XBT002
Published
Can be played at a locked 60fps at native resolution and the highest graphical settings with no issues.
The game's menu requires touch controls. Its resolution has to be manually changed in the settings menu to match the Steam Deck's native resolution. The game can sometimes give the impression that it is dropping frames or the pacing is off, but that's not the case — likely a result of the tracks' checkered borders. Runs flawlessly.
Excellent experience on Deck. No tinkering is required. Half Rate Shading is recommended. Framerates will always dip significantly.
Half Rate Shading can be activated with no discernable degradation, thanks to the game's pixelated graphics. Framerate Limit and Refresh Rate can be lowered to save battery, but keeping both at 60 is recommended for gameplay fluidity --- I find even 40 to be noticeably less responsive, but others may not. Some users may be able to find Thermal Power (TDP) Limit and Manual GPU Clock Control sweet spots, but putting effort into doing so is neither necessary nor recommended due to the guaranteed late-run framerate dips.
As has been widely reported, framerates will dip as low as the 20s and 10s in the latter portions of every run. (Personally, I don't find this detracts from the experience.)
Overall, Vampire Survivors is an excellent game on the Steam Deck — and deserving of the Verified badge.
