A free patch for the next generation of The Witcher 3 has been released, bringing dramatic graphical improvements, gameplay improvements, additional content, bug fixes, and so much more. The most important changes are not mentioned in the patch notes (open in new tab). Roach can now be made into a pet.

I first learned about this important change from an "important Witcher 3 PSA" posted on Twitter by Witcher fan Neon Knight (opens in new tab). I contacted CD Projekt to make sure I wasn't the victim of a prankster with animated software and plenty of free time, and they confirmed that this was indeed a new official addition in the update. CD Projekt's global PR director Radek Grabowski released a clip of himself expressing Geralt's newfound affection, noting how Roach shows his appreciation for it.

This new technique is greeted with surprise, as it is not only not mentioned in the patch notes, but also not prompted in the game. To use this technique, one must approach the roach while holding down the jump button. You will probably be using this technique a lot over the next few days. It's a nice touch.

While petting a roach is obviously a big new thing to do in The Witcher 3, there is useful guidance on other fronts as well: from Netflix's The Witcher, Nilfardian ball armor (open in new tab) and Henry Cavill's armor (open in new tab ), how to unlock them (opens in new tab), how to enable cross-platform progression (opens in new tab), and how to reach a good ending in the huge and tricky "Family Matters" quest (opens in new tab). Also, those who are having performance issues with the update that some players have reported (opens in new tab) can rest assured: CD Projekt said earlier today that it is "aware of the issue" and will "provide an update for the specific issue as soon as possible."

The company also stated.