PlayStation Plus Premium members, here’s your chance to try your hand at one of the highest-rated games of all time – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
The multi-award-winning title, which saw its original release back in 2015, garnered an impressive Metacritic score of 90 or more, depending on the platform. For a limited time, you can now enjoy this iconic RPG at no extra cost.
PS Plus Premium subscribers are privy to a trial period of up to four hours, enough time to dip your toes into the sprawling, dark fantasy universe of the Witcher.
Given that many players spend over 50 hours, and in some cases, more than a hundred hours completing The Witcher 3, a couple of hours might seem like a blip on the radar. But this brief encounter with the game’s rich storytelling and a deeply immersive world with exceptional character development will give subscribers a taste of why The Witcher 3 continues to captivate gamers across the globe. The best part is that the free trial on the PS5 is for the Complete Edition, which came out last year.
For those unfamiliar with the game, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action RPG based on the book series by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. You step into the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, or witcher, embarking on a deeply personal mission in a war-torn world. The Complete Edition, which is part of the trial, enhances the experience with additional content and technical improvements.
If you’re planning to take advantage of the trial, you’ll be pleased to know that CD Projekt Red, the game’s developer, has recently rolled out a new update addressing various issues in the game, from fine-tuning grass collision to optimizing the ray tracing implementation. This dedication to ironing out the wrinkles ensures your trial experience is as smooth as possible.
Trials for games on PS Plus Premium typically offer between two to three hours of gameplay. Still, the duration appears to depend on the game genre and the publisher. For example, Cyberpunk 2077, another RPG from CD Projekt Red, offers a five-hour trial. In contrast, other titles like Hogwarts Legacy may only permit a playthrough of 45 minutes.
Once the trial period concludes, if you find yourself charmed by the world of Geralt of Rivia and craving more, the older PS4 version of The Witcher 3 frequently goes on sale. Once purchased, it can be upgraded to the Complete Edition on PS5 for free. So, those four hours may well lead to countless more in this captivating universe.
Additionally, PS Plus Premium members not only enjoy access to these time-limited trials but also reap the benefits of the other tiers. This includes access to a vast catalog of games and free monthly games. Although Sony has not yet revealed the lineup for PS Plus Extra for August, PS Plus Essential members can enjoy Death’s Door, Dreams, and PGA Tour 2K23 in the upcoming month.
In the broad gaming community, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has seen public opinion sour in recent years, particularly after the launch of Cyberpunk 2077. Initially hailed universally, it has since been critiqued as overrated by some. However, there is no denying that the game has left an indelible mark on the RPG genre.
Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, this four-hour trial offers an excellent opportunity for both newcomers and veterans alike to revisit this iconic title.
As for CD Projekt RED, the Polish studio is cutting costs ahead of the release of the first and only premium expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, Phantom Liberty. It’s currently working on several projects at the moment, including a brand new Witcher trilogy, a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, and a remake of The Witcher. CDPR is one of the companies that fans believe Sony is eyeing for a potential acquisition.
