As the anticipation for Assassin’s Creed Shadows builds, players have noted its Steam Deck Verified status, indicating solid gameplay potential on Valve’s handheld device. Now that the game has launched, let’s explore its performance on the Steam Deck.
Performance Overview of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Steam Deck
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows is Steam Deck Verified, initial gameplay may encounter performance dips. On my Steam Deck OLED, I experienced some performance bottlenecks during my first gameplay session. However, tweaking the settings made a significant difference. I managed to achieve a relatively stable 30 FPS under most conditions, as illustrated in the screenshot captured at the stunning peak of Osaka Castle. Despite these adjustments, higher physics interactions occasionally led to minor frame hiccups.
A notable drawback is the Steam Deck version of AC Shadows features limited graphical settings. Unlike other Verified titles, customization options are sparse; players cannot alter individual image quality settings such as textures, shadows, or reflections, which are often essential for optimizing performance.
Instead, players are restricted to a few options regarding resolution, upscaling, and field of view. While these limitations are manageable given the game’s optimization for the Steam Deck’s hardware, it is surprising not to have more flexibility in graphical customization.
Furthermore, despite not being a direct performance issue, the game requires Ubisoft Connect even on the Steam Deck. After installing AC Shadows, players must utilize the on-screen keypad or a connected keyboard to enter their Ubisoft account credentials. While a minor inconvenience, it can detract from the overall mobile gaming enjoyment.
Tips for Enhancing Performance in Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Steam Deck
Though Assassin’s Creed Shadows doesn’t offer extensive performance settings, the available options allow for a satisfactory gaming experience. After some experimentation, here are the settings I utilized on my OLED Steam Deck for a stable, albeit somewhat sluggish, performance:
- Field of View: 88%
- Raytraced Global Illumination: Diffuse Hideout Only
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- VSync: On
- Resolution: 1280×720
- Upscaler Type: TAA
- Minimum Dynamic Resolution: 20%
- Maximum Dynamic Resolution: 50%
- Sharpen Strength: 0.65
- Frame Generation: Off
While Frame Generation is an option in the Deck version of AC Shadows, it comes with a significant loss of image quality in exchange for an average FPS boost of ten. The visual trade-off involving aliasing and distortion was not worth it for me. I prefer TAA over FSR due to its superior quality, especially during rainy scenes and other environmental effects.
Finally, setting a 30 FPS cap in the Deck’s Performance settings enhances the overall experience. While this advice may seem repetitive, it consistently improves gameplay. If you’re looking for in-game enhancements, check out our guide on adopting pets in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows playable on the Steam Deck?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is Steam Deck Verified, meaning it runs adequately on the device, although some performance tweaks may enhance the experience.
2. What settings should I use for optimal performance on my Steam Deck?
For the best performance, try using the following settings: Field of View at 88%, Resolution at 1280×720, with VSync enabled.
3. Does the game require a Ubisoft account to play on the Steam Deck?
Yes, AC Shadows requires a Ubisoft Connect account, and players must log in using the Steam Deck keypad or an external keyboard.
4. Why are the graphics settings limited on the Steam Deck version?
The limited settings are a design choice and surprising, especially when compared to other Verified games. It focuses more on performance optimization for handheld gameplay.