Baldur’s Gate 3 now runs smoother than ever on Steam Deck

Baldurs Gate 3 has been accused of running poorly on Valves handheld even though it is verified. This new update adds a native build.

Baldurs Gate 3 has received a new update and this update is very important for players who use the Steam Deck. The update is called Hotfix 34 and it introduces a native version of Baldurs Gate 3 for the Steam Deck. Before this update players were running the game through Proton. Proton is a compatibility tool that allows Windows games to run on Linux based systems like the Steam Deck. While Proton has been very useful it was not perfect. Performance was sometimes poor. Loading times were long. Frame rates were not always stable. Many players had doubts about the verified status of Baldurs Gate 3 on Steam Deck. The verified status means that a game is supposed to run well on the handheld device but for Baldurs Gate 3 the experience was not always smooth.

The new native version has been created to solve these issues. According to the developer Larian Studios the new version should improve many aspects of performance. Players should now see faster loading times. Gameplay should feel smoother. Frame rates should remain more stable even in demanding areas of the game. This is important because Baldurs Gate 3 is a very large and complex role playing game. It includes huge environments many characters and detailed mechanics. Running such a game on a small handheld device is a challenge.

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One interesting detail is that this project started as the work of a single engineer. This engineer wanted to make Baldurs Gate 3 run better on the Steam Deck for personal reasons. The project was initially something done outside of normal working hours. When other developers at Larian had a chance to test this version they were impressed. They decided it was worth turning into an official release. Larian CEO Swen Vincke confirmed this on X which was previously known as Twitter.

Now the official update is available to all players. However the game will not automatically switch to the native version if you were already playing through Proton. Players need to follow steps provided by Larian to move to the new version. Larian has included instructions within the update and also on the official website. These instructions explain how to download the update how to enable the native version and how to handle common problems such as locating save files.

It has been 2 years since Baldurs Gate 3 was officially launched. Yet the game remains one of the most popular titles on Steam. Data from Steam shows that Baldurs Gate 3 continues to be in the top 10 most played games in the past week the past month and even the past year. This level of popularity proves that the game has a very strong and active community. The new update is expected to attract even more players who want to enjoy the game on a handheld device without issues.

The Steam Deck itself has become one of the most talked about handheld gaming devices in recent years. It is made by Valve and it runs a custom Linux operating system called SteamOS. The device allows players to take their Steam library anywhere. Many smaller or indie games run very well on it. However big triple A titles often struggle. This is especially true for games with heavy graphics or very large open worlds. Baldurs Gate 3 was one of those games that could run but not always smoothly. Many players reported problems especially during Act 2 of the game. Act 2 contains areas that are more demanding and more complex. This created slowdowns and frustration for players.

The verified status given by Steam sometimes caused confusion. A verified badge makes people believe that the game will run without major problems. In reality verified status only means that the game can be played but it does not guarantee perfect performance. This gap between expectation and reality led to complaints. The new native version aims to close that gap and make the verified label feel more accurate.

Hotfix 34 therefore is not just a technical update. It is also a statement from Larian that they still care about the player experience on handheld devices. Many studios release a game and move on to new projects. Larian continues to improve Baldurs Gate 3 years after its release. This approach has helped the game remain popular and respected.

Players who download the new update will notice several benefits. First the reduced loading times mean that entering a new area or reloading a save will be quicker. This makes the experience more comfortable especially on a handheld where long waits can feel worse than on a desktop PC. Second smoother gameplay will make battles and exploration more enjoyable. Baldurs Gate 3 includes turn based combat with many characters on screen. Stability during these moments is essential. Third the more stable frame rate reduces visual stutter. Stutter can break immersion and make the game harder to enjoy.

The update also comes with instructions for managing save files. Some players who switch from Proton to the native version may need to check where their saves are located. Larian has provided clear guidance on this. They have also addressed common issues that might occur during the transition.

This update could also influence the way other developers approach the Steam Deck. Baldurs Gate 3 is one of the most complex games available. If it can run smoothly on the device with a dedicated native version then other studios may consider offering similar support. This could improve the overall library of games available for Steam Deck owners.

It is also worth noting that Baldurs Gate 3 has already been praised as one of the best role playing games ever released. It won multiple awards including Game of the Year at several events. The game is known for its deep story memorable characters and the freedom it gives players to make choices. Bringing this experience smoothly to a portable device makes it accessible to even more players.

The Steam Deck has been part of a growing trend in portable PC gaming. Handhelds are no longer limited to simple games. Devices like the Steam Deck can run full scale PC titles. Players can enjoy complex experiences anywhere. This makes updates like Hotfix 34 even more important. They show that big games can continue to improve on these devices.

Baldurs Gate 3 already appeared on many lists of the best Steam Deck games even before this update. With Hotfix 34 it is likely to move even higher on those lists. The update shows that the partnership between game developers and hardware makers can lead to real progress. Players benefit the most.

For those who want to improve their handheld gaming setup further there are many accessories available. Valve and other companies offer docks cases screen protectors and more. These accessories can make the Steam Deck more versatile and more comfortable to use. Larian even mentions that players interested in expanding their experience can look into the best Steam Deck accessories guide.

In conclusion Hotfix 34 is a milestone update for Baldurs Gate 3 on the Steam Deck. It addresses long standing concerns about performance. It shows that Larian continues to support its players. It demonstrates the value of dedicated developers who take initiative even outside normal hours. Most of all it delivers a better experience for the many players who want to enjoy one of the best modern role playing games on a handheld device.