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Prey 2017: the underrated game thriving on steam deck

Prey (2017) | Immersive Sims Hit Stride on Deck

By

Chloe Kim

Aug 30, 2025, 04:24 AM

2 minutes of duration

A scene from Prey 2017 showcasing immersive gameplay on Steam Deck, featuring a character in a sci-fi environment with vibrant graphics.

Underrated Gem Getting Love Amid Mixed Feelings

A growing sentiment among gamers highlights Prey, the 2017 immersive sim, as an underrated title that surprisingly performs well on handheld devices like the Steam Deck. Users are sharing their experiences, showcasing the gameโ€™s settings and performance, sparking discussions online.

Performance Breakdown: Solid FPS on Deck

Players report running the game on maximum settingsโ€”everything on very highโ€”with notable options like full-resolution screen space directional occlusion and reflections. One player even stated:

"I have 55-60 fps most of the time, a few drops to the low 50's and high 40's."

Curious about stability, some gamers recommend lowering settings for a smoother experience. One noted:

"You can lock it to 60 fps with some adjustments."

Mixed Opinions from Players

Despite the praise, opinions vary. Some believe the title is only sleept on, rather than truly underrated. Comments revealed that many feel attached to the game, with one stating:

"Definitely wasnโ€™t a commercial success though, unlike Dishonored."

This highlights what feels like a divided view: while dedicated fans advocate for its merits, many casual gamers still overlook it in favor of more popular titles.

Game Controls: A Common Frustration

Control issues seem to be a sticking point for new gamers. One player echoed this frustration:

"I quit after an hour because the controls didnโ€™t click for me."

While others found a potential workaround for control issues, it appears more options could enhance user experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Mixed reception: Players vary in their view of its success and popularity.

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Settings tip: A few tweaks can stabilize gameplay to 60 fps.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Control feedback: Some find controls frustrating and propose enhancements.

As discussions gain traction, itโ€™s clear Prey stays relevant for those seeking immersive gameplay. Whether it actually deserves to be labeled underrated still sparks debate among the gaming community. What's your take?

For more insights, check out the Steam community page or explore gaming forums discussing this hidden gem.

The Road Ahead for Prey

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Prey will gain even more traction in the gaming world as updates and patches may focus on improving controls and overall performance. Experts estimate around 60% likelihood that developers will respond to community feedback, enhancing the gameplay experience. This proactive approach could attract new players while reigniting interest among existing fans. As discussions on forums continue, potential sales boosts or a resurgence in popularity seem likely, especially if the game gets featured in sales or bundles.

A Surprising Echo from Board Gaming

Looking back, the situation with Prey feels reminiscent of the rise of Catan in the board game circles. Initially, Catan went largely unnoticed, overshadowed by traditional games like Monopoly. Yet, through word-of-mouth on gaming boards, it evolved into a staple in households. Similarly, Prey is carving its niche, slowly gathering a community that champions its merits. Just as Catan redefined the genre and led to a board gaming resurgence, Prey might just be on the brink of generating a new wave of appreciation in the gaming community.