Tested: ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ Is Unplayable On Steam Deck

Forbes - Feb 6th, 2025

The highly anticipated game Monster Hunter Wilds, developed by Capcom, faces significant performance issues on the Steam Deck. Despite Capcom's efforts to incorporate AMD, Nvidia, and Intel's image upscaling solutions, the game proves to be unplayable on the handheld device. Tests conducted with the benchmark tool reveal disappointing results, with frame rates averaging 21FPS at the lowest graphics preset and frequent dips below 15FPS. Even with performance enhancers like AMD FSR and frame generation activated, the game remains plagued by stuttering and frame rate issues, rendering it virtually unplayable on the Steam Deck.

The implications of these findings highlight the challenges of optimizing AAA games for portable gaming platforms like Steam Deck. While Capcom's optimization efforts allow for better performance on other PCs, the Steam Deck's limitations in handling demanding graphics are evident. This performance issue raises questions about the feasibility of playing AAA titles on handheld devices and may push developers to further refine their optimization techniques or prompt hardware manufacturers to enhance device capabilities. The situation underscores the ongoing struggle to balance high-quality gaming experiences with the portability and convenience that devices like the Steam Deck aim to provide.

Steam Deck Video Games Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds Game Performance Amd Fsr Frame Generation Gaming Hardware

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed account of the performance issues faced when running Monster Hunter Wilds on the Steam Deck. It effectively communicates the challenges through specific benchmark results and personal testing experiences. While the article is clear and timely, appealing to the gaming community, it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and higher source quality. Including statements from developers or additional expert opinions would enhance credibility and balance. Overall, the story is a valuable resource for gamers interested in understanding the current limitations of playing AAA titles on portable devices but remains somewhat niche in its appeal.

Accuracy

The news story provides a generally accurate depiction of the performance issues encountered while running Monster Hunter Wilds on the Steam Deck. The claim that the game runs poorly on this device is supported by specific benchmark results, such as an average of 21FPS at the lowest settings and frequent dips below 15FPS. The article accurately describes the benchmark tool's comprehensiveness, aligning with official sources. However, some areas need further verification, such as the exact nature of the stuttering and the potential for future optimizations. The story does not misrepresent any facts, but it could benefit from more precise data and corroboration from additional sources.

Balance

The article primarily presents a negative perspective on the game's performance on Steam Deck, with little consideration of potential solutions or positive aspects. While it mentions the availability of image upscaling and frame generation, it quickly dismisses these options due to continued performance issues. The focus is heavily on the negative experience, which may lead to a skewed impression for readers. Including more viewpoints, such as responses from Capcom or Valve regarding potential updates or fixes, could provide a more balanced narrative.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that guides readers through the testing process and results. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the performance issues described. The use of specific examples, such as FPS numbers and benchmark descriptions, enhances the clarity of the information presented. However, the article could benefit from a more structured presentation of potential solutions or future updates to improve readability.

Source quality

The article relies on personal testing and observations, which limits the scope of source quality. While the writer's hands-on experience provides valuable insights, the lack of external sources or expert opinions weakens the overall credibility. The story would benefit from incorporating statements from Capcom or Valve, as well as reviews from other gaming experts, to enhance its reliability and provide a more comprehensive view.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the testing conditions, such as using the Steam Deck OLED and selecting the Proton Hotfix. It also describes the methodology for testing the game's performance, providing readers with a clear understanding of how conclusions were reached. However, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as affiliations with gaming companies or platforms, which could affect impartiality.