What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The dates and labels refer to different things: Steam’s May 18, 2015 date is for the original game, while The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered launched on September 29, 2026. The Steam Deck Verified badge was announced in 2022, and the available SteamDB compatibility test is dated March 27, 2026—before the remaster launched. A black-screen Proton report from 2018 describes one player’s setup, not a confirmed problem with the current release.
Why does Steam still show May 18, 2015?
Steam’s date identifies the original game’s release on the storefront, not the arrival of the remastered version. Steam lists May 18, 2015; SteamDB records the corresponding release timestamp as May 18, 2015 at 22:00 UTC. Steam’s store listing and SteamDB’s app record therefore do not contradict the later remaster launch.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition - Xbox One | $27.99 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
When did Remastered launch, and what do owners get?
CD PROJEKT RED says The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered became available on September 29, 2026. The publisher describes it as a free upgrade for current owners on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It also describes a free upgrade path for owners of the original Nintendo Switch version moving to Nintendo Switch 2. Eligibility depends on owning the game on the relevant platform; the announcement does not establish cross-platform entitlement.
The publisher says the remaster includes both Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, including for owners who previously had only the base game. Its announcement highlights visual and performance enhancements, path tracing on PC, an overhauled skill system, improved combat and animations, a refreshed UI, and cross-platform Mod.io support. These are publisher-described features, not independent performance test results. See CD PROJEKT RED’s announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- If you buy this game, you will receive a free next-gen update on December 14th!
- Play as a highly trained monster slayer for hire.
- Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth and complexity.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Game of the Year edition brings together the base game and all the additional content released to date.
What does the Steam Deck Verified badge establish?
CD PROJEKT RED announced that the game was Steam Deck Verified on March 11, 2022, saying, “We’re pleased to confirm that our game has been Verified for Steam Deck Compatibility.” The publisher’s announcement establishes when it made that claim.
SteamDB currently lists the game’s compatibility category as Verified and gives a test timestamp of March 27, 2026. That timestamp precedes the remaster’s September 29 launch, so it does not document a post-launch test of the remastered build. SteamDB also notes that using an external Bluetooth or USB controller requires manually switching to that controller. Its entry is useful compatibility metadata, but it is not a guarantee of identical performance across every Deck or version. See SteamDB’s compatibility listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does the 2018 Proton black-screen report mean?
Valve’s Proton issue tracker contains a user-submitted report opened on November 18, 2018, titled “Witcher 3 (292030) – black screen :/”. The reporter described a black screen with no sound while using Proton 3.16 on a GTX 850M. That evidence describes one configuration at that time; it does not show that Linux users generally, or players of the current remastered release, encounter the same issue. Read the Proton issue report.
A separate September 2018 Steam Community discussion described a game that stopped launching after a Windows file-system repair on an NTFS-installed game. That player said deleting the Proton prefix and allowing Steam to recreate it restored launch. It is one user’s account, not a verified general fix or evidence about the remaster. Read the Steam discussion.
Quick Recap
How to read the dates and claims together
| Evidence | What it refers to | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2015, Steam listing | Original game’s Steam release date. | The remaster’s launch date. |
| March 11, 2022, publisher announcement | When CD PROJEKT RED announced Steam Deck Verified status. | A post-remaster Verified retest. |
| March 27, 2026, SteamDB test timestamp | The date recorded for the listed compatibility test; it predates the remaster. | How the remastered build performs after launch. |
| September 29, 2026, publisher announcement | Remastered release date and the publisher’s upgrade and feature details. | Independent validation of advertised performance improvements. |
| November 2018 Proton report | One user’s black-screen report on Proton 3.16 and a GTX 850M. | A general Proton defect or a confirmed issue in the current release. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
