"Cyberpunk 2077" just got an official "Steam Deck" graphics preset with its new update 1.52, in order to help it run better on Valve's new handheld. But it seems like the preset doesn't even work right on its own.
cyberpunk 2077 steam
WCCFTech reported on a recent video posted by the YouTube channel Gaming On Linux, which tested the graphics preset and found that it requires way too much effort to get it working somewhat the right way, and even then, it still doesn't work as intended.
Here is the video where the Steam Deck preset was tested against all other graphical presets within "Cyberpunk 2077": low, medium, high, and ultra:
As you can see in the video, the so-called Steam Deck preset doesn't do much aside from putting the graphics settings to Ultra. This is definitely not the right way, considering how demanding "Cyberpunk 2077" can be on the hardware. Valve's new handheld is pretty powerful, but even that is not enough to run "Cyberpunk" on Ultra with smooth frame rates.
Going through the game's new built-in benchmark with the Steam Deck settings will net you sub-30 FPS gameplay. This isn't ideal considering it is a first-person shooter, where quick flicks with the right stick for aiming are critical to getting a shot off-more in a heated firefight.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the game will default to Ultra settings if you select the Steam Deck preset and reload the game, writes GameSpot. If the graphical preset did work the way it is intended, it likely would have made visual compromises to get a good balance between playable frame rates and graphical detail.
For now, it is recommended that you steer clear of the Steam Deck preset if you're playing "Cyberpunk 2077" on your new handheld. At least until CD Projekt Red puts out a hotfix, that is.
Read also: 'Cyberpunk 2077' Expansions Will NOT Be Using Unreal Engine 5
What Settings Should You Use For 'Cyberpunk 2077' On The Deck?
Since the Steam Deck preset is broken, going for Medium settings will net you playable frame rates on the handheld-even if you have AMD's FSR upscaling mode turned off.
Here is a video once again from Gaming On Linux, which shows CD Projekt Red's Night City romp running between 26-37 FPS on average before Patch 1.52 was released. This isn't smooth by any means, but it is very playable and looks good enough on the small, seven-inch LCD screen. Also, the settings are using the High texture preset:
But if you keep the Medium settings (with High textures) and turn on AMD FSR to Auto, the frame rate jumps to the high 40s with some bumps into the 50s and even high 60s. This is a much smoother gameplay experience that also balances visual fidelity and performance, once again proving just how much power Valve was able to cram in such a small package.
Don't blame Valve for "Cyberpunk 2077's" issues on the Steam Deck. This is purely on CD Projekt Red's side, and it might be just a matter of time before they put out a fix.
Related: 'Cyberpunk 2077' Next-Gen Is Earning Some Love From Players
Story posted on GameNGuide
Written by RJ Pierce