Baldur’s Gate 3 Now Natively Runs on Steam Deck: Major Improvements Announced
In a significant update earlier this year, Larian Studios announced that it would cease major updates for Baldur’s Gate 3. However, the developers have continued to provide timely hotfixes aimed at improving the overall user experience. The latest hotfix stands out as particularly impactful, as it introduces native support for the game on the Steam Deck, promising enhanced stability and performance across the board.
Transition from Proton to Native Performance
Players have previously relied on the Proton compatibility layer to run Baldur’s Gate 3 on Valve’s handheld console. Larian Studios has revealed that the newly implemented native version of the game dramatically reduces CPU and memory usage, which optimizes gameplay and enhances overall responsiveness.
Account and File Transfer Considerations
It’s important to note that players who do not utilize Steam Cloud Saves must manually transfer their saved campaigns on the Steam Deck. This requirement extends to modders who have installed user-created modifications without connecting to a Larian Account on mod.io. For comprehensive instructions on how to recover saved data, check Larian’s support page here.
Limited Support for Linux Users
Additionally, Larian Studios has confirmed that support will only be offered for Baldur’s Gate 3 issues on the Steam Deck. Unfortunately, this means that other Linux users may not receive the same level of assistance from the studio.
The Driving Force Behind the Upgrade
Larian Studios’ CEO, Swen Vincke, shared insights on the decision to introduce a native version of the game for the Steam Deck via social media. He attributed this advancement to the dedication of an engineer who worked on the port in their personal time. Upon witnessing the smooth performance of the game in its native form, Larian decided to develop it into an official build for all players to enjoy.
Wider Performance Enhancements
Moreover, the improvements made for the Steam Deck version are not confined to just that platform. Vincke emphasized that these upgrades will benefit all players, enhancing how game models are streamed across various systems. This should notably improve performance, particularly in densely populated areas, such as the Lower City during Act 3, thereby minimizing framerate spikes.
Access Full Patch Notes
To view the complete patch notes detailing the updates and fixes in Hotfix #32, including resolutions for crashes on Xbox consoles, click here.
For those seeking more information and updates on Baldur’s Gate 3, visit the original sources here.
Related Articles:
Ubisoft Avatar Game ‘From the Ash’ Expansion Release Coincides with New Movie Premiere
6:49
Riot’s League of Legends Fighting Game 2XKO Launching Next Month After Six-Year Wait
6:47
Special Edition NBA 2K26 and Three New Games Coming to Apple Arcade Next Month
6:34
Leave a Reply