Can I Play ARC Raiders on Steam Deck?

Why It Matters

Steam Deck verification expands ARC Raiders’ audience to the growing handheld PC market, boosting sales potential and reinforcing the viability of high‑intensity shooters on portable devices.

Key Takeaways

• ARC Raiders is Steam Deck verified
• Performance improved after Server Slam optimizations
• Recommended settings yield 40‑60 fps on Deck
• Use Proton Experimental for stability
• Minimum 30 GB storage required

Pulse Analysis

ARC Raiders, Embark Studios’ latest extraction‑shooter, has quickly become a focal point for gamers seeking a console‑grade experience on portable hardware. While the title launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, its arrival on Valve’s Steam Deck marks a strategic push into the handheld PC niche. The game’s demanding graphics and fast‑paced combat initially exposed the Deck’s limitations, prompting the studio to fine‑tune engine settings and address bottlenecks through the recent Server Slam update. This effort not only stabilizes frame rates but also aligns the title with the Deck’s certification standards, granting it the coveted "Verified" badge on Steam.

Performance on the Steam Deck hinges on a deliberately low‑quality preset that balances visual fidelity with smooth gameplay. By disabling VSync, limiting resolution scaling to 100 %, and setting most graphical options—such as shadows, textures, and global illumination—to low, players can consistently achieve 40 to 60 frames per second, depending on scene complexity. The recommended configuration also leverages the XESS upscaling method and a borderless fullscreen window mode to maximize screen real estate while conserving battery life. Additionally, running the game under Proton Experimental ensures compatibility with the Deck’s Linux‑based OS, reducing crashes and input lag.

The verification of ARC Raiders underscores a broader industry trend: developers are increasingly optimizing titles for portable PCs, recognizing the market’s rapid growth. By targeting a modest hardware baseline, Embark Studios positions the game to run on a range of devices beyond the Steam Deck, including the ROG Ally and future handhelds. This approach not only widens the potential player base but also signals to investors that high‑intensity multiplayer shooters can thrive outside traditional console ecosystems. For gamers, the takeaway is clear—ARC Raiders offers a compelling, on‑the‑go experience, provided they accept the trade‑off of reduced visual settings in exchange for fluid, responsive combat.