Why Are Some Games Unplayable on Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck, Valve’s foray into handheld gaming, has revolutionized how we play PC games. However, not every title in your extensive Steam library will run flawlessly on this portable powerhouse. The question then arises: why are some games unplayable on Steam Deck? The primary reason lies in compatibility issues stemming from several factors, most notably anti-cheat software used in multiplayer games, hardware limitations, and the lack of official support for certain titles. Let’s delve deeper into each of these areas.
Anti-Cheat Software and Compatibility
One of the most significant roadblocks for Steam Deck compatibility is the presence of anti-cheat systems in many popular multiplayer games. These systems, designed to prevent cheating in online gameplay, often operate at a kernel level. This means they require deep access to your system’s operating system, which can clash with the Linux-based SteamOS running on the Steam Deck.
Popular anti-cheat solutions like BattlEye and Easy Anti-Cheat can be particularly problematic. Although there have been ongoing efforts to improve compatibility, many games that rely on these technologies still struggle to function properly on the Steam Deck. These incompatibilities can result in the game failing to launch, experiencing severe performance issues, or being outright blocked due to the anti-cheat software’s inability to recognize the Steam Deck’s environment. This is why titles like Apex Legends, Destiny 2, and Dead by Daylight are often cited as unplayable.
Hardware and Optimization Challenges
While the Steam Deck boasts impressive capabilities for a handheld device, it’s not a high-end gaming PC. Some games are simply too demanding for the hardware, regardless of optimization efforts. This means that titles with extremely high graphics requirements or that rely on specific CPU instructions not fully supported by the Steam Deck’s architecture can run poorly or not at all. Additionally, some older games might require specific operating systems or libraries that aren’t readily available on SteamOS.
Furthermore, developers must invest time and resources to optimize games for the Steam Deck’s specific hardware and resolution. Games not optimized for the Deck can suffer from issues such as poor frame rates, graphical glitches, and control problems. Some titles may also suffer from small text or unreadable interface elements on the Steam Deck’s smaller screen, making the game unenjoyable even if it does technically run.
Lack of Official Support and Testing
Valve employs a compatibility rating system for Steam games on the Steam Deck: Verified, Playable, Unsupported, and Unknown. Games rated as “Unsupported” have been tested and found to have significant issues, either during launch or gameplay. These issues can range from game crashes to completely non-functional controls. Many of these unsupported games are simply not officially optimized for the Steam Deck.
While some “Unsupported” games may technically be playable with some tweaking, they often require considerable effort to get them running smoothly. This highlights that “Unsupported” does not always mean “unplayable,” but it does signal a higher likelihood of problems, and a guarantee that Valve hasn’t validated a seamless, enjoyable experience. The “Unknown” category consists of games that have yet to be tested, and hence their compatibility with the Steam Deck cannot be determined without direct experience.
The Role of Proton
It’s important to recognize that a substantial portion of Steam games are developed for Windows. To bridge this gap, Valve uses a compatibility layer called Proton, which is based on Wine. Proton allows Windows games to run on the Linux-based SteamOS. However, Proton is not a perfect solution. While it works remarkably well for many titles, some games may experience bugs, glitches, and performance problems that arise from the translation process. Proton compatibility updates are frequent, improving the experience over time, but some titles remain stubbornly incompatible.
Community Efforts and Workarounds
Despite these challenges, the Steam Deck community is incredibly active. Many players dedicate their time to finding workarounds and tweaks to get unsupported games working. This includes using custom Proton versions, modifying game configuration files, and even utilizing unofficial tools and launchers. These efforts often succeed in making previously unplayable titles accessible, demonstrating that many issues are not insurmountable.
FAQs About Steam Deck Game Compatibility
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions about game compatibility on the Steam Deck, providing additional information for players:
1. Can I play unplayable games on Steam Deck?
While Valve labels some games as unsupported, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are 100% unplayable. Some users can get these games running through workarounds and custom settings, though this is not guaranteed, and can cause instability.
2. What makes a game unsupported on Steam Deck?
A game is deemed unsupported after testing shows it doesn’t work as expected. This can range from being completely unplayable to having severe issues, such as game crashes and control problems.
3. Which popular games are not working on Steam Deck?
Several popular games are known to have issues, often related to anti-cheat. These include Apex Legends, Black Desert Online, DayZ, Dead by Daylight, Destiny 2, Fall Guys, Hunt: Showdown, and Paladins.
4. Is it safe to play Steam Deck while charging?
Yes, it is perfectly safe. The Steam Deck will stop charging the battery once it is full and run directly from the power adapter. This prevents any harm to the battery.
5. What causes Steam games to fail to launch?
If your games are not launching, it is most likely due to an outdated graphics driver or other driver conflicts. Updating your drivers is usually the first solution.
6. Do all Steam games run on the Steam Deck?
Technically, the Steam Deck has the capacity to run all Steam games in your library, but whether they run well and are considered “playable” is another matter.
7. Why won’t Steam Deck games launch offline?
Most games need an initial online connection to the Steam Network before working in offline mode. If a game fails to launch offline, it likely needs an update or an initial connection.
8. How long does the Steam Deck battery last?
Battery life on a Steam Deck can vary from 2 to 8 hours depending on your settings, game type and screen brightness.
9. Does unsupported mean unplayable on Steam Deck?
No, “unsupported” doesn’t necessarily mean “unplayable”. It signifies that the game has not been verified by Valve as having a good experience, however some games might still be playable with some effort.
10. Can Steam Deck handle newer games?
The Steam Deck is capable of running most games up to around 2022. It can even emulate many modern console titles, demonstrating its solid performance capability.
11. Do I need Proton on the Steam Deck?
Proton is essential for running many Windows-based Steam games on the Linux-based Steam Deck. It is included in the system.
12. Can I refund a game on Steam that doesn’t work on the Steam Deck?
Yes, you can request a refund for nearly any purchase on Steam if you’re unsatisfied, regardless of the reason.
13. Does Fallout 3 work on the Steam Deck?
Yes, Fallout 3 works well on the Deck, although it may experience occasional crashes.
14. How many games work on Steam Deck?
Approximately 75% of tested games are categorized as Playable or Verified, showing high compatibility. This represents over 10,000 of the games tested by Valve.
15. Can I play PS5 games on the Steam Deck?
Yes, you can play PS5 games on the Steam Deck using remote play software like Chiaki4Deck, with better optimization than other methods.
In conclusion, while the Steam Deck offers impressive access to a vast library of games, certain titles remain unplayable due to a complex mix of technical, software, and support issues. The primary culprits are anti-cheat software incompatibilities, hardware limitations, and the lack of developer optimization. However, with the power of the community, ongoing Proton updates, and the iterative improvements from Valve, the landscape of playable titles on the Steam Deck continues to grow. The status of “Unsupported” is not always an endpoint, but rather a challenge that many gamers often meet head-on.