Arc Raiders on Steam Deck: Settings & Issues

Arc Raiders on Steam Deck requires specific performance settings to run smoothly, and several known issues can affect gameplay. This article explains the best settings for playable frame rates and how to work around common problems like crashes and controller issues.

Background: What Is Arc Raiders?

Arc Raiders is a free-to-play cooperative third-person shooter developed by Embark Studios, the team behind the FPS game THE FINALS. It was originally announced as a player-versus-environment (PvE) title, but the current version is a player-versus-player-versus-environment (PvPvE) extraction shooter called ARC Raiders: Extraction. The game uses Unreal Engine 5 and features large maps, destructible environments, and AI enemies called ARC. Because of its demanding visuals and online-only nature, it is not officially verified for Steam Deck, but many players run it through Proton compatibility layers.

How It Runs on Steam Deck

The Steam Deck uses a custom AMD APU with an integrated RDNA 2 GPU, which is roughly equivalent to a GTX 1050 Ti in performance. Arc Raiders is a modern, graphically intensive game, so it will not run at high settings or native resolution. However, with the right settings, you can achieve 30–45 frames per second (FPS) on the Steam Deck’s 800p screen. The game is not officially verified, meaning Valve has not tested it for compatibility, but it can be played by forcing Proton Experimental or Proton GE via the game’s properties in Steam.

Recommended Performance Settings

To get the best balance of visuals and frame rate on Steam Deck, use these in-game settings (adjust based on your preference for battery life or smoothness):

• Resolution: 1280×800 (native) or 1152×720 (if you want a slight FPS boost)
• Display Mode: Fullscreen (Borderless can cause stutter)
• VSync: Off (use Steam Deck’s frame limiter instead)
• Frame Rate Limit: 40 FPS (on the Steam Deck’s built-in limiter)
• Graphics Quality Preset: Low or Medium
• Anti-Aliasing: TAA (or off if you prefer sharper edges)
• Shadow Quality: Low
• Texture Quality: Medium (low VRAM usage is important)
• Effects Quality: Low
• Post-Processing: Low
• View Distance: Medium (helps spot enemies)

In the Steam Deck’s Quick Access Menu (QAM), set the TDP limit to 12–15 watts and the GPU clock to 1000–1200 MHz to stabilize frame times. Use the in-game FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) if available, or set the Steam Deck’s FSR to ‘On’ in the QAM when running at a lower resolution.

Known Issues and Fixes

Several issues are common when playing Arc Raiders on Steam Deck. Here are the most reported problems and practical workarounds:

• Game crashes on launch: This is often due to anti-cheat or Proton incompatibility. Try forcing Proton Experimental or Proton GE 9.0 and verify game files. If it still crashes, reboot the Deck and try again.
• Black screen after the logo: This can happen with certain Proton versions. Try switching to Proton 8.0 or Proton GE 8.0. Also, disable the Steam Overlay for this game in properties.
• Low FPS and stutter: The game is CPU-heavy. Close background apps, lower the resolution to 1152×720, and set the Steam Deck’s refresh rate to 40Hz with a 40 FPS cap.
• Controller not working: The game may not detect the Steam Deck’s controller properly. In Steam, go to the game’s controller settings and enable ‘Steam Input’ or use a community layout. Sometimes you need to set ‘Force Compatibility’ for the controller.
• Audio crackling or no audio: This is often a Proton audio bug. Try Proton GE, which includes better audio fixes, and ensure the Deck’s audio output is set to ‘Auto’ in Desktop Mode.
• Disconnects from servers: Since the game is online-only, a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause disconnects. Use the 5GHz band, and consider lowering the in-game network settings if available.

Battery Life and Thermals

Arc Raiders is demanding, so battery life on the Steam Deck will be short. Expect about 1.5 to 2 hours of playtime on a full charge with the recommended settings. The device will get warm, but the fan should keep it within safe temperatures. To extend battery life, lower the TDP to 10 watts and cap the frame rate at 30 FPS. This will make the game less smooth but will add about 30–45 minutes of playtime. Also, avoid playing while charging with a high-wattage charger, as the Deck may get quite hot.

Comparing with Other Devices

On a Steam Deck, you will get a playable but visually compromised experience. Compared to a mid-range gaming laptop with an RTX 3060, the Deck will have lower textures, shadows, and draw distance, and the frame rate will be roughly half. However, the Deck’s small screen makes lower resolutions look sharper than on a large monitor. If you have a high-end desktop, you can stream the game to your Deck via Steam Remote Play, which gives you the best visuals and battery life, but requires a strong network connection. Alternatively, you can use cloud gaming services if you have a fast and stable internet connection.

Safety and Online Play Considerations

Arc Raiders is an online-only game with anti-cheat software. On Steam Deck, this can cause issues with Proton. Do not attempt to bypass anti-cheat or modify the game files, as this can result in a ban. Also, ensure your Steam Deck’s system software is up to date, as updates often improve Proton compatibility. When playing online, be aware that the game is competitive, and you may encounter other players with better hardware. The Steam Deck’s controls are adequate, but you may want to adjust the sensitivity and use gyro aiming for better precision. Remember to take breaks, as the Deck can get warm during long sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Arc Raiders on Steam Deck without a PC?

Yes, you can play directly on the Steam Deck by installing the game from your Steam library and forcing Proton compatibility. You do not need a separate PC, but you do need a stable internet connection because the game is always online.

Does Arc Raiders support cloud saves on Steam Deck?

Yes, the game uses Steam Cloud saves, so your progress will sync between your Steam Deck and any other device where you play the same Steam account. This works automatically when you have an internet connection.

Will the Steam Deck get hot while playing Arc Raiders?

Yes, the Steam Deck will get warm to the touch, especially on the top and back. This is normal. The fan will spin faster under load. If it gets too hot to hold, lower the TDP or take a break. Ensure the vents are not blocked.

Why does Arc Raiders stutter on Steam Deck?

Stuttering is usually caused by shader compilation or CPU bottleneck. The first time you play, the game will compile shaders, which can cause stutters. After a few sessions, this should improve. Also, setting a fixed GPU clock and using the 40 FPS cap can reduce stutter.

Is there cross-play with PC players on Steam Deck?

Yes, Arc Raiders supports cross-play between Steam and other platforms. When you play on Steam Deck, you will be in the same matchmaking pool as PC players on Steam. There is no separate Steam Deck server.

Can I use mods on Steam Deck?

Modding is not officially supported and may trigger anti-cheat. It is not recommended to use mods in online games like Arc Raiders, as it could lead to a ban. Stick to the official game files.

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