Fallout 4 Update Sparks Frustration and Anger on Steam Deck - But There's a Solution

Bethesda has recently released the Next Gen Update for Fallout 4 which, while earning the game a "Verified" status on Valve's Steam Deck, has led to some issues and frustration among gamers. Many users reported that the update lacks significant performance improvements and removed the launcher for the game on Steam Deck, which provided access to important graphic settings. This has resulted in users being stuck with a standard configuration that might not optimize performance, and some have even experienced decreased frame rates and frequent crashes. Particularly concerning is a bug with the Steam Deck OLED model, where games display at half the targeted FPS due to a 90Hz screen issue.

To remedy the loss of the launcher and regain access to the graphic settings, players can add a command line to the game's startup options on the Steam Deck: "SteamDeck=0 %command%" (excluding the quotes). The workaround essentially restores the status prior to the update, however, the need for such a step is not in the spirit of the intended improvements. Fans hope Bethesda will address these issues with a hotfix, considering the popularity of the Fallout series.

If you're experiencing performance issues after the Next Gen Update on Steam Deck, you can restore access to the game's graphic settings by adding "SteamDeck=0 %command%" to the game's startup options. This will bring back the original launcher, allowing you to adjust graphic settings as needed.

Fallout 4 is an action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The title is set in a post-apocalyptic open world environment that heavily focuses on exploration and character customization. It is one of the major releases in the Fallout series, a franchise known for its unique blend of sci-fi elements, retro-futuristic design, and dark humor. Fallout 4, released in 2015, received critical acclaim for its depth, player freedom, and world-building.