The Steam Deck Turns Three: Can It Handle Monster Hunter Wilds?
The Steam Deck, Valve’s innovative portable PC gaming device, has just celebrated its third birthday. Since its release, it has been a game-changer for gamers who want to take their PC gaming experience on the go. However, as the gaming world evolves, owners are beginning to realize that their beloved Steam Deck might not be able to handle every new game that comes out, especially the triple-A titles that push the boundaries of graphics and performance. One of the most anticipated games of the year, Monster Hunter Wilds, has just been released, and the big question on everyone’s mind is: can the Steam Deck run it smoothly?
Is Monster Hunter Wilds Steam Deck Verified?
One of the first things potential buyers might check is whether Monster Hunter Wilds is officially "Steam Deck Verified." This designation means that the game has been tested by Valve and meets certain criteria for a smooth gaming experience on the Steam Deck. These criteria include full controller support, compatibility with the device’s default resolution, no major bugs or crashes, and support for Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux-based devices like the Steam Deck.
As of now, Monster Hunter Wilds has not received the "Steam Deck Verified" label. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the game can’t be played on the device—it just means that it hasn’t been officially tested or optimized for it. Gamers who are eager to try it out on their Steam Deck may still be able to do so, but they might encounter some issues along the way.
A Look at the Specs: Can the Steam Deck Handle Monster Hunter Wilds?
To get a better idea of whether Monster Hunter Wilds can run on the Steam Deck, let’s take a look at the game’s PC requirements and compare them to the Steam Deck’s hardware specifications.
Monster Hunter Wilds PC Requirements:
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Minimum:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10500, Intel Core i3-12100, or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- RAM: 16GB
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT 8GB
- Storage: 75GB
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Recommended:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10500, Intel Core i3-12100, or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- RAM: 16GB
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8GB or AMD Radeon RX 6600 8GB
- Storage: 75GB
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High:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10500, Intel Core i3-12100, or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- RAM: 16GB
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT 12GB
- Storage: 75GB
- Ultra:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-11600K, Intel Core i3-12400, or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, AMD Ryzen 7 7700
- RAM: 16GB
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12GB or AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT 16GB
- Storage: 75GB
Steam Deck Specifications:
- CPU: Zen 2 4-core/8-thread CPU, clocked between 2.4GHz and 3.5GHz
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
- GPU: 8 RDNA 2 compute units, clocked at 1.6GHz
- Storage: Up to 2TB
On paper, the Steam Deck’s specs seem to come close to the minimum requirements for Monster Hunter Wilds, but it’s important to remember that the game is a AAA title with high-quality graphics and demanding performance needs. While the Steam Deck is a powerful device for its size, it’s clear that it may struggle to keep up with the game’s more intensive settings.
Can Monster Hunter Wilds Actually Run on the Steam Deck?
The short answer is yes, Monster Hunter Wilds can technically run on the Steam Deck. However, the experience is far from ideal. When testing the game on the Steam Deck at the lowest settings, the visuals were subpar, with blocky character models and a lack of detail. The frame rate was also inconsistent, often dipping below 20fps, which makes for a less-than-smooth gaming experience.
It’s worth noting that the PC version of Monster Hunter Wilds is still relatively new, and optimization is likely to improve over time. Capcom, the game’s developer, has already announced plans to release a post-launch patch that could address some of the performance issues. Additionally, the gaming community is known for its ingenuity, and it’s possible that mods or tweaks could be developed to improve the game’s performance on the Steam Deck.
The Verdict: Is the Steam Deck the Right Platform for Monster Hunter Wilds?
While it’s possible to play Monster Hunter Wilds on the Steam Deck, it’s clear that the device is not the best platform for this particular game. The Steam Deck’s hardware, while impressive for a portable device, simply can’t keep up with the demands of a AAA title like Monster Hunter Wilds. The subpar visuals, low frame rate, and overall lack of optimization make it a less enjoyable experience compared to playing it on a more powerful PC or a modern console like the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.
Gamers who are eager to dive into the world of Monster Hunter Wilds would be better off playing it on one of the supported consoles or a high-end PC. However, for those who are determined to play it on the go, there is hope. As the game continues to receive updates and optimizations, the experience on the Steam Deck may improve over time. Until then, it might be best to wait and see how things develop before investing too much time into playing it on the Steam Deck.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Steam Deck and Monster Hunter Wilds
The Steam Deck has proven itself to be a versatile and powerful device for PC gaming on the go, but it’s clear that it has its limitations when it comes to demanding AAA titles like Monster Hunter Wilds. While it’s possible to play the game on the Steam Deck, the experience is far from ideal, and gamers may find themselves frustrated by the poor performance.
That said, there’s still hope for Steam Deck owners who want to enjoy Monster Hunter Wilds. Capcom’s upcoming patches and the potential for community-driven optimizations could help improve the game’s performance on the device. In the meantime, it might be best to keep an eye on updates and see how things develop before diving into the game on the Steam Deck.
Ultimately, the Steam Deck is an incredible device for what it is, but it’s not a replacement for a high-end gaming PC or a modern console. For games like Monster Hunter Wilds, it’s important to have realistic expectations about what the device can handle. While it’s possible to play the game, it’s not going to be the same experience as playing it on more powerful hardware.
