Can You Play Only Up on Steam Deck? A Deep Dive
The short answer is: no, you cannot currently play Only Up! on Steam Deck, or any other device, because the game has been removed from the Steam store. While the game was briefly available and playable on the Steam Deck, its removal means it’s not possible to purchase, download, or officially play it now. This article explores the complicated history of Only Up! on the Steam Deck, its abrupt removal, and other related aspects to keep you informed.
Only Up! and Its Brief Stint on the Steam Deck
Only Up!, the 2023 viral sensation from SCKR Games, did initially boot up on the Steam Deck using Proton 7.0-6. However, the experience wasn’t seamless. Players reported several issues such as slow load times and frequent unresponsiveness, including the game hanging on the splash screen or simply crashing and sending users back to their game library. Despite these technical hurdles, it was technically possible to play Only Up! on the Steam Deck for a limited period.
Why Only Up! Is No Longer Available
The primary reason you can’t play Only Up! on your Steam Deck today is that the developer, citing stress and a need for “peace of mind,” chose to remove the game from Steam permanently. This decision, announced just four months after the game’s initial release, was driven by the immense pressure the solo developer experienced due to the game’s unexpected popularity. This removal was a shock to many, as Only Up! had reached a peak of 280,000 viewers on Twitch and garnered mostly positive reviews on Steam.
Only Up!’s Journey to Viral Fame
Only Up! launched in May 2023 and quickly gained traction with its unique and challenging gameplay. The game tasks players with navigating a seemingly endless vertical maze, striving to climb higher and higher. This concept, combined with the lack of save mechanics, added to the game’s appeal and difficulty, attracting streamers and content creators and solidifying its virality. The game became incredibly popular in China, before eventually finding success worldwide with notable streamers like Ludwig Ahgren.
Gameplay and Challenges
The game’s setting is unique, featuring disembodied feet, Shiba Inu balloons, and sprawling networks of oil tankers and scaffolding. Its unforgiving gameplay, which includes no checkpoints, requires players to complete the game in a single sitting. This made completing the average 4-5 hours of gameplay very challenging, making the game difficult for most players. The developer stated that the gameplay could be completed in 40 to 120 minutes, however this was unrealistic for many players. Those who managed to reach the end were greeted with a unique cutscene featuring an astronaut in outer space.
Steam Deck: A Versatile Gaming Device
While Only Up! is no longer available on Steam Deck, it’s important to note that the Steam Deck is indeed a versatile device, essentially functioning as a portable PC. Its default operating system is based on Arch Linux. Most Steam games will run on the device, but you might need to install Windows 10 for other non-steam games. The device has its own set of limitations with some popular titles known not to be compatible. It’s also worth noting the Steam Deck’s custom AMD processor is not as powerful as some competitor devices.
Alternatives to Only Up! on Steam Deck
Since you cannot play Only Up! anymore, you might be looking for similar experiences on the Steam Deck. Unfortunately, there is no direct alternative for Only Up! due to its unique characteristics and gameplay. However, games with similar high-skill platforming, climbing and challenging gameplay can be found on the Steam Store. If you enjoy the challenging aspects of platforming, consider titles like Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, or A Hat in Time. The game Mirror’s Edge features a unique first-person running and parkour approach that might intrigue those who enjoyed Only Up!. While these games do not fully replicate the Only Up! experience, they offer a similar challenge for players on the Steam Deck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Only Up! Ever Playable on Steam Deck?
Yes, Only Up! was playable on Steam Deck, albeit with some technical issues. Players used Proton 7.0-6 to run the game, but they encountered slow load times, unresponsiveness, and crashes.
2. Why Was Only Up! Removed from Steam?
The game was removed by its solo developer who cited high levels of stress and a desire for “peace of mind.”
3. Is Only Up! Coming Back to Steam?
As of now, there is no indication that Only Up! will be returning to Steam, and its removal is considered permanent.
4. How Much Did Only Up! Cost on Steam?
The game was priced at £8.50 ($10.80) on Steam before it was removed.
5. Can I Play Only Up! on Other Consoles like PS5 or Xbox?
No, Only Up! was exclusive to PC via Steam and was never released on consoles. The developer has not mentioned any future console ports.
6. What Kind of Gameplay Did Only Up! Have?
Only Up! featured an endless vertical maze where players had to climb to higher levels without save points. It included platforming challenges with diverse settings.
7. How Long Does It Take to Beat Only Up!?
According to the developer, the average playtime is around 4-5 hours, however, some players completed the game within 40-120 minutes.
8. What is the End of Only Up!?
The end of Only Up! features an astronaut in space, congratulating Jackie (the player) and then Jackie entering a spaceship with a mysterious woman.
9. Does Only Up! Have Checkpoints or Saves?
No, Only Up! lacks any save mechanics or checkpoints, requiring players to beat it in a single session.
10. What are the most popular single and why is it named that?
The most popular single of all time is “White Christmas” (1942) by Bing Crosby. This single is know as the “best-selling single of all time” with more than 50 million copies sold worldwide.
11. What is Up With People?
Up With People is an ensemble that provides half time entertainment at events including the Super Bowl in 1976, 1980, 1982, and 1986.
12. Is “Pop” just another word for popular?
Pop is an abbreviation for the word popular but it can’t really be used interchangeably. Pop music refers more to the genre of music that is dominant during a period of time, while popular music is just music that a lot of people are currently listening to.
13. What other games are not compatible with Steam Deck?
Some of the games that do not work on Steam Deck include Dragon Age Inquisition, Marvel’s Avengers, Crysis, Terminator: Resistance, Elite Dangerous, Fall Guys, Hardspace: Shipbreaker, and Injustice 2.
14. How Long Will My Steam Deck Last On A Single Charge?
A fully charged steam deck will last between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the games you are playing and the settings you have chosen.
15. Is the Steam Deck 2 releasing anytime soon?
According to Valve designer Pierre-Loup Griffais, the Steam Deck 2 will not be released until at least 2025.
Conclusion
While the idea of playing Only Up! on the Steam Deck was once a reality, it’s no longer possible due to the game’s removal from Steam. The solo developer’s decision highlights the pressures game development can have on creators, despite achieving viral success. Although Only Up! is gone, you can still find many other great games to enjoy on your Steam Deck. Keep an eye out for similar games that provide a comparable challenge and engagement. The Steam Deck remains a powerful handheld device capable of delivering great gaming experiences.