Better HBAO SSAO RTAO
🟠 Updated over a year ago⚠️ Install Order · 2 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 3.2% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #204 of 264 Visuals and Graphics mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
This tweak enhances the visibility and intensity of SSAO, RTAO, and HBAO, giving the game a Witcher 2 vibe. The RTAO is also darker. The config file has been increased for stronger SSAO and HBAO power, and can be tweaked in real-time via dll or by restarting the game. The AO should look more visible and pronounced and affects the RTX AO as well. There is also an optional file for a darker environment via HBAO, with some control over the AO power via the ini file.
You will need his amazing mod that lets us change config files in real time Witcher 3 4. 00 Complete INI Settings List
download the Setting auto-updater DLL and place it in x64 and x64_dx12 file location of the game
Download my config custom.ini and unpack in The Witcher 3\bin
Values you can tweak :
NrdAmbientOcclusionPower= more black preeminent ao
ColorBalanceScale=RTX Contrast similar to a reshade contrast
RayTracingAmbientOcclusionRadius= More Space with black ao fog
for no dll use SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\The Witcher 3\bin\config\base palce it here or add it in rendering.ini
"To tweak a setting you can either copy the sections/values you want to edit into your Documents\The Witcher 3\dx12user.settings file, or you can create an INI inside your \bin\config\platform\pc\ folder with the values you want inside it (filename of INI doesn't matter, but if you want to release it as a mod maybe pick something unique)"
If you want to embrace the light try out my other mod UberRTXGI Light
images taken with HBAO env and HBIL no RTX on an 1660ti i7 4790k struggling a bit :D
also using an amazing mod Light and Shadow Full Customization Suite which i updated to 4. 02 but need to ask for permission rfuzzo before beeing abale to share
CDPR ADDED BACK HBAO to DX11 and DX12 update 4. 02
I recommend this HBAO+ THANK YOU !!! Nukem
donations are very much appreciated paypal here
Better HBAO SSAO RTAO is a visual enhancement mod for The Witcher 3 that boosts ambient occlusion effects, giving the game a darker, more dramatic look reminiscent of The Witcher 2. It increases config values for stronger SSAO, HBAO, and RTAO, and allows player tweaking. With 272 endorsements and 8,585 downloads, it's a niche but appreciated mod for players seeking deeper shadows and contrast.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 272 endorsements and 8.5k downloads.
- Gives a darker, more atmospheric look that fans of Witcher 2 will love.
- Config-based tweaks let you dial in the exact shadow strength you want.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated April 2025 — may not be compatible with the latest game patches.
- Requires manual config editing, which might intimidate casual modders.
For Witcher 3 players who want a moodier, more dramatic visual style with deeper ambient occlusion. Perfect if you're chasing that Witcher 2 atmosphere. Skip if you prefer a clean, vanilla look or don't want to fiddle with config files.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Back up your original config file before tweaking so you can revert if needed.
- Use a mod manager like Vortex to handle installation, but be prepared to manually edit the config for full effect.
- Test the mod in a dark area like a cave or night-time city to see the AO difference clearly.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Witcher 3 Mods
- Author
- VictoriaNiche
- Version
- 2.0
- Downloads
- 8,585
- Endorsements
- 272
- Category
- Visuals and Graphics
- Created
- 12/28/2022
- Updated
- 4/3/2025
🔧 How to Install Witcher 3 Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Witcher 3 →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Witcher 3 commands, item IDs, and more.
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