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Guide: How to Play Baldur’s Gate 3 on a Steam Deck

Baldur’s Gate 3, the highly anticipated role-playing game, is set to release on August 3 for PC and September 6 for PlayStation 5. With the upcoming launch, many players are excited to dive into the game’s massive campaign, which can take up to 100 hours to complete. However, for those who prefer a handheld gaming experience, playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Steam Deck might be an attractive option.

One of the first things to consider when playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Steam Deck is the storage capacity. The game has a massive installation size of 80.46 GB, so the cheapest version of the Steam Deck with 64 GB of storage might not be sufficient. It is recommended to opt for the 256 GB or 512 GB variant, or use a microSD card to expand the storage space.

Another issue that players might encounter is related to the game’s compatibility with the Steam Deck. While Baldur’s Gate 3 can be installed on the Steam Deck without changing any Proton compatibility settings, there are a few caveats. When starting the game, the Larian Launcher opens, and sometimes the cursor can disappear or reset while moving it. To overcome this issue, players can try moving the cursor using the right thumbstick and then pressing the right trigger/RT on “Get Started.” Additionally, it is advised to switch to DirectX 11 instead of the default Vulkan option, as Vulkan has been known to cause crashes.

To skip the Larian Launcher entirely, players can follow these steps: select the game again, click on the gear icon to the right of the panel, go to Properties, scroll down to Launch Options in the General tab, and type “–skip-launcher” in the text box. This will allow players to start the game directly without any cursor issues, and with DirectX 11 enabled as the default option.

Considering the Steam Deck’s battery life, players can make some adjustments in the game’s settings to enjoy longer playtime. On the main menu, going to Options -> Video, and changing the resolution to 1280×800, turning off VSync, enabling a framerate cap of 30 fps, and setting the overall preset to Medium, shadow quality to Low, and cloud quality to Low can help conserve battery life.

It is important to note that the default controls for Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Steam Deck might not be fully implemented yet. Command selection might feel clunky, and players are unable to rotate the camera. By default, players can use the right thumbstick to move the cursor and the right trigger/RT to click on commands, enemies, or locations. For a more familiar PC gaming experience, players can try using a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard setup.

In conclusion, playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Steam Deck can provide a handheld gaming option for players who prefer to play on the go. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, such as storage capacity, compatibility issues, and control limitations. With the right adjustments and setup, players can enjoy the immersive world of Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Steam Deck.
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How does playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Steam Deck enhance the gaming experience in terms of portability and hardware?

He developers at Larian Studios are aware of these issues and are actively working on addressing them, so players can expect improvements and updates in the future.

Playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Steam Deck offers the advantage of a portable gaming experience. With the ability to play the game on the go, players can immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Faerun wherever they are. The Steam Deck’s powerful hardware also ensures that players can enjoy the game with smooth performance and graphics.

Furthermore, the Steam Deck’s built-in controls, including thumbsticks, buttons, and trackpads, provide a seamless and comfortable control scheme for playing Baldur’s Gate 3. This eliminates the need for additional accessories and allows players to fully enjoy the game without any compromises.

Overall, while there may be some technical considerations and compatibility issues, playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Steam Deck offers a convenient and immersive gaming experience. Whether players choose to indulge in the game’s massive campaign or enjoy shorter gaming sessions on the go, the Steam Deck provides a viable option for those who prefer handheld gaming.

2 thoughts on “Guide: How to Play Baldur’s Gate 3 on a Steam Deck”

  1. The Steam Deck has opened up a world of possibilities for gaming on the go, and playing Baldur’s Gate 3 is an absolute treat! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to dive into the epic world of this beloved RPG right on your handheld device. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure wherever you are!

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  2. Baldur’s Gate 3 is an epic RPG experience, and now with the Steam Deck, playing it on the go has become a breeze. This comprehensive guide walks you through the step-by-step process, making sure you never miss a beat while adventuring through the realms. Get ready to embark on this mythical journey anytime, anywhere!

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