Facepalm: Soon after announcing an upcoming remake of its celebrated turn-based strategy game, Ubisoft finally brought the original version of Heroes of Might and Magic III to Steam. However, the first customers to purchase the classic title couldn't launch it for what is likely one of the most embarrassing reasons ever for a Steam release.
The original 1999 version of Heroes of Might and Magic III appeared on Steam for the first time on Tuesday. However, users had to wait an extra day to play the game because Ubisoft accidentally made it available on the storefront without uploading the necessary files.
Customers who installed the turn-based strategy game on day one received only about 23KB of files, including a dummy executable, even though the system requirements claim it needs 1GB of storage space. Warnings quickly spread on the Steam forums and in the game's negative reviews. One review called it 23.49KB of pure nostalgia and the best CMD prompt simulator of 2026. Ubisoft resolved the issue early the following day, responding to one review that simply contained the increasingly relevant quote, "You will own nothing and be happy."
Heroes of Might and Magic III became one of the most well-regarded turn-based tactical RPGs following its 1999 release. However, for years, the only version available on Steam was a 2015 remaster with a mixed reputation. Although its high-resolution graphics make the game more accessible on modern displays, it lacks the original game's two expansions, and some critics argued that free HD mods of the original were already sufficient. The new release, which includes the expansions, brings Steam's offering in line with what has long been available on GOG and other storefronts.
Ubisoft re-released Heroes of Might and Magic III soon after announcing a remake, set for launch sometime next year. While the HD mods and the 2015 version simply render the original 2D graphics at a higher resolution, the remake promises to rebuild everything in the Snowdrop engine that powers Ubisoft's modern games.
Gameplay-related enhancements include a new overhead view that zooms out to display more of the game's maps while simplifying player icons. Battles can also now be viewed from multiple angles while players read newly available tooltips.
Furthermore, players can now assign roles to heroes on the main map, allowing them to automatically perform tasks like collecting resources and transporting troops. Combat can also be automated, and a new wish list screen provides a long-term view of construction projects, while the inventory screen has been overhauled.
For new players, the remake also includes a prologue campaign, which acts as a tutorial. After finishing the campaign, users can generate new maps randomly or download community maps, including maps designed for the original version.
The Heroes of Might and Magic III Remake will be available next year on Steam, the Ubisoft Store, and the Epic Games Store.