While Starfield is now available, many players are eager to experience the game on Valve's portable device, the Steam Deck. But can you actually play Starfield on the Steam Deck? We'll address this burning question and more.
The answer to this question isn't entirely straightforward. Bethesda's expansive space RPG is indeed playable on the Steam Deck, allowing you to explore the depths of space on the go. However, there are some significant compromises you may need to consider.
Is Starfield Playable on Steam Deck?
Yes, Starfield is playable on the Steam Deck, but there's a catch. As of now, the game's performance won't exceed 30FPS on the system. Some players have reported that using Proton Experimental can lead to better performance and help resolve certain in-game crashes.
Best Settings for Starfield on Steam Deck
To get the most out of Starfield on the Steam Deck, follow these settings:
- Set everything to Low.
- Apply supersampling with FSR 2.
- Turn off motion blur and film grain.
These adjustments should help you achieve the best possible performance.
Why Does Starfield Run Poorly on Steam Deck?
Starfield's performance issues on the Steam Deck are partly due to its CPU demands. This limitation has affected the current lineup of Xbox consoles, which likely finalized their CPU configurations in 2018 or 2019, resulting in a 30FPS lock.
The Steam Deck, featuring a custom AMD chip called Van Gogh, faces similar challenges. Bethesda would have needed to invest extra effort to optimize performance for this unique hardware architecture.
While it wouldn't have been surprising if the game was unplayable at launch, it appears that fans will be able to experience Starfield on the Steam Deck. However, expect it to load, run, and play, possibly with a less-than-ideal framerate.
In the meantime, Starfield might give you a compelling reason to transition to PC gaming if you seek a smoother 60FPS experience, as it could be the most viable option in the foreseeable future.
Check out some of our other Starfield guides below:
Vasco Location In Starfield - How To Get Your First Spaceship In Starfield - Starfield: 5 Skills Every New Player Should Get - How To Bind Your Weapons In Starfield - Starfield Lockpicking Guide - How Many Main Quest Missions Are There?
