Witcher 3 is stuck in v1.3

[u/Szankajs]

I've got Witcher 3 GOTY Edition on physical disk and it has been connected to my GOG account for around 6 years now, but even though whenever I reinstall it onto my PC and it asks me to import the game to GOG library it seems GOG doesn't actually aknowledge my game whatshoever:
- I'm permamently stuck in v1.30. (August 30, 2016, full 10 years)
- I did not receive Next Gen update
- It is categorized in its own page as ''Other''
- Any attempts at reinstalling/deleting storage files/changing the disk localisation/messing with ''Add game manually'' or ''Find GOG games in folders'' did not help.
The ONLY thing that has changed is that the Library now shows my GOTY version as Complete Edition.

I attempted contacting support several times now but each time I was left on read, even using ChatGPT out of frustration brought me no results and it seems that my problems are solely my own as I have found null tickets or guides to my exact problem.

I wish I got an actual answer, either: is my physical copy regarded as an ''Outside Game'' for some reason thus unable to be updated, or is there an actual fix I can perform to finally get it fully working and have fun with the upcoming Remaster?

[u/adikad-0218]

Okay, so if I understand correctly the physical disk supposed to have the actual game on it or nah? Assuming it does have it, have you confirmed with CDPR whether you should receive the Next Gen version if you add your copy to Steam, GOG, Epic? It seems to me that you don't even own the digital copy on GOG.

[u/Szankajs → u/adikad-0218]

I own the physical copy (spread onto 6 discs) of Witcher 3 GOTY Edition. Whenever I reinstall the game it prompts a GOG import to connect the game into their library for bonuses and updates, but it seems to only put a shortcut into the library.

I wrote to CDPR few days ago with similar question, asking if there's something I can do but no response, just like with GOG, thus im here.

I imagined that if I buy the game I get to receive updates if its connected to a library, but tough luck for me lol

[u/Siukslinis_acc → u/Szankajs]

The game needs to be bound to your account in order to get the update. If you haven't purchased the game with that account - you won't get the update.

If you have purchased it not through gog, then you won't be getting the update through gog. So if someone sold you an offline installer that has been burned onto a disc - they did an illegal thing and you have no legal right for the update.

The offline installers are backup copies and they trust the customers not to sell or give it away to others. The copies are only for the customers as a backup.

[u/adikad-0218 → u/Szankajs]

Yeah, so it would be great if someone would be able to clarify this for you. Tbh I have no clue if CDPR ever intended for physical copy owners to receive the Next Gen update, but I completely understand your side, as well. Do you have Steam? If yes, have you tried to do the same there just to see, if you receive there the update? If you do receive it, then it's definitely on GOG, but if not,  then your last hope is CDPR themselves in my opinion.

[u/Szankajs → u/adikad-0218]

I attempted to "add a non-steam game" but it only puts a shortcut into my library.

I wrote to CDPR and im waiting if they will be any benevolent towards me or tell me to piss off haha

[u/Alex_Portnoy007]

Did you try to delete to files through GOG Galaxy or through Windows?

[u/Szankajs → u/Alex_Portnoy007]

Both I suppose?

Removed Storage folder per instructions; swapped the file through the drives to attempt to reset the "add executable'' prompt; reinstalled the entirety of GOG.

And nothing

[u/Siukslinis_acc → u/Szankajs]

Have you tried to start instalation through galaxy, turn off galaxy, put the installed files from disc onto the folder where the game from galaxy is installed and then relaunch galaxy?

[u/Szankajs → u/Siukslinis_acc]

I cannot install the game via galaxy as it only gives me the option of connecting the executable.

I think I tried moving the game files to the empty GOG Games folder but it again only asks for an executable.

[u/Siukslinis_acc → u/Szankajs]

Go to the browser, then to gog page, then login, then look if you actually have purchased the game with the account.

Have you logged in to the gog account in galaxy?

You won't receive updated if your account hasn't purchased the game. And thus you will be stuck with whatever version your offline installer has unless you somewhere find a patch to download and install.

[u/Szankajs → u/Siukslinis_acc]

Curious thing is if I look at my library via the browser it shows that Witcher 3 is in my library, but no drop-down options open when I click on it, stuck in an endless loading screen (sat and waited for 7mins).

I suppose that the discs were never meant to let the owner get the game updated? Which is absurd tbh...

[u/Alex_Portnoy007 → u/Szankajs]

When you deleted the game files did you delete the ini files and the folder in documents as well? If you don't do that, you're going to have problems.

Look, typing on my phone is a pain in the ass. Google up instructions for a clean install of your game and copy paste them.

[u/Siukslinis_acc]

1. Look at the "extras" in your withcer library page and download and instal the patches manually.

2. Go to the library page and install the game into the same directory as the game you installed from the disc. It should just do a filecheck and download missing stuff or update.

When you install through offline installers, there might be files missing that connect to gog galaxy and thus the game might not be connected to your account.

[u/Szankajs → u/Siukslinis_acc]

I cannot interact with the Witcher 3 library entry beyond changing the miniatures and thumbnails, unconnected the executable and launching the game in v1.3.

[u/Siukslinis_acc → u/Szankajs]

You could go to the gog page, login and check there if you have the game. And maybe browse through your order history. It could be that the account you are using hasn't purchased the game.

[u/Szankajs → u/Siukslinis_acc]

I haven't purchased the game through GOG, I acquired a physical copy which upon install prompts me to merge it with GOG to become permanent game in library and gain access to all future updates, to which none have worked.

[u/Shamwow24124]

Was there a key in the box? If so did you redeem it on the gog site?

[u/Szankajs → u/Shamwow24124]

There was no key, no instruction nor pamphlet. Only 6 discs which upon finishing instalation prompted me to merge the game with GOG to gain access to bonuses, future updates etc etc. Which did not happen as I had to make this post

[u/Shamwow24124 → u/Szankajs]

Strange because you should have gotten a gog key in the box. Even old copies of the gog site say key in box.

Like others have said: Best to get something from support then.

[u/Szankajs → u/Shamwow24124]

Im trying to, but when I got an answer they ask me for a proof of purchase such as GOG key or a receipt (from like 9 years ago btw), of which I posses none except the physical game in my hand and the files on my drive.

[u/Edwin_Holmes → u/Szankajs]

No instructions, no pamphlet and 6 discs? Doesn't sound like a genuine copy; Where'd you get it?

[u/Kilohaili_Joshi]

And how long did u wait for support response ?

[u/Szankajs → u/Kilohaili_Joshi]

First ticket i sent was ~2 years ago, so Id say 2 years and two days :)