The Steam Deck Turns Three: Can It Handle Monster Hunter Wilds?

The Steam Deck, celebrating its third anniversary, is a marvel of portable gaming, offering PC-level gaming on the go. However, as AAA games evolve, the Steam Deck faces challenges in keeping up. Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest in Capcom’s esteemed series, is a prime example, pushing hardware limits with its demands.

Understanding Steam Deck Verified

Steam Deck Verified ensures games are optimized for the device, covering controller support, display compatibility, and performance. Without this verification, games may have compatibility issues, though they can still be playable. Monster Hunter Wilds lacks this stamp, hinting at potential performance hurdles.

Spec Showdown: Monster Hunter Wilds vs. Steam Deck

The game’s requirements are hefty, needing at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM, and a mid-range GPU. The Steam Deck boasts a Zen 2 CPU, 16GB RAM, and an RDNA 2 GPU, but its capabilities are stretched by Monster Hunter Wilds. Initial tests show low settings yield blocky graphics and subpar frame rates, indicating the deck struggles to meet the game’s demands.

Performance Analysis: How Smooth is the Experience?

Testing reveals that Monster Hunter Wilds runs, but barely. Low settings result in 20fps, making gameplay less enjoyable. While the Steam Deck can technically handle it, the experience is far from ideal, suggesting it’s not the best platform for this title.

Future Prospects: Will Patches Improve Performance?

The game’s PC version is currently unoptimized, but upcoming patches, including a launch day update, may enhance performance. However, even with potential improvements, the Steam Deck may remain a less-than-optimal choice compared to consoles.

Conclusion: Where to Play Monster Hunter Wilds

While the Steam Deck can run Monster Hunter Wilds, it’s not the recommended platform. Players seeking optimal experiences might prefer PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, where the game is more refined. The Steam Deck’s portability is appealing, but for AAA titles like this, it may not be the best choice.