Weekly Roundup: Steam Deck Surprises & Dragon Age Optimizations
This week in the world of handheld gaming, we’ve seen a significant shift in how players can engage with popular titles like Apex Legends and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. For fans of the Steam Deck, these developments might come as a mixed bag of news, urging players to adapt as gaming evolves.
Apex Legends: Linux Support Pulls Back
A recent announcement from Respawn has sent ripples through the Steam Deck community. Apex Legends, one of the most beloved battle royales, has decided to pull its support for Linux, impacting those playing on Valve’s handheld. Although players can still technically access the game, a Windows installation is now necessary for optimal play.
The changes in Apex Legends may prompt heated discussions among gamers.
The reasoning behind this shift stems from ongoing issues with cheating on Linux systems. According to a recent blog post, Respawn stated:
“In our efforts to combat cheating in Apex, we’ve identified Linux OS as being a path for a variety of impactful exploits and cheats.”
While the decision is disappointing for casual players hoping for a seamless experience on the Steam Deck, Respawn assured that they would continue to develop anti-cheat measures in the future. So for now, those who wish to engage in Apex Legends must either switch to Windows or seek their gaming thrills elsewhere.
Community Reactions
The community’s reaction has been predictably mixed. Some gamers express frustration, feeling that even if Respawn reverses its decision later, the initial impact has caused irrevocable damage:
“Even when Respawn backpedals, the damage has already been done.”
Dragon Age: The Veilguard - Optimization Tips for Steam Deck
On a brighter note, Dragon Age: The Veilguard has graced us with its presence, but not without hurdles, especially for players on the Steam Deck. Fortunately, various optimization settings can enhance gameplay and make the experience more enjoyable despite some initial performance hiccups.
To improve your gaming experience, here are some recommended settings that can be adjusted:
- Window Mode: Full Screen
- Screen Resolution: 1280x800
- VSync: Off
- Refresh Rate: 90HZ
- Frame Rate Limit: 60
- Graphics Preset: Custom, with quality settings adjusted to low where appropriate.
Optimizing Dragon Age for the Steam Deck can unlock its potential and improve performance.
These tweaks are designed to accommodate the Steam Deck’s capabilities and significantly reduce battery drain while maintaining engaging gameplay. Players are encouraged to experiment with settings to find the right balance for their personal preferences and ensure smoother operations.
Conclusion
In a world where handheld gaming continues to evolve rapidly, adjustments like these from major developers can impact the gaming experience significantly. For Apex Legends players, the requirement to install Windows might seem daunting, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard players can explore its immersive world with a bit of tuning. The landscape of portable gaming is always shifting, and keeping up with these changes could lead to a more enjoyable experience for all.
Stay tuned to The Nomadic Gamer for further updates and tips to make the most of your gaming adventures!