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Is Monster Hunter Wilds Ready for Your Steam Deck?
If you’re a fan of the Monster Hunter series, chances are you’re eagerly awaiting the release of Monster Hunter Wilds, set to launch on February 28, 2025. With its new features, stunning graphics, and captivating gameplay, it promises to be a thrilling addition to the franchise. However, if you're considering playing it on a Steam Deck, recent benchmarks suggest you may want to think twice.
This post delves into the performance of Monster Hunter Wilds on the Steam Deck, the capabilities of the game, and what you can expect from its launch.
Performance Benchmarks: The Good and the Bad
While the game boasts impressive graphics and detailed environments built with the latest technology from AMD, Nvidia, and Intel, the performance on the Steam Deck has been less than stellar. During rigorous testing, it was found that even at the lowest graphics settings and with all performance enhancement features turned on, the game barely managed to maintain playable frame rates.
- At minimum settings, without upscaling: Average of 21 FPS, dipping to 12 FPS.
- With AMD FSR set to Ultra Performance: Average of 28 FPS, with significant stutters.
- With Frame Generation enabled: Average of 42 FPS, but plagued by severe stuttering.
This indicates that, unfortunately, Monster Hunter Wilds may not be playable on the Steam Deck upon its launch. The game struggles with maintaining a stable frame rate, which can ruin the immersive gameplay experience this series is known for.
What’s New in Monster Hunter Wilds?
Despite the sobering performance feedback for the Steam Deck, there are plenty of exciting features coming with Monster Hunter Wilds:
- New Locations: Players will explore diverse areas like the Iceshard Cliffs and the Forbidden Lands.
- New Monsters: A range of monsters including the new Hirabami and returning favorites like Nerscylla and Gore Magala will make for thrilling hunts.
- Customization: Enhance your hunter’s skills and look with a wide array of customization options.
Moreover, the Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase revealed an upcoming Open Beta Test, set to include advanced quests and online features to attract players from around the globe.
Final Thoughts
While Monster Hunter Wilds has many features to look forward to, players concerned about performance on handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck may want to consider alternative platforms for an optimal experience. Expecting a game that delivers smooth gameplay and high-quality graphics can lead to disappointment if you're playing on less capable hardware.
As the launch date approaches, it will be interesting to see whether Capcom can make any improvements that could enhance performance on the Steam Deck or if the game will shine best on more powerful gaming systems. Stay tuned for updates and prepare for an epic hunting experience come February 28!
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