The 5.0 combat improvements are not just cosmetic. Geralt now closes distance more smoothly and reads target changes through the camera more intelligently. The catch is that this feels fantastic in a duel and messy in a crowd unless you help the system make the right choice.
Patch 5.0 officially improves Geralt's gap closing animations in combat and target-lock switching when moving the camera. To get the benefits, fight from medium range, keep the camera centered on your intended target, and disable hard lock in multi-enemy crowds if Geralt keeps rotating toward the wrong bandit.
Best result: follow the fixes in order and stop as soon as the problem is solved.Distance-to-Target Combat Diagram
Try the medium spacing first, then decide whether soft aim or hard lock makes more sense for the fight in front of you.
Why hard lock backfires in crowds
Fix it in order
Fight from the right distance
The updated lunge works best from medium range. If you are already nose-to-nose, it does not need to gap-close. If you are too far away, Geralt may over-commit or re-evaluate before contact.
Center the camera on the enemy you truly want
With improved target switching tied to camera movement, who sits at the center of your view matters more than ever. Before attacking, tilt the camera so the real target owns the center lane.
Use hard lock for duels, not mobs
Hard target-lock is strongest against one dangerous opponent: a shield user, a tough monster, or a duel-like boss phase. In a messy camp fight, it can make Geralt spin or pirouette toward a side threat you were not trying to chase.
Switch targets with the camera, not panic inputs
When you want to swap targets, move the camera first, then attack. That produces cleaner transitions than mashing movement and attack together while multiple enemies cross your path.
Shorten your attack strings in crowds
Long commitments make bad target choices harder to recover from. In group fights, use shorter strings, dodge, re-center, and then use the lunge again on the enemy you actually want.
Best habit
Against a crowd, think soft aim instead of permanent lock.
Frequently asked questions
What changed in Patch 5.0?
CDPR says Geralt’s gap-closing animations are smoother and target-lock switching is improved when moving the camera in combat.
Why does Geralt still jump to the wrong enemy sometimes?
Because hard lock can be a liability in crowds. If multiple enemies overlap in your view, the camera can still encourage the wrong choice.
Should I always disable target lock?
No. It is great for single tough enemies. Turn it off mainly in cluttered group fights.
What distance is best for the new gap close?
Medium distance works best: far enough for the lunge to trigger, close enough that Geralt does not overrun or whiff the target.
Does camera movement matter?
Yes. The patch specifically calls out target-lock switching when moving the camera, so your camera input now matters more in deciding who Geralt wants to follow.