This mod is for v4.0 of the game also known as the "Next Gen Edition" (NGE).

NGE introduces a couple of QoL changes that were previously provided by FriendlyHUD - those are now removed from the mod files: main menu access from dialogs and cutscenes, fix for "unable to call Roach" message popping up when indoors under certain conditions. Thus, make sure you completely delete non-NGE (Classic Edition - CE) version of the mod before installing an NGE one.

Note that NGE partially duplicates dynamic minimap and quest log features of the mod, so you need to disable those in vanilla options if you want FriendlyHUD to take proper control of those modules.

Also note that the mod doesn't hide HUD modules, it shows them. So if you want to use the smart HUD feature, you need to turn modules OFF one by one using in-game vanilla video options menu (see the details below).

Description

Switching some parts of the HUD off allows for more immersive gameplay. But playing without minimap or healthbar can be as painful under certain circumstances as it's fantastic while just exploring the world. This mod offers a lot of options to configure HUD modules as well as adds 3D markers for quest and NPC tracking and makes several improvements to game menus. You can use all of the options mod has or turn the ones you don't need off.

The mod doesn't change any of the balance aspects of the game and only provides pieces of information to the player he/she already has access to. By installing it you won't be making the game easier or unrealistic, it's an UI mod, which aims to improve quality of life and immersion.

Note: This mod doesn't change your save files, so installing or uninstalling it in the middle of playthrough is safe.

Important!

The mod doesn't hide HUD modules, it shows them. So if you want to use smart HUD feature, you need to turn modules OFF one by one using in-game vanilla video options menu. You don't have to turn off every module, just the ones you don't want to see all the time. Modules that are ON in game video options are not affected by the mod and retain their vanilla behavior. Another important thing to know is that turning an entire HUD off with a hotkey or menu switch will result in no modules being shown at all (as modules are a part of the HUD and when an entire HUD is off nothing is shown).

Note that NGE partially duplicates dynamic minimap and quest log features of the mod, so you need to disable those in vanilla options if you want FriendlyHUD to take proper control of those modules.

How to install/uninstall the mod

It is recommended to use The Witcher 3 Mod Manager to install the mod. It handles installing the mod itself, the menu, the hotkeys and user settings automatically (note some of the Next Gen Edition changes below). You still need to run the Script Merger to fix script conflicts with another mod(s), if you have any.

Since v.4.0 (Next Gen Edition) the game is using two additional files to list in game menus and one additional options file:

• "[Path To The Witcher 3]\bin\config\r4game\user_config_matrix\pc\dx11filelist.txt"
• "[Path To The Witcher 3]\bin\config\r4game\user_config_matrix\pc\dx12filelist.txt"
• "[Path To Your Documents]\The Witcher 3\dx12user.settings"
  

DX11 version still relies on user.settings file for user settings. If you don't see mod menus in game or have troubles with mod settings, make sure to read the readme manual steps on adding mod specific menus and options to those new files. Until TW3MM is updated to do it automatically, you will need to do it manually! Don't forget about this step!

You can uninstall the mod using TW3 Mod Manager (until TW3MM is updated you will need to clean up the new txt files with menus manually, everything else should be automatic).

For manual install/uninstall instructions, please, refer to the readme file.

No matter which install method you prefer, read the readme file for mod defaults and configuration explanations!

Troubleshooting

Read the readme included with the mod.

List of changes

1. Non-intrusive customizable HUD

- Smart HUD: turn off all HUD modules for clean uncluttered view during exploration and the mod will automatically show different groups of modules when they're needed - when in combat, losing vitality or using witcher senses, etc.
- Quick access to hidden HUD modules with "hold to see" and "pin it" features: holding a hotkey shows corresponding group of modules and releasing it hides it; holding "pin module" modifier key pins corresponding group of modules until you unpin it. Hotkeys can overlap with corresponding vanilla menu hotkeys (as menus are accessed by pressing a key not holding it), so you don't need to keep in mind dozens of new key bindings.
- An option to hide journal updates HUD module - the one that shows updated quest name, quest items received, books received, level up and other quest related messages and can never be switched off using vanilla menu.
- 3D markers for map locations and NPCs: shows map/minimap markers as icons in game world. Can be used instead of minimap or along with it. There are a lot of options to configure markers' appearance as well as when and which markers to show.
- Non-intrusive Skyrim like compass: can be used instead of minimap (or along with it) and together with 3D markers.
- Configurable interaction markers and text: switch talk bubble/text over NPCs heads on and off or switch all interaction buttons/text off completely.
- Quest markers for quest NPCs: fixes vanilla bug (or weird feature) with not displaying quest markers for NPCs if you're not tracking their specific quest. Can be switched off.
- Configurable zoom levels for minimap. By default minimap is zoomed out twice compared to vanilla.

2. Quality of Life features

- Quick access to potions, bombs and oils via Radial Menu using hotkeys/WASD/controller D-Pad.
- Quick switching between crossbow and latest used bomb.
- Pause game at any time you like, even in dialogs and cutscenes.

3. Menu enhancements

- Configurable zoom values for map menu with an ability to switch unlimited zoom on (already enabled by default).
- Configurable default inventory tab - choose which tab will be selected when opening inventory menu.
- New item marker for junk, crafting and edibles never shows up and all such items are automatically marked as being seen already (can be switched off).
- True item price and price comparison while bartering is shown beside buying/selling price as well as how many of this item you already have (in stash and total).
- Recycling parts you get when dismantling an item are shown in item description.
- New recipes and crafting schematics are now marked with asterisks making them easier to find.
- Patch 1.22 feature where you can buy crafting ingredients from blacksmiths directly while examining crafting schematic in crafting menu is added to alchemists: you can now buy alchemy ingredients from alchemists directly while examining alchemy recipe in alchemy menu.
- Patch 1.22 feature where you can split stack of items when moving it to stash was improved: you can now also split stack of items when moving it from stash back into your inventory.
- Selectable main menu animation (default, random, base game, HoS, B&W).

4. Miscellaneous

- An option to disable sound notification on journal update.
- An option to pause cat effect outside of caves and to unpause it at night.

Acknowledgements

- AnotherSymbiote for No Talk Icon mod (original code used with his permission).
- ExtravagantAardvark for Nonintrusive Compass Directions mod (included by his request).
- Janiskeisari for Enhanced Menus mod (included features still missing in vanilla with his permission, the mod is no longer supported since patch 1.21).
- Yesin and ​X​y​arvius​ for German translation.
- triskl3 and TheGamerFox for Brazilian Portuguese translation.
- aeN and BlackHole11 for Italian translation.
- mbcz123 and xiaokuii for Traditional Chinese translation.
- xiaokuii for Simplified Chinese translation.
- BowmoreLover for Japanese translation.
- iguruspain for Spanish translation.
- MrFreemium for Turkish translation.
- DJ_Kovrik for HUGE help with icons for 3D markers.
- Ghost Mods discord community for testing and encouragement.