The launch of ARC Raiders by Embark Studios brought one of the year’s most visually stunning titles, utilizing the full power of Unreal Engine 5. But the big question for portable PC gamers is: how does ARC Raiders run on the Steam Deck?
In this complete guide, we analyze the performance, teach you how to fix common errors (like Easy Anti-Cheat), and show the best graphics settings to balance visuals and FPS in competitive matches.
The Verdict: Does ARC Raiders Run Well on the Steam Deck?
Yes, the game is playable and carries the “Deck Verified” seal (Verified). However, don’t expect to run everything on “Ultra”. Because it is a game that uses heavy technologies like Nanite and Lumen, the Steam Deck hardware (APU Van Gogh) requires fine adjustments to avoid overheating or crashes.
The realistic goal for a competitive experience is to maintain between 40 to 50 FPS, focusing on frametime stability (frame time) so as not to hurt your aim.
Before Playing: Resolving Common Issues (Proton and Anti-Cheat)
Before jumping into the graphics settings, you need to ensure the game opens without errors. The technical report points out three main barriers and how to solve them:
1. Which Proton to use?
With the November 2025 update, the game runs natively with Proton 10.0-3.
- Pro Tip: If the game updates and starts crashing, switch to GE-Proton10-25 (community version), which often fixes driver issues faster.
2. Error “Failed to Install Easy Anti-Cheat”
If you receive this error on the first launch, don’t despair. It is a common file conflict on Linux. Follow this step-by-step guide:
- Go to the Steam Deck’s Desktop Mode.
- Navigate to the game installation folder (steamapps/common/ARC Raiders/…).
- Manually Delete the folders EasyAntiCheat and EasyAntiCheat_EOS.
- Return to Gaming Mode.
- In the game properties on Steam, go to “Installed Files” and click “Verify integrity of game files”.
This will force the game to download the correct files from scratch.
3. AMD Driver Warning
When opening the game, you will see a warning about “AMD Driver with known issues”. Ignore it. It is a false positive. Use the touchscreen to select “No” and the game will open normally.
Best Graphics Settings for ARC Raiders on Steam Deck
For a PvP extraction game, fluidity and visual clarity are more important than beautiful shadows. The use of FSR 3 or XeSS is mandatory.
Here is the “Golden Setting” to achieve stable 40-45 FPS:
- Resolution: 1280 x 800
- Window Mode: Borderless Fullscreen
- VSync: Disabled (Reduces input lag)
- Motion Blur: Disabled (Essential for seeing moving enemies)
Quality Settings:
- Iluminação Global (Global Illumination): STATIC (Attention: This is the most important setting. If set to Dynamic or High, the game will become unplayable).
- Upscaling: AMD FSR 3 or Intel XeSS.
- Use FSR 3 (Balanced) for more FPS.
- Use XeSS (Balanced) for a cleaner and less “shaky” image, sacrificing 1-2 FPS.
- Frame Generation: DISABLED. (Generates a lot of input lag, which is fatal in shooter games).
- View Distance: Medium (Do not use Low, or distant enemies will not appear).
- Shadows: Low.
- Textures: Low or Medium (High causes stuttering due to lack of VRAM).
- Effects and Post-Processing: Low.
- Vegetation: Medium (Low removes bushes that can serve as cover, giving you a false sense of security).
Battery and System Performance Optimization
ARC Raiders is heavy and will drain your battery in less than 90 minutes if you don’t limit the system.
Power Recommendation:
- Press the … button and go to the battery menu.
- Activate the TDP Limit and adjust to 10W or 11W.
- This keeps the console cooler and extends the battery life to over 2 hours without major performance loss.
FPS Cap:
For the best feeling of fluidity without fluctuation:
- Steam Deck LCD: Cap the screen at 40Hz / 40 FPS.
- Steam Deck OLED: Cap the screen at 80Hz / 40 FPS or 90Hz / 45 FPS.
Gameplay Tips: Controls and Visibility
Playing a tactical shooter on a controller against mouse and keyboard players is difficult. To balance the game on the Steam Deck, follow these expert tips:
- Activate Gyro Aim: Configure the gyroscope to activate only when you touch the right analog stick or hold the aim button (L2). This allows for fine precision adjustments that the analog stick alone cannot achieve. Look for the community profile “MARIOS”.
- Back Buttons: Map Jump to L4 and Crouch/Slide to R4. This way, you never have to take your finger off the aim stick to move.
- Interface Size (UI): The game’s letters are small on the 7-inch screen. If you need to read item descriptions, use the Steam Magnifier (Shortcut: Steam Button + L1).
Conclusion
ARC Raiders on Steam Deck is an impressive experience for a handheld, provided you are willing to make the adjustments above. The key to success is keeping Global Illumination set to Static and mastering the use of the Gyroscope.
With these settings, you will have a stable, visually pleasing, and competitive game, sufficient to extract your loot safely.
Watch the ARC Raiders Steam Deck performance on YouTube
Did you like the tips? Share this guide with your squad friends and leave a comment about your experience playing the game!
