Avowed Stretches Steam Deck ‘Verified’ Definition Again
▼ Summary
– Avowed received a new patch with bug fixes and features, and is now Steam Deck Verified, though performance on the handheld is mixed.
– The game runs at 30-40 FPS on Steam Deck but suffers from visual issues like messy distant objects and shimmering, impacting immersion.
– Avowed’s fantasy world is visually stunning on other platforms, but the Steam Deck’s OLED screen diminishes its graphical appeal.
– The patch introduced new class abilities, including active and passive skills for fighters and rangers, and refunded skill points for respecs.
– The author recommends avoiding native Steam Deck play due to subpar visuals and suggests streaming instead for a better experience.
Obsidian’s highly anticipated fantasy RPG Avowed has received its latest update, bringing quality-of-life improvements and fresh content to the game. While the patch notes highlight various fixes and additions, the most notable change might be its new “Verified” status for Steam Deck compatibility. But how well does this visually rich adventure actually perform on Valve’s handheld system? The answer proves more complicated than a simple checkmark suggests.
Running at a serviceable 30-40 FPS, Avowed technically functions on Steam Deck. Players can navigate the Living Lands and engage in combat without major performance hiccups. Where the experience falters is in visual fidelity – the game’s lush environments and magical effects suffer significantly when scaled down to the handheld’s screen. Distant objects appear pixelated and shimmer unnaturally, creating an almost painterly effect that detracts from immersion. Combat scenarios, while functional, lose much of their impact when environmental details become muddled.
The update introduces meaningful gameplay changes beyond technical adjustments. Players now have access to new active and passive abilities across classes, with all skill points refunded to encourage experimentation. Ranger builds gain particularly interesting tools, including the “Sharpshooter” passive that enhances ranged weapon effectiveness. However, some abilities like “Shadow Step” feel redundant alongside existing skills, requiring careful consideration when building characters.
Performance issues aside, Avowed remains an exceptional RPG experience with deep combat systems and captivating world design. The Steam Deck version serves as a passable option for portable play, though the graphical compromises suggest streaming from a more powerful system might provide a superior experience. This situation raises broader questions about Valve’s verification system and whether current standards adequately reflect player expectations for visual quality in portable gaming.
(Source: NewsAPI Video Games & Console News)
