For a very slow “Load most recent save” after dying, try returning to the main menu and choosing Continue. An October 2 Steam player reports a faster route into Velen even on 5.00c. This is a loading workaround, not a repair for a save that never opens.
Compare the two loading routes
- Keep a manual checkpoint and an external backup before deliberately testing a death/reload.
- Record full build, region, OS, renderer, storage and active mods.
- Time the death-screen reload for the save that normally opens. Stop the comparison if it hangs rather than merely loading slowly.
- Return to the main menu, choose Continue, and verify the loaded quest, location and checkpoint.
The OP reports roughly 20–30 seconds via the menu versus 2–3 minutes via the death screen. Other players report different waits. These are individual observations, not expected timings for your disk or character. Continue must load the checkpoint you intend; verify it before overwriting anything.
Linux: a bounded Proton comparison
The same thread's #8 reports improvement after switching from GE Proton 11-7 to Proton 11.0-2. Replies #9 and #11 report improvement too, including an Experimental comparison. This is evidence for a specific compatibility test, not official Linux or Steam Deck certification.
Back up saves, note the current compatibility tool, then use Steam Library → this game's Properties → Compatibility to select Proton 11.0-2 if it is actually available. Repeat the same loading comparison. If it is unavailable or makes other behavior worse, retain or restore the original tool; do not delete the game's compatibility prefix as part of this guide.
When neither route helps
Separate a long successful load from a permanent hang and from one file failing while others work. Use the PC save/load branches for those cases. Report elapsed time, exact route, build and whether the application still responds.
A player in #4 reports no improvement after verification, cloud disabling and removing saves. That does not justify deleting your history or repeatedly reinstalling the game. The official special-character Documents-path fix addresses a different failure; this page does not promise that it eliminates every slow reload.
Sources and version limits
- Steam: long death-screen load times — October 2–6; OP specifies 5.00c; #4 reports unsuccessful tests; #8, #9 and #11 describe the Proton comparison.
Sources checked October 6, 2026. These are attributed reports and route instructions, not our own test of your hardware or save. A reported workaround does not establish a permanent fix.