SecuROM|8|SecuROM PA}}. <br/ > Removed in [[#Patches|patches]] and later retail releases. | GOG.com | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| D2D | 5001698 | unknown | | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | the_witcher_2 | DRM-free | Enhanced Edition. <br/ > Offers various bonus goodies including the complete soundtrack in MP3 and FLAC formats. | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | DD-W2AKEE | DRM-free | | | Windows, OS X }}
+
{{Availability/row| Humble | the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-enhanced-edition | GOG.com | Enhanced Edition. | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
{{Availability/row| Games Republic | 402 | GOG | | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| MacApp | id564196178 | MacApp | Enhanced Edition. | | OS X }}
{{Availability/row| GOG | the_witcher_2 | DRM-free | Offers various bonus goodies including the complete soundtrack in MP3 and FLAC formats. | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| Steam | 20920 | Steam | Enhanced Edition. | GOG.com | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
{{Availability/row| Humble | the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings-enhanced-edition | GOG | | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | DD-W2AKEE | DRM-free | | | Windows, OS X | unavailable }}
{{Availability/row| MacApp | id564196178 | MacApp | | | OS X }}
+
{{Availability/row| Origin | witcher/the-witcher-assassins-of-kings/enhanced-edition | Origin | Enhanced Edition. | | Windows | unavailable }}
{{Availability/row| Origin | witcher-2 | DRM-free | | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 20920 | Steam | | GOG | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
{{Availability/row| Uplay-NA | 316987100 | GOG | | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
{{Availability/row| Uplay-EMEA | 317918800 | GOG | | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{++}} All versions can be registered on GOG.com even if a product key was not included; see [https://www.gog.com/witcher/backup/ Witcher Backup] for details.
 
{{++}} All versions can be registered on GOG.com even if a product key was not included; see [https://www.gog.com/witcher/backup/ Witcher Backup] for details.
Line 53: Line 77:
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
{{ii}} Install the latest [http://witcher.wikia.com/wiki/Patch patches] to fix bugs and remove DRM.
+
{{ii}} Install the latest [https://witcher.fandom.com/wiki/Patch patches] to fix bugs and remove DRM.
 
 
===Modifications===
 
'''No Intro Videos'''
 
  
The [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/150 No Intro Videos Mod] skips all intro videos except the logo by CDProjekt.
+
===[https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/981 Project Mersey - The Witcher 2 Fix Pack]===
 +
“An extensive fix pack spanning across all aspects of the game. Including bug fixes, restored journal entries, dialogues, even entire characters and equipment. Also aimed at removing most tedious aspects of the game.
  
'''Market Price Mod'''
+
{{++}} Includes many bug fixes and acts as the unofficial patch of the game.
 +
{{++}} Restores cut content.
 +
{{--}} Also includes various quality-of-life improvements which modifies some of the developer-intended game mechanics which might not be suitable for players who are looking for a pure, vanilla experience.
 +
{{ii}} The author includes documentation that lists every change and the associated files, allowing users with modding knowledge to create their own customized version.
  
[http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/67 Market Price Mod] makes buying and selling prices within markets more fair to the player. It reduces the 24:1 ratio between buy to sell prices and reduces it to 5:1 as seen in the original game.
+
===Modifications===
 
+
====Skip intro videos====
'''Text size'''
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use Intro logo removal mod and a blank video file|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=JPulowski|date=2023-12-13|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 
+
{{ii}} Intro logo removal mod allows skipping of all the intro videos except the CD Projekt logo. Deleting the associated {{file|cdpr.usm}} file or removing its contents causes the game not to start, however, it is possible to effectively skip it by providing the game with a blank valid <code>.usm</code> video file.
For people having problems with the size of text on large resolutions or on small displays, getting any variation of the [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/272 Comfy Font], and placing the .dzip in the CookedPC folder will make it bigger and more visible.
+
# Download the [https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/150 Intro logo removal] mod and extract the {{folder|globals}} folder inside the archive to {{folder|{{p|game}}\CookedPC\}}.
 
+
# Download and save the {{file|[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/2840-cdprusm/ cdpr.usm]}} file to {{folder|{{p|game}}\CookedPC\movies\}} and overwrite the existing file.
'''Semi-Official Combat Mod By CDP developers'''
+
}}
 
 
[http://redkit.cdprojektred.com/index.php?c=mod&m=show&p=77 Full Combat Rebalance] is a mod created by the developers of the game. A lot of changes as an 80% increase in responsiveness per Geralt's animations and decreased time for returning to exploration after combat is two of the many changes. Registration on the site is required to download the mod. The file is 1.5 GB in a compressed format.
 
 
 
===Utilities===
 
* [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/10/? The Witcher 2 Savegame manager] allows for the easy backup, management, and removal of The Witcher 1 and 2 save files. Can tremendously improve the clutter of savegame files.  
 
* [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/181/? The Witcher 2 Tweaker] allows for greater customization of graphics options to further tailor your game for the PC. Also has helpful tips for improving performance on some computers as well.
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
===Configuration files location===
+
{{Image|Witcher 2 Configuration Tool.png|Configuration Tool}}
 +
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Witcher 2\Config\}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Witcher 2\Config\}}
{{Game data/row|OS X|~/Library/Application Support/com.vpltd.TheWitcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/config/}}
+
{{Game data/config|OS X|{{p|osxhome}}/Library/Application Support/com.vpltd.TheWitcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/config/}}
{{Game data/row|Linux|{{P|xdgdatahome}}/cdprojektred/witcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/config/}}
+
{{Game data/config|Linux|{{P|xdgdatahome}}/cdprojektred/witcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/config/}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{XDG|true}}
 
{{XDG|true}}
Line 87: Line 107:
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Witcher 2\}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Witcher 2\gamesaves\}}
{{Game data/row|OS X|~/Library/Application Support/com.vpltd.TheWitcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/gamesaves/}}
+
{{Game data/saves|OS X|{{p|osxhome}}/Library/Application Support/com.vpltd.TheWitcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/gamesaves/}}
{{Game data/row|Linux|{{P|xdgdatahome}}/cdprojektred/witcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/gamesaves/}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Linux|{{P|xdgdatahome}}/cdprojektred/witcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/gamesaves/}}
{{Game data/row|Steam|{{P|Steam}}/userdata/{{P|uid}}/20920/remote/}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Steam|{{P|Steam}}/userdata/{{P|uid}}/20920/remote/}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{++}} Saves can be imported from [[The Witcher]].
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
|origin               =  
+
|discord                  =
|origin notes         =  
+
|discord notes            =
|steam cloud           = true
+
|epic games launcher      =
|steam cloud notes     = Steam version uses Steam save game location when cloud is activated
+
|epic games launcher notes =
|uplay                =  
+
|gog galaxy                = true
|uplay notes           =  
+
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                   = false
 +
|origin notes             =  
 +
|steam cloud               = true
 +
|steam cloud notes         = Approx. 954 MB available.<br/>Steam version uses Steam save game data location when cloud is activated.
 +
|ubisoft connect          =  
 +
|ubisoft connect notes     =
 +
|xbox cloud                =
 +
|xbox cloud notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/witcher-2-assassins-kings
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/witcher-2-assassins-kings
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = gold
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = gold
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
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|widescreen resolution notes= 1280x720 and higher.
 
|widescreen resolution notes= 1280x720 and higher.
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
|multimonitor notes        = Use [https://www.flawlesswidescreen.org Flawless Widescreen] or [https://www.widescreenfixer.org Widescreen Fixer].
+
|multimonitor notes        = See [[#Ultra-widescreen|Ultra-widescreen]].
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
|ultrawidescreen notes      = Use [https://www.flawlesswidescreen.org Flawless Widescreen] or [https://www.widescreenfixer.org Widescreen Fixer].
+
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See [[#Ultra-widescreen|Ultra-widescreen]].
 
|4k ultra hd                = true
 
|4k ultra hd                = true
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov                        = hackable
|fov notes                  = Use the [http://redkit.cdprojektred.com/index.php?c=mod&m=show&p=76 Change your Fov] mod.
+
|fov notes                  = The game increases FOV on outdoor areas and further when fighting. To customize, use [https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/826 FOV-Mod].
 
|windowed                  = true
 
|windowed                  = true
 
|windowed notes            =  
 
|windowed notes            =  
|borderless windowed        = hackable
+
|borderless windowed        = false
|borderless windowed notes  = Use [https://github.com/Codeusa/Borderless-Gaming Borderless-Gaming].
+
|borderless windowed notes  =  
|anisotropic                = hackable
+
|anisotropic                = false
|anisotropic notes          = Force using the [[NVIDIA Control Panel#Modifying Advanced 3D Settings|NVIDIA Control Panel]]/[[AMD VISION Engine Control Center]].
+
|anisotropic notes          = No built-in option for anisotropic filtering, the game seems to use trilinear filtering. Forcing through the GPU control panel only seems to work on select surfaces, terrain remains unaffected.<ref>https://steamcommunity.com/app/20920/discussions/0/846956269281332633/#c540738051404306502</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://linustechtips.com/topic/338939-enabling-anisitrophy-in-the-witcher-2/|title=linustechtips.com|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 
|antialiasing              = true
 
|antialiasing              = true
|antialiasing notes        =  
+
|antialiasing notes        = Custom post-processing method labeled as "Anti-aliasing"<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.nvidia.com/en-gb/geforce/news/witcher-2-tweak-guide/#6|title=GeForce - The Witcher 2 Tweak Guide|date=2023-12-13|snippet=The game uses a custom post-process form of AA which does a good job of reducing jagged lines with a moderate performance hit}}</ref> and 2x2 [[OGSSAA]] labeled as "UberSampling"<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2020-the-witcher-2-2020-vision-retrospective|title=Eurogamer.net - 2020 Vision: The Witcher 2 was a stunning tech achievement that still looks great today|date=2023-12-13|snippet=First, let's talk ubersampling - which is just a cheeky way of saying 2x2 ordered grid super-sampling.}}</ref>.
 +
|upscaling                  = false
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =  
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps                    = true
|60 fps notes              =
+
|60 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps                    = true
 
|120 fps                    = true
|120 fps notes              = No frame rate or refresh rate cap.<ref>[http://120hz.net/showthread.php?3258-New-120Hz-Games-Report New 120Hz Games Report]</ref>
+
|120 fps notes              = No frame rate or refresh rate cap.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160913143805/http://120hz.net/showthread.php?3258-New-120Hz-Games-Report|title=New 120Hz Games Report|date=May 2023}}</ref>
|color blind                = unknown
+
|hdr                        = false
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 +
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
===GPU/CPU Intensive Settings===
+
===Ultra-widescreen===
Enabling the following options will result in a significant reduction in in-game frame rate:
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use Widescreen Fixer v3.4 r662 with the updated Witcher 2 plugin|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.wsgf.org/dr/witcher-2-assassins-kings|title=WSGF - The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings|date=2023-12-12|snippet=For GoG & Steam version v.3.5.0.26g (May 2023): You can use a custom version of Widescreen Fixer (r662) & Plugin found on 3dsurroundgaming.com}}</ref>|fix=
*'''Cinematic Depth of Field:''' Of the three depth of field options available, cinematic depth of field results in the biggest performance decrease. Enabling it applies a stylised depth of field effect to cutscenes and dialog sections. It is important to note that enabling it essentially enables depth of field anyway, so this option should be used in conjunction with 'Depth of Field - Cutscenes'. Again, it's performance impact is significant.
+
{{ii}} The latest 3.5.0.26g Steam and GOG version is not supported by the currently available built-in Flawless Widescreen and Widescreen Fixer plugins, requiring a custom updated plugin that only works with Widescreen Fixer v3.4 r662.
*'''Light Shafts:''' This option adds realistic light glares as sunlight filters through trees, etc. However, in graphically busy areas such as forests it can result in a major performance hit, and as such disabling it is recommended on lower end systems.
+
# Download the [http://3dsurroundgaming.com/img/Plugins/Archive/WidescreenFixer662.rar Widescreen Fixer v3.4 r662] archive file and extract it to a directory of your own choosing.
*'''LOD [Level of Detail] Distance:''' This decides how far away detailed objects (such as some shrubbery, objects, etc.) are rendered. The higher you set this value, the further away such objects will be rendered, and the larger the impact on FPS. As the difference between the 'Near' and 'Far' options is visually negligible in almost all instances, 'Near' is recommended for most systems. For systems which only just meet the system requirements, consider using the 'Minimal' option.
+
# Download the updated [https://3dsurroundgaming.com/img/Plugins/Archive/Plugin.TheWitcher2AssassinsofKings.rar Witcher 2 plugin] archive file and extract it to the {{folder|Plugins}} folder of Widescreen Fixer v3.4 r662.
*'''Motion Blur:''' Enabling this option will result in a stylistic blur effect rotating the camera, which also results in an overall performance decrease.
+
# Run <code>Widescreen Fixer.exe</code>.
*'''SSAO [Screen Space Ambient Occlusion]:''' This option improves the overall quality of shadows in-game by increasing their definition and contrast. Enabling it will also largely impact performance.
+
# Select <code>The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings</code> from the drop-down menu.
*'''UberSampling:''' This option essentially requires your system render everything on-screen multiple times before displaying, resulting in a drastic increase in overall visual detail, maximising object detail and smoothness, with the expense of a huge performance hit. It is only recommended to enable this option if you have a very high-end system.
+
# Click on the cog icon to open the plugin settings.
*'''Wet Surfaces Rain Effect:''' This option is only active when it is raining in-game, and adds a semi-transparent filter to many objects to make the rainfall impact appear more realistic. It can result in a sizeable performance hit during rain sequences, however, so disabling it is a good idea for performance increases.
+
# Select your game version (i.e., <code>GoG</code> or <code>Steam</code>).
 +
# Input the aspect ratio for the chosen ultra-widescreen game resolution (e.g., <code>43:18</code> for <code>3440x1440</code>). You can use this [https://andrew.hedges.name/experiments/aspect_ratio/ online tool] to calculate aspect ratio of any resolution.
 +
# Input the horizontal part of the chosen ultra-widescreen game resolution (e.g., <code>3440</code> for <code>3440x1440</code>).
 +
# Click on '''Save Settings''' and then '''Close Window'''.
 +
# Run the game and either start a new game or load a game to get into the game state where you play as the main character and the UI is visible.
 +
# Press the {{Key|*}} key 3 times (or whichever key combination is set as the hotkey in Widescreen Fixer settings) until you see the game as "squeezed-in" then {{Key|Alt|Tab}} out of the game and then back in to fix the rendering. Alternatively, instead of using the Widescreen Fixer hotkey, you can {{Key|Alt|Tab}} out of the game and choose <code>The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings</code> from the drop-down menu multiple times until Widescreen Fixer applies correctly.
 +
{{++}} Widescreen Fixer will automatically apply the correction upon each consecutive game launch, as long as the resolution does not change and Widescreen Fixer runs in the background.
 +
{{--}} The fix needs to be manually applied as shown upon the initial launch of the game.
 +
{{--}} UI elements and on-screen effects are limited to 16:9.
 +
{{--}} Overhead subtitles are stretched.
 +
}}
  
Note all other graphics options can be enabled/disabled with little or no FPS impact. Note that whilst 'Texture Downscaling' has a significant visual impact on the 'High' setting, reducing downscaling to 'Low' or disabling it entirely can drastically improve the look of the game with very little performance impact.
+
===Enable or disable sharpening filter===
 +
{{--}} Sharpening filter is enabled by default, for some players the effect might be too aggressive and may also cause aliasing and shimmering.
  
===Sharpening filter===
+
{{Fixbox|description=Modify User.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=JPulowski|date=2023-12-12|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
The Witcher 2 makes use of a sharpening filter that increases the sharpness of the game's visuals. While this setting has a negligible performance impact it does cause increased aliasing and adds an unnatural sheen to many objects, if those bother you it can be disabled with an INI tweak.
+
# Go to [[#Configuration_file(s)_location|configuration file location]].
 +
# Open {{File|User.ini}}.
 +
# Find <code>AllowSharpen=1</code> and change the <code>1</code> to <code>0</code>.
 +
}}
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Line 158: Line 206:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
===Ambient occlusion===
{{Fixbox/fix|Disabling sharpening filter}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Force HBAO+ (Nvidia only)|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sq0vgFlerS-YT093TS2jEpx6xjZP7X1x1BcAs7EHXYY/edit#gid=0&range=A267|title=HBAO+ Compatibility Flags|date=May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://forums.guru3d.com/threads/hbao-compatibility-flags-thread.387114/page-39#post-4896198|title=Original HBAO+ Post at Guru3D.com Forums|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
#Go to <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Witcher 2\Config\</code>
+
# Download and run [[Nvidia Profile Inspector]].
#Open <code>User.ini</code>.
+
# Select the The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings profile.
#Find <code>AllowSharpen=1</code> and replace it with <code>AllowSharpen=0</code>
+
#Change <code>Ambient Occlusion compatibility</code> value to <code>0x00000033</code>.
}}
+
#Change <code>Ambient Occlusion setting</code> to <code>High Quality</code>.
 
+
#Change <code>Ambient Occlusion usage</code> to <code>Enabled</code>.
===HBAO+(NVIDIA GPUs Only)===
+
#Press "Apply Changes" in the top-right corner.
Users that are using 16:9 resolutions are able to use HBAO+ in the game via NVIDIA Inspector. [http://forums.guru3d.com/showpost.php?p=4896198&postcount=764]
 
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
'''Notes'''
{{Fixbox/fix|Utilizing HBAO+}}
+
{{ii}} SSAO needs to be disabled in the launcher.
#Go to <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Witcher 2\Config\</code>.
+
{{ii}} Only works with true 16:9 resolutions.
#Open <code>User.ini</code>.
+
{{ii}} The Ubersampling option prevents HBAO+ from working.<ref>https://forums.guru3d.com/threads/hbao-compatibility-flags-thread.387114/page-39#post-4896019</ref>
#Find <code>AllowSSAO=1</code> and replace it with <code>AllowSSAO=0</code>.
 
#Download [http://www.guru3d.com/files_details/nvidia_inspector_download.html NVIDIA Inspector].
 
#Open NVIDIA Inspector and click on the crossed screwdriver and wrench icon.
 
#Under <code>Profiles</code> select <code>The Witcher 2</code>.
 
#Under <code>Ambient Occlusion compatibility</code> insert the compatibility code <code>0x00000033</code>.
 
#Under <code>Ambient Occlusion setting</code> select <code>Quality</code> or <code>High Quality</code>.
 
#Under <code>Ambient Occlusion usage</code> select <code>Enabled</code>.
 
#On the top right hand corner click on <code>Apply changes</code>.
 
#You may now close NVIDIA Inspector and enjoy The Witcher 2 with HBAO+ enabled.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
Line 195: Line 233:
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = unknown
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = unknown
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 +
|touchscreen              = false
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support notes  = XInput controllers only.
 
|controller support notes  = XInput controllers only.
Line 205: Line 245:
 
|invert controller y-axis  = true
 
|invert controller y-axis  = true
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
|touchscreen               = unknown
+
|xinput controllers        = true
|touchscreen notes        =  
+
|xinput controllers notes  =
|button prompts            = unknown
+
|xbox prompts              = true
|button prompts notes      =  
+
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = false
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4               = false
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= false
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers         = false
 +
|other controllers notes  =
 +
|other button prompts      = unknown
 +
|other button prompts notes=  
 +
|button prompts            = Xbox, DualShock
 +
|button prompts notes      = For DualShock use the [https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/905 Dualshock 4 (PS4) button prompts Mod].
 
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
|haptic feedback          = unknown
+
|haptic feedback          = false
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
|light bar support        = unknown
+
|simultaneous input        = true
|light bar support notes   =  
+
|simultaneous input notes  =
 +
|steam input api          = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Mouse acceleration|Mouse acceleration]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Mouse acceleration|Mouse acceleration]]===
 
+
{{Fixbox|description=Disable mouse acceleration|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
{{Fixbox|1=
+
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration files location]].
{{Fixbox/fix|Disable mouse acceleration}}
+
#Open <code>User.ini</code>.
#Open <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Witcher 2\Config\User.ini</code>
 
 
#Under the [MouseInput] section set the following to:
 
#Under the [MouseInput] section set the following to:
 
<pre>MouseSmoothness=0  
 
<pre>MouseSmoothness=0  
Line 231: Line 300:
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
Line 244: Line 313:
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
|eax support notes        =  
+
|eax support notes         =
 +
|royalty free audio       = unknown
 +
|royalty free audio notes  =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
{{L10n|content=
 
{{L10n|content=
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 254: Line 326:
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Arabic
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Fan translation by AR Team, [https://discord.com/invite/zpVpQAe download].
 +
|fan      = true
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
Line 309: Line 389:
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Korean
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = Enhanced Edition.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://en.cdprojektred.com/download/brazilian-and-korean-subtitles-pack/|title=TW2 Brazilian and Korean Subtitles Pack - 11-05-2014 (CD Projekt Red).|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 322: Line 410:
 
  |language  = Brazilian Portuguese
 
  |language  = Brazilian Portuguese
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
  |audio    = False
+
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
  |notes    = Only available for PC version
+
  |notes    = Enhanced Edition.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://en.cdprojektred.com/download/brazilian-and-korean-subtitles-pack/|title=TW2 Brazilian and Korean Subtitles Pack - 11-05-2014 (CD Projekt Red).|date=May 2023}}</ref> Only available for PC version.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 348: Line 436:
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |audio    = false
 
  |subtitles = true
 
  |subtitles = true
  |notes    =  
+
  |notes    = Only available for PC version
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 360: Line 448:
 
|tridef 3d gg3d award        = gold
 
|tridef 3d gg3d award        = gold
 
|iz3d gg3d award            =  
 
|iz3d gg3d award            =  
|native 3d                  =  
+
|native 3d                  = unknown
 
|native 3d notes            =  
 
|native 3d notes            =  
 
|nvidia 3d vision            = true
 
|nvidia 3d vision            = true
Line 366: Line 454:
 
|tridef 3d                  = true
 
|tridef 3d                  = true
 
|tridef 3d notes            =  
 
|tridef 3d notes            =  
|iz3d                        =  
+
|iz3d                        = unknown
 
|iz3d notes                  =  
 
|iz3d notes                  =  
 +
|vorpx                      = true
 +
|vorpx modes                = G3D
 +
|vorpx notes                = Officially supported game, see [https://www.vorpx.com/supported-games/ official vorpx game list].
 
|htc vive                    =  
 
|htc vive                    =  
 
|htc vive notes              =  
 
|htc vive notes              =  
 
|oculus rift                =  
 
|oculus rift                =  
 
|oculus rift notes          =  
 
|oculus rift notes          =  
|tracked motion controllers  =  
+
|osvr                        =  
|tracked motion controllers notes=  
+
|osvr notes                 =  
 
|keyboard-mouse              =  
 
|keyboard-mouse              =  
 
|keyboard-mouse notes        =  
 
|keyboard-mouse notes        =  
Line 382: Line 473:
 
|trackir                    =  
 
|trackir                    =  
 
|trackir notes              =  
 
|trackir notes              =  
 +
|tobii eye tracking          =
 +
|tobii eye tracking notes    =
 
|play area seated            =  
 
|play area seated            =  
 
|play area seated notes      =  
 
|play area seated notes      =  
Line 391: Line 484:
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
{{ii}} TweakGuides has created a [http://www.geforce.com/Optimize/Guides/witcher-2-tweak-guide#1 comprehensive guide] for fixing issues in this game.
+
===Low quality shadows===
 +
{{--}} The built-in Witcher 2 Configuration Tool utility overwrites a group of shadow related settings with the values from the low graphic preset every time it is used.
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Modify User.ini|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.nvidia.com/en-gb/geforce/news/witcher-2-tweak-guide/#10|title=GeForce - The Witcher 2 Tweak Guide|date=2023-12-12|snippet=The variables above relate to the quality of shadows in the game. The Shadow Quality setting in the Configuration Tool does not appear to alter these variables correctly in line with the values stored in the preset .ini files under My DocumentsWitcher 2Configprofiles directory. The end result is that even if you set Shadow Quality to Ultra, the values in your User.ini file remain equivalent to the Low preset level. You can manually edit the lines above in User.ini to match the appropriate value in the preset .ini file of your choice.}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Go to [[#Configuration_file(s)_location|configuration file location]].
 +
# Open {{File|User.ini}}.
 +
# Modify the following settings:
 +
<pre>
 +
MaxCubeShadowCount=1
 +
MaxCubeShadowSize=256
 +
MaxSpotShadowCount=3
 +
MaxSpotShadowSize=512
 +
</pre>
 +
 
 +
{{mm}} You can see the preset files (e.g., {{File|PCUber.ini}}) in the {{folder|profiles}} folder in [[#Configuration_file(s)_location|configuration file location]] to see the reference values for graphic presets.
 +
{{ii}} Be aware that whenever the Witcher 2 Configuration Tool utility is run, this fix needs to be reapplied; alternatively you can set the {{File|User.ini}} file as read-only.
 +
}}
  
===Continued Stuttering During Gameplay===
+
===Linux version crashes on start===
  
There are two possible causes for this issue:
+
The Linux port of the game is not native but uses an outdated compatibility layer. If you have a Vulkan compatible graphic card it is highly recommended to use the Windows version of the game through Proton.
  
# Incorrect texture settings. Launch the game and navigate to the 'Options' menu on the launcher. Locate the option for 'Texture Memory Size (MB)'. This is how much of your graphics card RAM is allocated to texture storage. For a 512 MB card, it is recommended set this to 'Small', whereas for a 1 GB card set this to 'Large'. Allocating insufficient memory for texture storage can result in delayed texture rendering and constant stuttering during gameplay.
+
Go to Properties and enable "Force the use of a specific Steam play compatibility tool" and make sure the latest Proton is selected. If the game doesn't start, you may have to copy some files:
# Rendering too many frames in advance. To fix this use your GPU configuration panel to manually set the value of "Maximum Pre-Rendered Frames" (Nvidia) or "Flip Queue" (ATI) to 1. You may also need to limit frame rate and/or enable Vsync.
+
cp -r $HOME/.local/share/Steam/SteamApps/common/the\ witcher\ 2/bin/config/* $HOME/.local/share/Steam/SteamApps/compatdata/20920/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/My\ Documents/Witcher\ 2/Config<ref>https://www.protondb.com/app/20920#igTA-K4qO</ref>
  
 
===First Time Setup Lock===
 
===First Time Setup Lock===
 
The game attempts to reinstall the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 every time the game is launched.
 
The game attempts to reinstall the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 every time the game is launched.
  
====Option 1: Registry Change (recommended)====
+
====Option 1: Registry change (recommended)====
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Option 1: Registry Change (recommended)|ref={{cn|date=December 2016}}|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Option 1: Registry Change (recommended)}}
 
 
Open Notepad, and enter this code:
 
Open Notepad, and enter this code:
  
 
<pre>;For 64 bit systems (x64)
 
<pre>;For 64 bit systems (x64)
 
  Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
 
  Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
  [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Valve\Steam\Apps\20920]
+
  [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Valve\Steam\Apps\20920]
 
  "DirectX"=dword:00000001
 
  "DirectX"=dword:00000001
 
  "VCRedist"=dword:00000001
 
  "VCRedist"=dword:00000001
Line 424: Line 532:
 
Save as a <code>.reg</code> file, and then double click on it.
 
Save as a <code>.reg</code> file, and then double click on it.
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
====Option 2: Folder rename====
 
====Option 2: Folder rename====
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Option 2: Folder rename|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Option 2: Folder rename}}
 
 
# Go to the installation folder.
 
# Go to the installation folder.
 
# Rename <code>redist</code>.
 
# Rename <code>redist</code>.
Line 432: Line 540:
 
}}
 
}}
  
===Crash on startup with error 0xc0000142===
+
===Black screen during the cut-scene after the first chapter (Enhanced Edition)===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Black Screen During the Cut-scene after the First Chapter (Enhanced Edition)|ref={{cn|date=December 2016}}|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Crash on startup with error 0xc0000142}}
 
* If you have software from LucidLogix installed (It may have come with your motherboard), remove it.
 
* If you don't, try following [http://en.thewitcher.com/forum/index.php?/topic/26150-patch-21-issues/ these instructions]
 
* There is a .net Framework official hotfix which solves this error. [http://en.thewitcher.com/dotnet/ here]
 
}}
 
 
 
===Patch 2.1===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Patch 2.1 Error}}
 
Patch 2.1 is meant to fix communication between the game and the Witcher forums arena leader boards. Since the update, many people have experienced an error that says '''The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000142)'''. There are a few ways to fix this.
 
* If you are using GOG or retail version, just reinstall the game and do not update to 2.1
 
* If you are a Steam user, try-
 
** Reinstalling the Microsoft .Net 4
 
** Check your system for any browser toolbars installed. Uninstalling certain toolbars has been known to fix this issue. Some common ones are -
 
***Jzip
 
***searchqu
 
***Bearshare
 
***iLivid
 
***Other torrent or search bars
 
}}
 
===Black Screen During the Cut-scene after the First Chapter (Enhanced Edition)===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Black Screen During the Cut-scene after the First Chapter (Enhanced Edition)}}
 
 
A special cut-scene should be played off, but instead you receive a black screen and only hear Dandelion's voice.
 
A special cut-scene should be played off, but instead you receive a black screen and only hear Dandelion's voice.
  
 
* Possible Fix: Change your screen format to 16:9 ratio. It's working for most people.
 
* Possible Fix: Change your screen format to 16:9 ratio. It's working for most people.
 
}}
 
}}
===Random Crashes while Saving Game, Loading a Save Game or AutoSaving===
+
 
{{Fixbox|1=
+
===Random crashes===
{{Fixbox/fix|Random Crashes while Saving Game, Loading a Save Game or AutoSaving}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Random Crashes during Cutscenes|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Chick'n'Duck|date=2023-11-12|comment=Tested on Windows 7 64 bit. May not work or create damage on other OS}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{ii}} The game will crash to desktop without any error messages.
 
{{ii}} The game will crash to desktop without any error messages.
 
{{ii}} You may encounter this right before, after or during cut-scenes (i.e. when the game is auto-saving).
 
{{ii}} You may encounter this right before, after or during cut-scenes (i.e. when the game is auto-saving).
{{ii}} The solution modifies the Windows Registry in order to allow Windows to allocate more memory to other programs. More information [http://en.thewitcher.com/forum/index.php?/topic/23482-bcdedit-set-increaseuserva-3072/ here].
+
{{ii}} The solution modifies the Windows in order to allow it to allocate more memory to other programmes. More information [https://forums.cdprojektred.com/index.php?threads/bcdedit-set-increaseuserva-3072.14780/ here].
{{++}} '''Crashes on saving or auto-saving:''' this will occur in 32bit systems due to low memory. To solve it, press windows key + R key to bring up the Run window. Write "bcdedit /set increaseUserVa 3072" without the " and press {{key|Enter}}. Reboot the PC. In order to undo this change you can bring the Run window up again and write: "bcdedit /set IncreaseUserVa 2048" without the " and press {{key|Enter}}. Reboot the PC.
+
{{--}} This solution is for Windows 7. Effects of this command on other OS (such as Windows 10) are unknown and may be harmful.
{{++}} '''Crashes on loading save games:''' this will occur in some systems if you accumulate too many MBs worth of savegames. To solve it, go to your save game data folder and either delete or move most of the stored saves.
+
# Press {{key|Windows}}+{{key|R}} to open Run-window
 +
# Type <code>cmd</code> and press {{key|Enter}} to open the commandprompt
 +
# Within the prompt type <code>bcdedit /set IncreaseUserVa XXXX</code> and press {{key|Enter}}, to set the userspace to the provided value. XXXX can be the complete RAM, e. g. 16384 for 16 GB (use a GB to MB calculator, if needed, such as [https://www.gbmb.org/gb-to-mb GB to MB Conversion].
 +
# After a confirmation was displayed inside the prompt, start the game.
 +
# To reverse the changes, execute <code>bcdedit /deletevalue IncreaseUserVa</code> the same way and, after a confirmation, close the prompt.
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{++}} The two commands can be stored in batch-files, for easier reuse.
 +
{{ii}} If the problem persists, either deactivate the real-time protection of your antivirus program or add exceptions for The Witcher 2 folders and executables to it.{{cn|date=December 2016}}
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Crash to Desktop German version}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Crashes on 32-bit systems|ref={{cn|date=December 2016}}|fix=
{{ii}} If you have the German version there is a memory leak on display of chars like: öäüß
+
{{ii}} This will occur due to low memory. To solve it, press windows key + R key to bring up the Run window. Write "bcdedit /set increaseUserVa 3072" without the " and press {{key|Enter}}. Reboot the PC. In order to undo this change you can bring the Run window up again and write: "bcdedit /set IncreaseUserVa 2048" without the " and press {{key|Enter}}. Reboot the PC.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Crashes on loading save games|ref={{cn|date=December 2016}}|fix=
 +
{{ii}} This will occur in some systems if you accumulate too many MBs worth of savegames. To solve it, go to your save game data folder and either delete or move most of the stored saves.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Crash to Desktop German version|ref={{cn|date=December 2016}}|fix=
 +
{{ii}} If you have the German version there is a memory leak on display of the character '''ß'''
 
{{ii}} You can test this with constantly opening and closing the chest. About 10 times should make the game crash.
 
{{ii}} You can test this with constantly opening and closing the chest. About 10 times should make the game crash.
{{ii}} Here is a mod to fix the problem: http://witcher2.nexusmods.com/mods/359/?
+
{{ii}} Here is a mod to fix the problem: https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/850/
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===AMD GPU users double input===
 
===AMD GPU users double input===
 
If you have AMD Gaming Evolved installed, make sure the program is not running while playing.
 
If you have AMD Gaming Evolved installed, make sure the program is not running while playing.
 +
 +
===Long loading times when resuming a save===
 +
Large number of saves will result in longer loading times when you open the menu for loading a save. To fix delete unused saves or move them to a backup location.
 +
 +
===NVIDIA ambient occlusion flicker===
 +
When using ambient occlusion forced through NVIDIA Profile Inspector, there is a noticeable flicker while moving around, this is caused by higher-detail meshes being loaded in. To fix this issue, in the user.ini under the "rendering" section, increase "MeshDistanceScale" to a much higher value; e.g.: "MeshDistanceScale=100". This will also reduce non-AO related pop-in and in general make distant objects look better. Note that this potentially has a performance impact, test different values to see what works best on your system.
 +
 +
===Game stuck on wolf logo when launching===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Limit the number of cores in your CPU|ref=<ref>https://steamcommunity.com/app/20920/discussions/0/3801652929322345234/#c3801652929322540135</ref> <ref>https://steamcommunity.com/app/20920/discussions/0/4687682349648754732/</ref>|fix=
 +
 +
}}
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
 
===API===
 
===API===
 
{{API
 
{{API
|direct3d versions      = 9
+
|direct3d versions      = 9.0c
 
|direct3d notes        = Windows only.
 
|direct3d notes        = Windows only.
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 +
|wing                  =
 +
|wing notes            =
 
|opengl versions        = 2.1, 3.3
 
|opengl versions        = 2.1, 3.3
 
|opengl notes          = OS X and Linux only.
 
|opengl notes          = OS X and Linux only.
Line 496: Line 608:
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support        =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
 
|mantle support notes  =  
 +
|metal support          =
 +
|metal support notes    =
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes              =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
 
|dos modes notes        =  
|shader model versions  =  
+
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
|shader model notes     =  
+
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
|64-bit executable     = false
+
|windows arm app        = false
|64-bit executable notes=  
+
|windows exe notes     =
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = false
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = true
 +
|macos arm app          = true
 +
|macos app notes        = Build compatible with macOS 10.15 (Catalina) added on 27 July 2022 and at the same time 32-bit binary was removed.<br/>Apple Silicon support added on 20 November 2023.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/20920/announcements/detail/6161548922959215977|title=Steam :: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition :: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings now supports Apple silicon chips!|date=2023-11-21}}</ref>
 +
|linux powerpc app      = unknown
 +
|linux 32-bit executable= true
 +
|linux 64-bit executable= false
 +
|linux arm app          = false
 +
|linux 68k app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = unknown
 +
|mac os 68k app        = unknown
 +
|mac os executable notes=  
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Middleware===
 
===Middleware===
 
{{Middleware
 
{{Middleware
|physics          = Havok Physics
+
|physics          = Havok
 
|physics notes    =  
 
|physics notes    =  
 
|audio            = FMOD Ex
 
|audio            = FMOD Ex
 
|audio notes      =  
 
|audio notes      =  
|interface        = Scaleform GFx
+
|interface        = Scaleform
 
|interface notes  = Scaleform is also used for video playback.
 
|interface notes  = Scaleform is also used for video playback.
 
|input            =  
 
|input            =  
Line 521: Line 651:
 
===Linux port===
 
===Linux port===
 
The Linux port is not native, and is packaged in a [[Wine]]-like compatibility layer called eON. eON is used for some other titles (such as [[Stronghold 3]]). It is not based on Wine, but has a similar reimplementation of the relevant Windows APIs.
 
The Linux port is not native, and is packaged in a [[Wine]]-like compatibility layer called eON. eON is used for some other titles (such as [[Stronghold 3]]). It is not based on Wine, but has a similar reimplementation of the relevant Windows APIs.
 +
 +
===Modifications===
 +
 +
====[https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/67 Market Price Mod]====
 +
 +
Market Price Mod makes buying and selling prices within markets more fair to the player. It reduces the 24:1 ratio between buy to sell prices and reduces it to 5:1 as seen in the original game.
 +
 +
====[https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/272 Comfy Font]====
 +
 +
For people having problems with the size of text on large resolutions or on small displays, getting any variation of the Comfy Font, and placing the .dzip in the CookedPC folder will make it bigger and more visible.
 +
 +
====[https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/822/ Full Combat Rebalance]====
 +
 +
Full Combat Rebalance is a mod created by the developers of the game. It includes many changes, including an 80% increase in responsiveness per Geralt's animations and decreased time for returning to exploration after combat. The file is 1.5 GB in a compressed format.
 +
{{ii}} Highly recommended to use with [https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/877 FCR2 Fixpack and QoL compilation]
 +
 +
====[https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/889?tab=description AI Upscale Textures]====
 +
AI Upscale Textures contains over 600 character and object, 1100 original environmental and 150 weapon textures with increased resolution quality x2 (i.e. 512x512>1024x1024, up to 4096x4096) in AI Upscaled Characters Textures X2 VERSION OPTIMIZED, AI Upscaled Environmental Textures X2 VERSION OPTIMIZED and AI Upscaled Weapons Textures X2 VERSION OPTIMIZED. With minimal impact on performance.
 +
 +
===Utilities===
 +
* [https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/10/ The Witcher 2 Savegame manager] allows for the easy backup, management, and removal of The Witcher 1 and 2 save files. Can tremendously improve the clutter of savegame files.
 +
* [https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/181/ The Witcher 2 Tweaker] allows for greater customization of graphics options to further tailor your game for the PC. Also has helpful tips for improving performance on some computers as well.
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
Line 526: Line 678:
 
|OSfamily = Windows
 
|OSfamily = Windows
  
|minOS    = XP
+
|minOS    = XP, Vista, 7
|minCPU  = Intel/AMD Dual core 2.2 Ghz
+
|minCPU  = Intel Dual-Core 2.2 GHz
|minRAM  = 1.5 GB (XP) - 2 GB (Vista, 7)
+
|minCPU2  = AMD Dual-Core 2.5 GHz
|minHD    = 16 GB
+
|minRAM  = 1.5 GB (XP)<br/>2 GB (Vista, 7)
|minGPU  = ATI 3850
+
|minHD    = 25 GB
|minGPU2  = Nvidia 8800GT
+
|minGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 8800
 +
|minGPU2  = ATI Radeon HD 3850
 
|minVRAM  = 512 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 512 MB
 +
|minDX    = 9.29
  
|recOS    = Vista, 7
+
|recCPU  = Intel Quad core
|recCPU  = Intel/AMD Quadcore
+
|recCPU2  = AMD Quad core
|recRAM  = 3 GB ( XP) - 4 GB (Vista, 7)
+
|recRAM  = 3 GB (XP)<br/>4 GB (Vista, 7)
|recGPU  = ATI HD 4850
+
|recGPU  = Nvidia GeForce GTX 260
|recGPU2  = Nvidia  GTX 260
+
|recGPU2  = ATI Radeon HD 4850
 
|recVRAM  = 1 GB
 
|recVRAM  = 1 GB
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
{{System requirements
 
{{System requirements
 
|OSfamily = OS X
 
|OSfamily = OS X
  
|minOS    = 10.7.5, 10.8.0
+
|minOS    = 11
 
|minCPU  = Intel Core 2 Duo
 
|minCPU  = Intel Core 2 Duo
 +
|minCPU2  = Apple silicon M1/M2
 
|minRAM  = 4 GB
 
|minRAM  = 4 GB
 
|minHD    = 25 GB
 
|minHD    = 25 GB
|minGPU  = GeForce GT 650M 512 MB (on 1440x900, low)  
+
|minGPU  = Nvidia GeForce GT 650M 512 MB (on 1440x900, low)
|minGPU2  = Radeon HD 5770 1 GB (on 1440x900, low)  
+
|minGPU2  = ATI Radeon HD 5770 1 GB (on 1440x900, low)
 +
|minGPU3  = Apple silicon M1/M2
 
|minVRAM  = 512 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 512 MB
  
 
+
|recOS    = 12, 13
 
|recCPU  = Quad Core Intel
 
|recCPU  = Quad Core Intel
 +
|recCPU2  = Apple silicon M1/M2
 
|recRAM  = 8 GB
 
|recRAM  = 8 GB
|recGPU  = GeForce GTX 675MX (on 1920x1080, medium)
+
|recGPU  = Nvidia GeForce GTX 675MX (on 1920x1080, medium)
|recGPU2  = Radeon HD 6970M (on 1920x1080, medium)
+
|recGPU2  = AMD Radeon HD 6970M (on 1920x1080, medium)
 +
|recGPU3  = Apple silicon M1/M2
 
|recVRAM  = 1 GB
 
|recVRAM  = 1 GB
 +
|notes    = {{ii}} Intel integrated graphics chipsets are not supported.
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} OS X version has no support for Intel integrated GPUs.
+
 
 
{{System requirements
 
{{System requirements
 
|OSfamily = Linux
 
|OSfamily = Linux
|minOS    = Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, Steam OS
+
|minOS    = Ubuntu 14.04, Linux Mint 17, SteamOS
|minCPU  = Intel Core 2 Duo  
+
|minCPU  = Intel Core 2 Duo
 
|minRAM  = 4 GB
 
|minRAM  = 4 GB
 
|minHD    = 25 GB
 
|minHD    = 25 GB
|minGPU  = GeForce 9800 GT (1280x720, low)
+
|minGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 9800 GT (1280x720, low)
 
|minVRAM  = 512 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 512 MB
  
|recCPU  = Quad Core Intel
+
|recCPU  = Intel Quad Core
|recGPU  = GeForce GT 640 (1440x900, medium)
+
|recGPU  = Nvidia GeForce GT 640 (1440x900, medium)
 
|recVRAM  = 1 GB
 
|recVRAM  = 1 GB
 +
|notes    = {{ii}} MESA based drivers are not currently supported.<br/>{{ii}} Intel integrated graphics are not currently supported.
 
}}
 
}}
{{ii}} Linux version has no support for Intel integrated GPUs.
 
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
 +
{{GOG.com Enhancement Project}}

Revision as of 17:58, 28 December 2023

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings cover
Developers
CD Projekt Red
macOS (OS X) Virtual Programming
Linux Virtual Programming
Publishers
CD Projekt
Retail Atari
Hungary PlayON
Engines
Past REDengine
Enhanced Edition REDengine 2
Release dates
Windows May 17, 2011
macOS (OS X) October 18, 2012[1]
Linux May 22, 2014[2]
Reception
Metacritic 88
IGDB 86
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Third-person
Controls Direct control
Genres RPG
Themes Fantasy
Series The Witcher
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings on HowLongToBeat
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings on IGDB
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings on MobyGames
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings on Wikipedia
The Witcher
The Witcher 2007
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings 2011
The Witcher Adventure Game 2014
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt 2015
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game 2018
Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales 2018
Gwent: Rogue Mage 2022
The Witcher: Remake TBA

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is a singleplayer third-person RPG game in the The Witcher series.

CD Projekt Red has released official modding tool for the game.[3] The game is incompatible with Windows' built-in color calibration feature. Screens calibrated using this feature will have incorrectly-displayed in-game colors.[citation needed]

As of May 17, 2023 [4], GOG Galaxy has added achievement support for the game. Before that, achievement support had been advertised in the game's store page, with the respective trophy icon, but in actuality achievements didn't exist for the game in that platform. This has now been rectified, years later, in a happily unexpected manner.

General information

Official Forums
Official Witcher Wiki (Fandom)
Official Witcher Game Series Wiki (Gamepedia)
GOG.com Community Discussions
GOG.com Support Page
A comprehensive list of known issues and potential fixes.
The Witcher 2 for PC Technical FAQ.
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
Requires online activation
DRM-free
SecuROM 8 and SecuROM PA DRM.
Removed in patches and later retail releases.
GOG.com key
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
Enhanced Edition.
Offers various bonus goodies including the complete soundtrack in MP3 and FLAC formats.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Humble Store
GOG.com key
Enhanced Edition.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Mac App Store
Icon overlay.png
Enhanced Edition.
macOS (OS X)
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Enhanced Edition.
GOG.com key
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
GamersGate (unavailable)
DRM-free after installation (requires an internet connection during installation)
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Origin (unavailable)
Origin
Enhanced Edition.
Windows
All versions can be registered on GOG.com even if a product key was not included; see Witcher Backup for details.

Essential improvements

Patches

Install the latest patches to fix bugs and remove DRM.

Project Mersey - The Witcher 2 Fix Pack

“An extensive fix pack spanning across all aspects of the game. Including bug fixes, restored journal entries, dialogues, even entire characters and equipment. Also aimed at removing most tedious aspects of the game.”

Includes many bug fixes and acts as the unofficial patch of the game.
Restores cut content.
Also includes various quality-of-life improvements which modifies some of the developer-intended game mechanics which might not be suitable for players who are looking for a pure, vanilla experience.
The author includes documentation that lists every change and the associated files, allowing users with modding knowledge to create their own customized version.

Modifications

Skip intro videos

Use Intro logo removal mod and a blank video file[5]
Intro logo removal mod allows skipping of all the intro videos except the CD Projekt logo. Deleting the associated cdpr.usm file or removing its contents causes the game not to start, however, it is possible to effectively skip it by providing the game with a blank valid .usm video file.
  1. Download the Intro logo removal mod and extract the globals folder inside the archive to <path-to-game>\CookedPC\.
  2. Download and save the cdpr.usm file to <path-to-game>\CookedPC\movies\ and overwrite the existing file.

Game data

Configuration Tool
Configuration Tool

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Witcher 2\Config\
macOS (OS X) $HOME/Library/Application Support/com.vpltd.TheWitcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/config/
Linux $XDG_DATA_HOME/cdprojektred/witcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/config/
This game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Witcher 2\gamesaves\
macOS (OS X) $HOME/Library/Application Support/com.vpltd.TheWitcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/gamesaves/
Linux $XDG_DATA_HOME/cdprojektred/witcher2/GameDocuments/Witcher 2/gamesaves/
Steam <Steam-folder>/userdata/<user-id>/20920/remote/
Saves can be imported from The Witcher.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Origin
OneDrive
Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud
Approx. 954 MB available.
Steam version uses Steam save game data location when cloud is activated.

Video

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
1280x720 and higher.
Multi-monitor
See Ultra-widescreen.
Ultra-widescreen
See Ultra-widescreen.
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
The game increases FOV on outdoor areas and further when fighting. To customize, use FOV-Mod.
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
No built-in option for anisotropic filtering, the game seems to use trilinear filtering. Forcing through the GPU control panel only seems to work on select surfaces, terrain remains unaffected.[6][7]
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Custom post-processing method labeled as "Anti-aliasing"[8] and 2x2 OGSSAA labeled as "UberSampling"[9].
High-fidelity upscaling
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
No frame rate or refresh rate cap.[10]
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Ultra-widescreen

Use Widescreen Fixer v3.4 r662 with the updated Witcher 2 plugin[11]
The latest 3.5.0.26g Steam and GOG version is not supported by the currently available built-in Flawless Widescreen and Widescreen Fixer plugins, requiring a custom updated plugin that only works with Widescreen Fixer v3.4 r662.
  1. Download the Widescreen Fixer v3.4 r662 archive file and extract it to a directory of your own choosing.
  2. Download the updated Witcher 2 plugin archive file and extract it to the Plugins folder of Widescreen Fixer v3.4 r662.
  3. Run Widescreen Fixer.exe.
  4. Select The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings from the drop-down menu.
  5. Click on the cog icon to open the plugin settings.
  6. Select your game version (i.e., GoG or Steam).
  7. Input the aspect ratio for the chosen ultra-widescreen game resolution (e.g., 43:18 for 3440x1440). You can use this online tool to calculate aspect ratio of any resolution.
  8. Input the horizontal part of the chosen ultra-widescreen game resolution (e.g., 3440 for 3440x1440).
  9. Click on Save Settings and then Close Window.
  10. Run the game and either start a new game or load a game to get into the game state where you play as the main character and the UI is visible.
  11. Press the * key 3 times (or whichever key combination is set as the hotkey in Widescreen Fixer settings) until you see the game as "squeezed-in" then Alt+Tab out of the game and then back in to fix the rendering. Alternatively, instead of using the Widescreen Fixer hotkey, you can Alt+Tab out of the game and choose The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings from the drop-down menu multiple times until Widescreen Fixer applies correctly.
Widescreen Fixer will automatically apply the correction upon each consecutive game launch, as long as the resolution does not change and Widescreen Fixer runs in the background.
The fix needs to be manually applied as shown upon the initial launch of the game.
UI elements and on-screen effects are limited to 16:9.
Overhead subtitles are stretched.

Enable or disable sharpening filter

Sharpening filter is enabled by default, for some players the effect might be too aggressive and may also cause aliasing and shimmering.
Modify User.ini[12]
  1. Go to configuration file location.
  2. Open User.ini.
  3. Find AllowSharpen=1 and change the 1 to 0.

Ambient occlusion

Force HBAO+ (Nvidia only)[13][14]
  1. Download and run Nvidia Profile Inspector.
  2. Select the The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings profile.
  3. Change Ambient Occlusion compatibility value to 0x00000033.
  4. Change Ambient Occlusion setting to High Quality.
  5. Change Ambient Occlusion usage to Enabled.
  6. Press "Apply Changes" in the top-right corner.

Notes

SSAO needs to be disabled in the launcher.
Only works with true 16:9 resolutions.
The Ubersampling option prevents HBAO+ from working.[15]

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
See Mouse acceleration.
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
XInput controllers only.
Full controller support
Game can be started and played with a controller, but launcher can not be fully navigated without mouse/keyboard (Enhanced Edition).
Controller remapping
Most bindings can be remapped (Enhanced Edition).
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
Xbox button prompts
Impulse Trigger vibration
PlayStation controllers
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Generic/other controllers
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Additional information
Button prompts
For DualShock use the Dualshock 4 (PS4) button prompts Mod.
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Mouse acceleration

Disable mouse acceleration[citation needed]
  1. Go to the configuration files location.
  2. Open User.ini.
  3. Under the [MouseInput] section set the following to:
MouseSmoothness=0 
Smoothness=0
UseMouseDamp=false
MouseDampX=0
MouseDampY=0

and save it

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Up to 7.1
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Arabic
Fan translation by AR Team, download.
Traditional Chinese
Czech
French
German
Hungarian
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Enhanced Edition.[16]
Polish
Brazilian Portuguese
Enhanced Edition.[17] Only available for PC version.
Russian
Spanish
Turkish
Only available for PC version

VR support

3D modes State GG3D Notes
Nvidia 3D Vision
TriDef 3D
vorpX
G3D
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.

Issues fixed

Low quality shadows

The built-in Witcher 2 Configuration Tool utility overwrites a group of shadow related settings with the values from the low graphic preset every time it is used.
Modify User.ini[18]
  1. Go to configuration file location.
  2. Open User.ini.
  3. Modify the following settings:
MaxCubeShadowCount=1
MaxCubeShadowSize=256
MaxSpotShadowCount=3
MaxSpotShadowSize=512
You can see the preset files (e.g., PCUber.ini) in the profiles folder in configuration file location to see the reference values for graphic presets.
Be aware that whenever the Witcher 2 Configuration Tool utility is run, this fix needs to be reapplied; alternatively you can set the User.ini file as read-only.

Linux version crashes on start

The Linux port of the game is not native but uses an outdated compatibility layer. If you have a Vulkan compatible graphic card it is highly recommended to use the Windows version of the game through Proton.

Go to Properties and enable "Force the use of a specific Steam play compatibility tool" and make sure the latest Proton is selected. If the game doesn't start, you may have to copy some files: cp -r $HOME/.local/share/Steam/SteamApps/common/the\ witcher\ 2/bin/config/* $HOME/.local/share/Steam/SteamApps/compatdata/20920/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/My\ Documents/Witcher\ 2/Config[19]

First Time Setup Lock

The game attempts to reinstall the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 every time the game is launched.

Option 1: Registry change (recommended)

Option 1: Registry Change (recommended)[citation needed]

Open Notepad, and enter this code:

;For 64 bit systems (x64)
 Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Valve\Steam\Apps\20920]
 "DirectX"=dword:00000001
 "VCRedist"=dword:00000001
 "dotNetFx40"=dword:00000001
;For 32 bit systems (x86)
 Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Valve\Steam\Apps\20920]
 "DirectX"=dword:00000001
 "VCRedist"=dword:00000001
 "dotNetFx40"=dword:00000001

Save as a .reg file, and then double click on it.

Option 2: Folder rename

Option 2: Folder rename[citation needed]
  1. Go to the installation folder.
  2. Rename redist.
  3. Launch the game.

Black screen during the cut-scene after the first chapter (Enhanced Edition)

Black Screen During the Cut-scene after the First Chapter (Enhanced Edition)[citation needed]

A special cut-scene should be played off, but instead you receive a black screen and only hear Dandelion's voice.

  • Possible Fix: Change your screen format to 16:9 ratio. It's working for most people.

Random crashes

Random Crashes during Cutscenes[20]
The game will crash to desktop without any error messages.
You may encounter this right before, after or during cut-scenes (i.e. when the game is auto-saving).
The solution modifies the Windows in order to allow it to allocate more memory to other programmes. More information here.
This solution is for Windows 7. Effects of this command on other OS (such as Windows 10) are unknown and may be harmful.
  1. Press Win+R to open Run-window
  2. Type cmd and press Enter to open the commandprompt
  3. Within the prompt type bcdedit /set IncreaseUserVa XXXX and press Enter, to set the userspace to the provided value. XXXX can be the complete RAM, e. g. 16384 for 16 GB (use a GB to MB calculator, if needed, such as GB to MB Conversion.
  4. After a confirmation was displayed inside the prompt, start the game.
  5. To reverse the changes, execute bcdedit /deletevalue IncreaseUserVa the same way and, after a confirmation, close the prompt.
The two commands can be stored in batch-files, for easier reuse.
If the problem persists, either deactivate the real-time protection of your antivirus program or add exceptions for The Witcher 2 folders and executables to it.[citation needed]


Crashes on 32-bit systems[citation needed]
This will occur due to low memory. To solve it, press windows key + R key to bring up the Run window. Write "bcdedit /set increaseUserVa 3072" without the " and press Enter. Reboot the PC. In order to undo this change you can bring the Run window up again and write: "bcdedit /set IncreaseUserVa 2048" without the " and press Enter. Reboot the PC.
Crashes on loading save games[citation needed]
This will occur in some systems if you accumulate too many MBs worth of savegames. To solve it, go to your save game data folder and either delete or move most of the stored saves.
Crash to Desktop German version[citation needed]
If you have the German version there is a memory leak on display of the character ß
You can test this with constantly opening and closing the chest. About 10 times should make the game crash.
Here is a mod to fix the problem: https://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/850/

AMD GPU users double input

If you have AMD Gaming Evolved installed, make sure the program is not running while playing.

Long loading times when resuming a save

Large number of saves will result in longer loading times when you open the menu for loading a save. To fix delete unused saves or move them to a backup location.

NVIDIA ambient occlusion flicker

When using ambient occlusion forced through NVIDIA Profile Inspector, there is a noticeable flicker while moving around, this is caused by higher-detail meshes being loaded in. To fix this issue, in the user.ini under the "rendering" section, increase "MeshDistanceScale" to a much higher value; e.g.: "MeshDistanceScale=100". This will also reduce non-AO related pop-in and in general make distant objects look better. Note that this potentially has a performance impact, test different values to see what works best on your system.

Game stuck on wolf logo when launching

Limit the number of cores in your CPU[21] [22]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9.0c Windows only.
OpenGL 2.1, 3.3 OS X and Linux only.
Executable 32-bit 64-bitARM Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Build compatible with macOS 10.15 (Catalina) added on 27 July 2022 and at the same time 32-bit binary was removed.
Apple Silicon support added on 20 November 2023.[23]
Linux

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Physics Havok
Audio FMOD Ex
Interface Scaleform Scaleform is also used for video playback.

Linux port

The Linux port is not native, and is packaged in a Wine-like compatibility layer called eON. eON is used for some other titles (such as Stronghold 3). It is not based on Wine, but has a similar reimplementation of the relevant Windows APIs.

Modifications

Market Price Mod

Market Price Mod makes buying and selling prices within markets more fair to the player. It reduces the 24:1 ratio between buy to sell prices and reduces it to 5:1 as seen in the original game.

Comfy Font

For people having problems with the size of text on large resolutions or on small displays, getting any variation of the Comfy Font, and placing the .dzip in the CookedPC folder will make it bigger and more visible.

Full Combat Rebalance

Full Combat Rebalance is a mod created by the developers of the game. It includes many changes, including an 80% increase in responsiveness per Geralt's animations and decreased time for returning to exploration after combat. The file is 1.5 GB in a compressed format.

Highly recommended to use with FCR2 Fixpack and QoL compilation

AI Upscale Textures

AI Upscale Textures contains over 600 character and object, 1100 original environmental and 150 weapon textures with increased resolution quality x2 (i.e. 512x512>1024x1024, up to 4096x4096) in AI Upscaled Characters Textures X2 VERSION OPTIMIZED, AI Upscaled Environmental Textures X2 VERSION OPTIMIZED and AI Upscaled Weapons Textures X2 VERSION OPTIMIZED. With minimal impact on performance.

Utilities

  • The Witcher 2 Savegame manager allows for the easy backup, management, and removal of The Witcher 1 and 2 save files. Can tremendously improve the clutter of savegame files.
  • The Witcher 2 Tweaker allows for greater customization of graphics options to further tailor your game for the PC. Also has helpful tips for improving performance on some computers as well.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) XP, Vista, 7
Processor (CPU) Intel Dual-Core 2.2 GHz
AMD Dual-Core 2.5 GHz
System memory (RAM) 1.5 GB (XP)
2 GB (Vista, 7)
Hard disk drive (HDD) 25 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 8800
ATI Radeon HD 3850
512 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.29 compatible
macOS (OS X)
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 11
Processor (CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo
Apple silicon M1/M2
System memory (RAM) 4 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 25 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce GT 650M 512 MB (on 1440x900, low)
ATI Radeon HD 5770 1 GB (on 1440x900, low)
Apple silicon M1/M2
512 MB of VRAM
Intel integrated graphics chipsets are not supported.
Linux
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) Ubuntu 14.04, Linux Mint 17, SteamOS
Processor (CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo
System memory (RAM) 4 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 25 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 9800 GT (1280x720, low)
512 MB of VRAM
MESA based drivers are not currently supported.
Intel integrated graphics are not currently supported.


References

  1. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Mac Game :: Deliver2Mac - last accessed on May 2023
  2. News - Now Available on SteamOS - The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition, 80% off! - last accessed on May 2023
  3. REDkit Wiki - last accessed on May 2023
  4. ANNOUNCEMENT: Achievements now available for The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition on GOG - last accessed on 2023-12-28
  5. Verified by User:JPulowski on 2023-12-13
  6. https://steamcommunity.com/app/20920/discussions/0/846956269281332633/#c540738051404306502
  7. linustechtips.com - last accessed on May 2023
  8. GeForce - The Witcher 2 Tweak Guide - last accessed on 2023-12-13
    "The game uses a custom post-process form of AA which does a good job of reducing jagged lines with a moderate performance hit"
  9. Eurogamer.net - 2020 Vision: The Witcher 2 was a stunning tech achievement that still looks great today - last accessed on 2023-12-13
    "First, let's talk ubersampling - which is just a cheeky way of saying 2x2 ordered grid super-sampling."
  10. New 120Hz Games Report - last accessed on May 2023
  11. WSGF - The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings - last accessed on 2023-12-12
    "For GoG & Steam version v.3.5.0.26g (May 2023): You can use a custom version of Widescreen Fixer (r662) & Plugin found on 3dsurroundgaming.com"
  12. Verified by User:JPulowski on 2023-12-12
  13. HBAO+ Compatibility Flags - last accessed on May 2023
  14. Original HBAO+ Post at Guru3D.com Forums - last accessed on May 2023
  15. https://forums.guru3d.com/threads/hbao-compatibility-flags-thread.387114/page-39#post-4896019
  16. TW2 Brazilian and Korean Subtitles Pack - 11-05-2014 (CD Projekt Red). - last accessed on May 2023
  17. TW2 Brazilian and Korean Subtitles Pack - 11-05-2014 (CD Projekt Red). - last accessed on May 2023
  18. GeForce - The Witcher 2 Tweak Guide - last accessed on 2023-12-12
    "The variables above relate to the quality of shadows in the game. The Shadow Quality setting in the Configuration Tool does not appear to alter these variables correctly in line with the values stored in the preset .ini files under My DocumentsWitcher 2Configprofiles directory. The end result is that even if you set Shadow Quality to Ultra, the values in your User.ini file remain equivalent to the Low preset level. You can manually edit the lines above in User.ini to match the appropriate value in the preset .ini file of your choice."
  19. https://www.protondb.com/app/20920#igTA-K4qO
  20. Verified by User:Chick'n'Duck on 2023-11-12
    Tested on Windows 7 64 bit. May not work or create damage on other OS
  21. https://steamcommunity.com/app/20920/discussions/0/3801652929322345234/#c3801652929322540135
  22. https://steamcommunity.com/app/20920/discussions/0/4687682349648754732/
  23. Steam :: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition :: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings now supports Apple silicon chips! - last accessed on 2023-11-21