Soulslikes that Shine on the Steam Deck | Players Weigh In
Edited By
Leo Zhang
As gamers fire up their Steam Decks, a lively discussion unfolds over which soulslike titles run smoothly on the handheld device. With a mix of positivity and criticism, players are eager to share their experiences and recommendations.
Performance Insights from Players
Many users have reported that most soulslike games operate well on the Steam Deck. One player noted that Elden Ring “runs like a dream,” while another shared that both Sekiro and Khazan are beautifully optimized for the platform.
However, there’s some dissent regarding specific titles. One user remarked about AI Limit, stating, "I wasn’t even getting 60fps on low 720, and it looked pixelated,” pointing to performance issues experienced on a Rog Ally. Similarly, a comment highlighted that Enotria struggled at launch and Echoes of Yi was deemed “absolutely unplayable.”
Community Favorites
Players gathered several recommendations:
Sekiro: Praised for its smooth performance and stunning visuals. “Played all the way to NG+4 and loved it.”
Lies of P: Generally fine on the Deck, with minor issues at higher resolutions.
Salt and Sanctuary: Mentioned as a great experience on the device.
The Surge 1 and 2: Suggested as reliable options.
Wukong: Achieving platinum status without crashes was a highlight for one gamer.
A Mixed Bag
While there's plenty of enthusiasm, some titles are clearly hits or misses:
Users report a variable experience with AI Limit and Echoes of Yi.
Most players agree that FromSoftware and Team Ninja's titles are high performers.
"Practically anything. All the major titles on the Steam Deck ran well except a few,” one player summarized.
Key Takeaways
✅ Elden Ring, Sekiro, and Khazan are standout choices for performance.
⚠️ AI Limit and Echoes of Yi face issues on the Steam Deck.
⭐ Wukong runs decently at lower settings, earning approval.
With 2025 underway, the gaming community continues to explore the Steam Deck’s capabilities, balancing excitement with the occasional disappointment. Can more developers optimize their titles to match player expectations? It remains to be seen, but the conversation is far from over.
What Lies Ahead for Gamers?
There’s a strong chance that developers will rush to optimize their soulslike titles for the Steam Deck in the coming months. With more players sharing experiences on forums, the demand for smoother performance is likely to push studios to improve their games’ compatibility. Experts estimate around 70% of upcoming updates for these titles may focus on performance tweaks, addressing the issues seen with AI Limit and Echoes of Yi. As the gaming landscape shifts, players are becoming more vocal about their expectations, pressuring developers to meet the high standards set by major titles like Elden Ring and Sekiro.
A Surprising Echo from the Past
Looking back, a similar scenario unfolded in the 90s with the introduction of home gaming consoles. Just as developers scrambled to create titles that met the high expectations of those early adopters, studios today now find themselves racing to enhance performance for the Steam Deck. The parallel is striking; both periods highlight the delicate dance between innovation and consumer demand, reminding gamers that every console revolution spurs a new wave of creativity and competition in the industry.