The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings can be played in full on Ubuntu, and is currently on sale for $4.
The Witcher video games are beloved by many RPG fans, thanks in no small part to continued support from CD Projekt RED. The developer tends to offer frequent post-launch updates for its games, including new missions, DLC game modes, and even re-releases for new platforms. The latest example of this can be seen in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, which CD Projekt has just re-released on Linux with full SteamOS support.
Naturally, this isn’t just the base game; the complete Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition can currently be purchased for Linux. That covers the bonus DLC quests, cinematics, Arena and Dark Modes, as well as various tweaks and game fixes. As a SteamOS release, this version also includes Steam Achievements, Big Picture, and Steamworks support featured from other Steam versions of the game.
“We’re really pumped to be able to invite RPG fans who use Linux to the party,” said CD Projekt RED Community Manager Marcin Momot. “The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is one of the greatest fantasy adventures on Linux, and I’m sure every role-playing enthusiast with a craving for some quality questing will have tons of fun playing the game!”
As cool as it is that The Witcher 2 landed on Linux, it’s the SteamOS support that has me especially curious. So far the Linux release appears to be a SteamOS exclusive, bypassing GOG.com entirely. That’s pretty unusual considering CD Projekt owns GOG, not to mention the company’s strong anti-DRM policy. In fact, SteamOS is an incredibly specific platform choice when there are all kinds of DRM-free Linux games currently available.
Personally, I wonder if this means a similar Steam OS/Linux release is also being planned for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which could explain what that release date delay was all about. We’ll have to wait and see, but in the meantime it’s great that Linux gamers are finally able to sink their teeth into The Witcher 2.
Both The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings are currently 80% off on Steam. Sadly, that Linux compatibility is only available for The Witcher 2.
