Dragon’s Dogma 2, the action RPG sequel that captivated players on consoles and PCs, has landed – or perhaps crash-landed – on the Steam Deck. While the portability of Valve’s handheld console holds immense appeal for gamers on the go, it seems Capcom hasn’t optimized Dragon’s Dogma 2 for this platform, resulting in a less-than-ideal experience.
Performance Woes: Dragon’s Dogma 2 Struggles on Steam Deck
Reports from outlets like TouchArcade paint a concerning picture. With default graphics settings and 720p resolution, Dragon’s Dogma 2 chugs along at a measly 10 frames per second (FPS) on the Steam Deck. This is far below the playable threshold for most action RPGs, rendering the experience frustrating and sluggish.
Tinkering and Tweaking: Can You Salvage Performance?
There’s a glimmer of hope for determined Arisen (Dragon’s Dogma 2 players). By aggressively lowering graphical settings and enabling FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) in its highest performance mode, some users report achieving a slightly more playable frame rate of around 15 FPS. However, this comes at a significant cost: the visual fidelity takes a major hit, potentially diminishing the enjoyment of the game’s stunning world.
A Missed Opportunity? Why Optimization Matters
The lack of optimization for the Steam Deck is a missed opportunity for Capcom. Dragon’s Dogma 2’s core gameplay loop – slaying monstrous foes, exploring vast landscapes, and forging bonds with your Pawns (AI companions) – is perfectly suited for handheld gaming. However, the current performance issues create a significant barrier to entry for Steam Deck owners who might otherwise be drawn to the world of Dragon’s Dogma 2.
Alternative Options: Where to Play Dragon’s Dogma 2 Smoothly
If you’re yearning for a smooth Dragon’s Dogma 2 experience, alternative platforms offer a much better solution. The game runs exceptionally well on both PC and consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. These platforms can deliver high frame rates and stunning visuals, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world without performance hiccups.
A Look Ahead: Will Capcom Address the Issue?
It remains to be seen if Capcom will address Dragon’s Dogma 2’s optimization woes on the Steam Deck. Patches and updates can significantly improve performance, so keeping an eye on future developments is crucial. However, there’s no guarantee that Capcom will prioritize optimization for a niche platform like the Steam Deck, especially if the game performs well on more established platforms.
A Cautious Recommendation for Arisen on Steam Deck
For Steam Deck owners, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is currently a gamble. The potential for a fantastic handheld RPG experience exists, but the current performance issues make it a risky proposition. If you’re willing to tinker with settings and potentially sacrifice visual fidelity, you might be able to squeeze out a playable experience. However, for a smoother and more visually stunning adventure, alternative platforms are currently the better choice.
FAQs
Q: Can I play Dragon’s Dogma 2 on Steam Deck?
A: Technically yes, but the game suffers from severe performance issues on Steam Deck at the moment.
Q: What kind of frame rates can I expect on Steam Deck?
A: With default settings, expect frame rates as low as 10 FPS. Tinkering with settings and FSR can potentially push it to 15 FPS but at the cost of visual quality.
Q: Should I buy Dragon’s Dogma 2 for the Steam Deck?
A: If performance is a priority, it’s best to wait for potential optimization patches or play on an alternative platform like a PC or console.
