Path of Exile 2 Playability on Steam Deck

Path of Exile 2, a popular action role-playing game (ARPG), has found its way onto the portable gaming device known as the Steam Deck. The idea of slaying hordes of enemies and collecting rare loot while lounging in bed and listening to podcasts sounds like a dream come true for many gamers. However, the real question is: how well does Path of Exile 2 perform on Valve’s handheld gaming console?

Performance on Steam Deck

In a nutshell, Path of Exile 2’s performance on the Steam Deck can be described as adequate, at best. The game is playable without the need for any additional setup, assuming you already own it on Steam. However, performance can be a bit inconsistent. While the game supports the Steam Deck’s hardware and displays the device’s buttons on the hotbar, the frame rate can vary widely. In less crowded moments, the game can run at a smooth 60 frames per second (FPS). But when facing swarms of enemies, the FPS can drop as low as 20, with an average of around 40 FPS overall. Social hubs like towns tend to run at about 25 FPS.

It’s important to note that Path of Exile 2 is still in early access, with its full release expected in 2025. This means there is room for optimization and improvement before the game reaches its final form. Similar to Diablo IV, which had performance issues on the Steam Deck during beta testing but now runs smoothly, Path of Exile 2 may see enhancements in the future.

Optimizing Performance

For those looking to play Path of Exile 2 on the Steam Deck, adjusting the default settings is crucial to improving performance. Lowering certain graphical settings can help maintain a smoother frame rate during intense gameplay. Some recommended settings changes include switching to Fullscreen mode, using FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) for upscaling, and adjusting lighting and shadow details to lower levels. Additionally, toggling Dynamic Culling and setting a target frame rate can further enhance the gaming experience.

While lowering the resolution can boost performance in demanding situations, it may impact text readability and menu navigation due to the Steam Deck’s screen resolution. It’s also essential to ensure a stable internet connection and avoid background downloads to prevent lag during gameplay.

Is It Worth It?

In terms of gameplay experience, Path of Exile 2 is functional on the Steam Deck, making it suitable for casual progression through the campaign. However, for intense endgame activities, the Steam Deck may not provide the optimal performance. If the Steam Deck is your primary gaming platform, other ARPG options like Diablo IV may offer a smoother experience, as they currently run better on the device.

Looking Ahead

Despite its current performance on the Steam Deck, Path of Exile 2’s development team is dedicated to delivering an excellent gaming experience across all platforms. With the increasing popularity of PC handheld devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S, powered by SteamOS, there is a growing market for portable gaming experiences. Whether through further optimization of the game or advancements in hardware capabilities, Path of Exile 2 has the potential to become a top-tier portable gaming option in the future. Just remember, when considering the game’s current performance on the Steam Deck, it’s important to manage expectations and prioritize a smooth gaming experience over potential future improvements.