Diablo
Diablo 4 on Steam Deck Best Settings and Performance
Jul
Input: Left Image: FSR on Quality. | Right Image: FSR on Performance.On the left, behold the visual masterpiece of FSR showcasing its prowess in enhancing image quality. On the right, witness the extraordinary power of FSR as it elevates performance to new heights.
Unfortunately, Diablo 4 cannot be found on the Steam platform; however, fear not, for there is a way to indulge in its captivating gameplay. Simply equip your Steam Deck with Battle.Net and acquire the game through that avenue.
Diablo 4 on Steam Deck Performance
Surpassing the norms of a conventional Steam launch, Diablo 4 performs seamlessly on the remarkable Steam Deck.
The main obstacle lies within the framerate, with its challenges intertwined with the fact that Diablo 4 is exclusively an online gaming experience. While venturing through the vast overworld or engaging in fierce battles within dungeons, the framerate maintains a steady 60 frames per second. Although a flawless 60 is not consistently attainable, a commendable range of 55 to 59 frames per second can be achieved.
In bustling hubs or during delightful gaming sessions with friends, the framerate tends to sway with a whimsical rhythm. Here, one can anticipate an average of 40 to 50, not quite reaching the pinnacle of greatness. Nevertheless, considering this game’s young existence without complete Proton support, it remains remarkably playable and possesses its own captivating charm. My enjoyment knows no bounds!
Diablo 4 on Steam Deck Best Settings
The settings I’ve crafted aim to achieve the utmost proximity to 60 frames per second, pushing the boundaries of what Diablo 4 will permit.
Input: The FSR feature was a topic I deliberated upon extensively. It’s definitely worth enabling, however, if you encounter any performance issues in specific aspects of the game, consider shifting FSR from quality to performance mode. While you do have the option to go for ultra performance, I must admit that it excessively compromises the game’s visual quality, so I cannot wholeheartedly endorse it.
Additionally, you have the option to increase the TDP to 15, albeit at the cost of a higher battery drain. After some consideration, I opted for 10 watts, which effectively maintained a serene fan operation while providing ample power for optimal gameplay. However, should you choose 15, be prepared for the incessant whirring of the fan. The decision ultimately rests with you, though personally, I believe 15 is unnecessary, but it’s available as a precautionary measure.
| Diablo 4 (In-game Settings) | |
| Resolution | 1280×800 (16:10) |
| Sharpen Image | 100 |
| Font Scale | Large |
| HDR | Off |
| Veritcal Sync | On |
| Limit Cutscene FPS | On |
| Font Scale | Large |
| Performance Settings | |
| FidelityFX Super Resolution 2 | Quality |
| Max Foregorund FPS | 60 |
| Max Background FPS | 8 |
| Quality Settings | |
| Texture Quality | Low |
| Anisotropic Filtering | 2x |
| Shadow Quality | Low |
| Dynamic Shadows | On |
| Soft Shadows | On |
| Shader Quality | Low |
| SSAO Quality | Low |
| Fog Quality | Low |
| Water Simulation Quality | Low |
| Anti-Aliasing Quality | Low |
| Geometric Quality | Low |
| Terrain Geometry Detail | Low |
| Physics Quality | Low |
| Particles Quality | Low |
| Reflection Quality | Low |
| Screen Space Reflections | Off |
| Distortion | Off |
| Low FX Quality | Off |
| Steam Deck Settings (Quick Access Menu) | |
| TDP: 10 | Estimated Battery Life: 2 Hours |
| Docked Mode Resolution: 1280×720 | FSR: On (Docked Mode) |
| GPU Usage: 98% | Temperature: 75 degrees |
| Battery Drain | 20.2w |
| Extra Info | |
| Fills the Entire Steam Deck Screen | Yes |
| Valve Grading | Unavailable on Steam |
| Performance Rating: 4/5 | |
Bugs and Issues
As previously stated, the predominant obstacle lies within the realm of all things online. The framerate encounters arduous challenges when interacting with fellow players. No matter the numerous iterations of settings I have experimented with, a viable solution remains elusive. Nevertheless, achieving a framerate in the forties is undeniably commendable for a recently launched handheld game that lacks inherent support.
Random stuttering poses an additional obstacle in the equation.
The challenges appear to be intertwined with the power constraints of the Steam Deck. Despite the fact that Diablo 4 runs more smoothly on my ASUS ROG Ally, even this portable device encounters similar issues. Opting to swap to my 4090 XG Mobile, to no one’s astonishment, the problems magically disappeared. It seems that sheer force can effortlessly eliminate obstacles.
ASUS ROG Ally Comparison
When contrasting the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, it is to be expected that the game being discussed will exhibit superior performance on the more sophisticated Ally.
The Steam Deck encounters similar issues as the ASUS ROG Ally, yet the Ally grapples with online zones bustling with other players despite its enhanced capabilities. Nevertheless, the Ally impressively maintains a frame rate of over 60 frames per second in most instances.
The Ally, operating at a lower power of 15 watts instead of its 25-watt mode, exudes a remarkable sense of fluidity, even when the settings are adjusted to medium. Surprisingly, the overworld manages to achieve an astonishing 70 frames per second, a truly remarkable feat for a portable device.
Verdict
The awe-inspiring brilliance of Diablo 4 shines through, and the fact that it can be enjoyed on the remarkable Steam Deck is nothing short of a marvel. It not only runs flawlessly but does so with finesse. If any doubts lingered regarding its compatibility, cast them aside and seize the opportunity to acquire Diablo 4 on the extraordinary Steam Deck. Rest assured, your decision will be met with absolute satisfaction.
Steam Deck captures a myriad of stunning screenshots, while the retail edition of Diablo 4 has been acquired and delightfully employed.
