Can I Play Cyberpunk 2077 on Steam Deck Offline? The Definitive Guide

Yes, you can absolutely play Cyberpunk 2077 on your Steam Deck offline. Once the game is installed and properly set up, you don’t need a continuous internet connection to roam the streets of Night City. The ability to play offline is a key advantage of the Steam Deck, and Cyberpunk 2077 is a prime example of how well this feature works. However, there are some nuances to keep in mind to ensure a smooth offline gaming experience. This article will explore those details, alongside frequently asked questions, to provide you with all the necessary information.

Steam Deck and Offline Gaming: How it Works

The Steam Deck, much like a PC, needs an initial online connection to download and install games. However, after that crucial step, many single-player titles, including Cyberpunk 2077, can be played offline. SteamOS, the operating system powering the Deck, handles this by allowing games to launch without needing to authenticate with the Steam network each time. This is particularly beneficial for portable gaming, as you might not always have a reliable internet connection.

Initial Setup for Offline Play

Before going offline, you need to do a few things:

• Log into Steam while online: Ensure you’re logged into your Steam account on your Steam Deck.
• Check the “Remember Me” box: During the login process, make sure you check the “Remember Me” box. This will keep you logged in and allow you to go offline without further login requests.
• Verify game updates: Make sure Cyberpunk 2077 is fully downloaded and updated. An incomplete or outdated game may cause issues when attempting to launch offline.
• Launch the game once online: Launch the game at least once while connected to the internet. This helps Steam properly register that the game is ready for offline play.
• Switch Steam to offline mode: Now, while still connected to the internet go to Steam settings and change to “Offline mode.” Steam should then give you the option to start it in Offline mode, at which point offline-friendly games will be playable.

Once these steps are complete, you can go offline and enjoy Cyberpunk 2077 without any online hassles.

Why Choose Offline Play?

There are several reasons why you might prefer playing Cyberpunk 2077 offline on your Steam Deck:

• Travel Convenience: You can play on long flights, train rides, or in areas with limited internet access.
• Battery Savings: Using the Deck offline can often help conserve battery life, as it doesn’t have to continuously ping the Steam servers.
• Focus and Immersion: No distractions from online notifications means a more immersive and focused gaming experience.
• Data Saving: For those with data caps on their internet, offline play saves valuable bandwidth.

Optimizing Cyberpunk 2077 for Steam Deck

While Cyberpunk 2077 runs well on the Steam Deck, optimizing the settings can provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience:

• Graphics Settings: Use a mix of low to medium settings for most graphics options to achieve a balance between visual fidelity and performance.
• Texture Quality: Set this to Medium.
• Dynamic Resolution Scaling: Turn this Off for consistent visuals.
• Intel Xe Super Sampling (XeSS): Use Balanced mode for improved performance without major visual sacrifices.
• Intel XeSS Sharpness: Set this to 0.60.
• Field of View: Around 80 is recommended for a comfortable view.
• Film Grain and Chromatic Aberration: It is recommended that both of these be set to Off
• Depth of Field: Setting it to On is recommended
• FPS Limit: Set your FPS limit to 30. This will give you the best experience on the steam deck.

These settings should provide a stable 30 FPS experience on your Steam Deck, which is quite playable for a game as demanding as Cyberpunk 2077.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about playing Cyberpunk 2077 offline on Steam Deck:

1. Do I need internet to download Cyberpunk 2077 on Steam Deck?

Yes, you absolutely need an internet connection to download and install Cyberpunk 2077 initially. The Steam platform requires an online connection to download game files.

2. Can I play Cyberpunk 2077 offline on Steam Deck after it’s installed?

Yes, you can play Cyberpunk 2077 offline once it’s fully installed and you have completed the initial online launch.

3. What happens if my game requires an update while offline?

You won’t be able to update the game while offline. You’ll need to connect to the internet to download and install any patches or updates. The game may not launch if the game files have a pending update.

4. Will Steam Deck games launch offline without an initial connection?

No, most games require an initial start-up while connected to the Steam Network. Once this is done, they should work offline.

5. What happens if I try to launch a game in offline mode before it has been launched online?

You will likely receive an error message stating that the game cannot be started in offline mode. The game must be launched at least once while connected to Steam.

6. Is there a time limit to how long I can stay in Steam’s offline mode?

No, there is no practical time limit on Steam’s offline mode. You can stay offline indefinitely as long as your device remains logged in.

7. How long does a Steam Deck battery last while playing Cyberpunk 2077?

Battery life will vary. Under demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077, it’s advisable to keep your device charged or near a power source as battery life can range from 2 to 8 hours. Lowering screen brightness and other settings can extend battery life.

8. How much storage space does Cyberpunk 2077 require on Steam Deck?

Cyberpunk 2077 requires approximately 70 GB of storage space. It is important to have an SSD in order to play the game.

9. Can I skip the Cyberpunk 2077 launcher on Steam Deck?

Yes, you can skip the launcher. In Steam, go to the game’s Properties, then under the General Tab, Launch Options and enter the argument: –launcher-skip.

10. Does the Steam version of Cyberpunk 2077 have DRM?

The Steam version of Cyberpunk 2077 has the basic DRM that comes with Steam. There isn’t any additional DRM from CD Projekt Red.

11. Can I play Cyberpunk 2077 with nudity disabled?

Yes, you can disable nudity in the game settings. Go to the Gameplay tab and toggle the Nudity Censor option to “On”.

12. Why does Cyberpunk 2077 sometimes use the internet?

The game may use the internet for global stat updates that are posted on social media. Also, some additional in-game content may require a connection to GOG.

13. Can I play other Ubisoft games offline on Steam Deck?

Most Ubisoft games on Steam can be played offline, but some may require an internet connection. Check the specific system requirements for each game. However, Ubisoft + requires an active internet connection to function.

14. Is it possible to finish Cyberpunk 2077 without dying?

Yes, it is possible to finish the game without dying and there are even trophies for doing so.

15. Can I play Cyberpunk 2077 offline on other handheld devices like the ROG Ally?

Yes, the ROG Ally is also designed to play games offline, using the same principles as the Steam Deck. As long as the game is installed and logged in while online initially, offline play is possible.

Conclusion

Playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the Steam Deck offline is not only possible but also a highly enjoyable way to experience the game. By following the correct setup procedures and optimizing your in-game settings, you can dive into the world of Night City anytime, anywhere, without needing an internet connection. This makes the Steam Deck an ideal platform for immersive single-player experiences, allowing you to fully enjoy titles like Cyberpunk 2077 on the go.