The Witcher 3 Remastered can place a heavy load on some PC graphics cards, but two temporary fixes may improve performance while CD Projekt Red works on further optimisation. One option comes from the developer, while the other uses a community-made mod.
Disable NVIDIA HairWorks
CD Projekt Red has identified a problem with NVIDIA HairWorks that can significantly reduce performance in the remastered game. The studio recommends switching the setting off until a future patch addresses the issue, as noted on X on September 30.
HairWorks changes the appearance and movement of character and creature hair. A comparison shared by Nikfor shows Geralt with HairWorks disabled, HairWorks enabled, and HairWorks combined with path-traced hair. The comparison is available via pic.twitter.com/SguSxdjeWU, with the post dated September 30, 2026.
Players had already begun reaching the same conclusion independently. In a Reddit discussion, users have already come to on their own that HairWorks was causing trouble. One commenter wrote that HairWorks was effectively unusable and also complained that the Bloom effect appeared bugged, leaving the image looking washed out.
Try a ray-tracing optimisation mod
The second workaround is a Nexus Mods project titled Path Tracing and Ray Tracing Optimization (Remastered). Its creator, HourLines, claims performance improvements of up to 30 percent in some locations.
That potential gain comes with compromises. Interior areas may become darker, and global illumination can take slightly longer to respond when lighting changes. Results will vary depending on the PC and settings, so the mod should be treated as an optional experiment rather than a guaranteed solution.
Practical steps while waiting for patches
Start by disabling HairWorks, as this is the simplest recommendation and comes directly from the developer. If performance remains unsatisfactory, consider testing the optimisation mod and checking whether its visual trade-offs suit your setup. As with any mod, back up important files and follow the installation instructions carefully.
PC troubleshooting is part of the wider gaming experience, whether you are tuning a modern title or maintaining a dedicated arcade gaming setup. Readers planning a cabinet project can also consult RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide or browse arcade parts for repairs and upgrades.
Until the first major performance patches arrive from CD Projekt Red, turning off HairWorks and testing the ray-tracing optimisation mod are two of the most practical options available to affected PC players.
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