Good News for Steam Deck Owners: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Updates

Good News for Steam Deck Owners: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Updates

Overview of Recent Updates to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

  • Square Enix has significantly reduced the download size for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on the Steam Deck, from 144.2 GB to 88.1 GB.
  • This update not only optimizes storage requirements but also enhances overall game stability and fixes various bugs.

In a notable development, Square Enix has announced a 38.8% reduction in the download size of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth for the Steam Deck. This strategic adjustment aims to alleviate concerns regarding storage limitations associated with Valve’s handheld gaming device, making it more user-friendly for gamers.

Released on January 23, 2025, after a period of exclusivity on the PS5, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth received a warm welcome from players and critics alike. Quickly climbing to the top of Steam’s sales charts, the game’s launch was marked by high praise for its gameplay and technical achievements. The title was optimally designed to take advantage of the Steam Deck’s capabilities from day one, allowing players to immerse themselves in Cloud Strife’s adventures wherever they go. With this latest update, the emphasis on optimizing performance for Steam Deck further illustrates Square Enix’s commitment to enhancing player experience.

The download size has been revised in update version 1.003, now bringing it down to 88.1 GB—saving players nearly 39% compared to the standard PC edition. This is particularly crucial considering that the base Steam Deck model offers just 256 GB of storage. Alongside the size reduction, the patch also contains important bug fixes and stability improvements, addressing various issues, including application crashes on select AMD systems.

Exploring in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Cloud in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Cloud's new outfit in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Battle between Cloud and Sephiroth in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Cloud running across a bridge in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

This impressive reduction in download size raises expectations that the developers have optimized certain high-resolution assets, as indicated by GamingOnLinux. Given the Steam Deck’s hardware limitations in comparison to a full gaming PC, prioritizing a smaller file size while possibly compromising a fraction of visual fidelity reflects a strategic choice by Square Enix.

The decision to optimize such a prominent title for the Steam Deck is a notable move, especially in an era where AAA game developers frequently overlook the needs of handheld gamers. Should this dedication by the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth team catch on, it may pave the way for greater support and innovation for handheld devices among industry giants.

Patch Notes for Version 1.003

  • Enhanced overall game stability with multiple bug fixes.
  • Resolved crashing issues that were affecting gameplay on certain PCs with AMD Radeon™ graphics.
  • Significantly reduced download size for easier access on the Steam Deck.

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