The critically acclaimed action RPG The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt continues to captivate new and returning players, thanks in part to CD Projekt Red’s commitment to post-launch support and quality-of-life enhancements. As part of the free updates accompanying the new-generation patch, the developers introduced several cosmetic changes inspired by Netflix’s The Witcher series, giving players new ways to customize the game’s look and immerse themselves further into the Continent’s dark fantasy world.
Among the most talked-about additions are the alternative looks for key characters and factions, designed to bring them visually closer to their television counterparts. These optional visual overhauls are available on all platforms that received the Next-Gen update, including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Alternative Look for Dandelion
Dandelion, known for his flamboyant fashion and poetic charm, has received a notable redesign. Drawing directly from the Netflix adaptation where the character is portrayed by actor Joey Batey, the new outfit tonally aligns better with his bardic, swashbuckling persona. The updated appearance features a darker and more rugged costume compared to his original flamboyant purple attire in the base game.
While it might not be to every player’s taste, the updated Dandelion model adds a certain gravitas that reflects the Netflix series’ more grounded interpretation of the character. This change is purely cosmetic and can be toggled on or off in the game settings, allowing for customization without altering gameplay.
Nilfgaardian Armor Overhaul
Perhaps the most divisive design change is the alternative Nilfgaardian armor set, which has also been based on the Netflix rendition of the Nilfgaardian military. In the original game, Nilfgaardian armors were sleek, dark, and refined — in line with an empire that prizes order and discipline.
The Netflix-inspired version introduces bulkier, more elaborate armor that appears battle-worn and heavily textured. It steers the design language more toward dystopian realism, an interpretation that some fans found jarring compared to the game’s established visual identity. Nevertheless, those who appreciated the series’ portrayal of Nilfgaard will welcome this cinematic approach to armor design.
Yennefer and Ciri Get New Styles
Both Yennefer of Vengerberg and Ciri have also received alternative looks, reimagined to align more closely with the characters seen in the television series. Yennefer’s new design includes a darker, more brooding outfit and subtle cosmetic tweaks to mirror Anya Chalotra’s portrayal of the powerful sorceress. Meanwhile, Ciri’s updated look adds grittier textures and alternative clothing that fits better with her portrayal by Freya Allan in the TV series.
The character model changes emphasize realism and grit, much like the Netflix adaptation itself. These appearance changes are optional, allowing players to choose whether they prefer the original stylized look or the grimmer TV-inspired variants.
How to Enable Alternative Looks
Players interested in activating and exploring these cosmetic upgrades can do so through the in-game options menu. To enable the Netflix-inspired looks:
- Pause the game and go to the Options menu.
- Navigate to the Gameplay tab.
- Scroll down to the Alternative Looks section.
- Select individual toggles for Dandelion, Nilfgaardian Armor, Yennefer, and Ciri.
This allows each player to individually customize their experience without disrupting the overall narrative tone or immersion of the game. These changes are applied in real-time and do not require restarting the game or loading from a specific save.
Fan Reception & Final Thoughts
The updated appearances have sparked conversations across the Witcher community. While some long-time fans of the game prefer the original, more stylized fantasy look, others appreciate the effort to unify the game with the broader Witcher multimedia universe. What remains clear is CD Projekt Red’s dedication to keeping The Witcher 3 relevant and modern, even years after its initial release.
Ultimately, the introduction of these new looks is a matter of personal aesthetic preference. The fact that they are optional ensures that players can experience The Witcher 3 in the way that best suits their vision of the world. Whether you’re a fan of the show or firmly loyal to the game’s initial art direction, the added flexibility is a welcome feature for all players.
