About Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 is developed by Larian and is available exclusively on the Steam Deck. Released 33 months ago, it has become a staple in the gaming community.
Quick Facts — Baldur's Gate 3
| Developer | Larian |
|---|---|
| Platform(s) | Steam Deck |
| Release Date | 33 months ago |
Staying Power on Steam Deck
In the 33 months since launch, Baldur's Gate 3 has rarely left the top five most-played games on Steam Deck. It held the number one spot for six consecutive months after its release, a record only surpassed by Balatro at seven months. After that impressive start, BG3 maintained a position in the top five for exactly two years, only dipping to number six for the first time last August.
The lowest BG3 dropped was to number eight last October, but it quickly rebounded. Throughout this year, it has consistently remained among the most-played titles, hitting number one in January 2023 and staying in the top five through December 2023.
Performance Issues
Despite its popularity, BG3 has faced criticism for not being the ideal way to play on Steam Deck. The game tends to tax the handheld's capabilities, significantly impacting battery life and leading to frame rates around 20-30fps at launch. This performance may deter some players, yet the game’s turn-based mechanics help mitigate the impact of lower frame rates.
Players still appreciate how well BG3 controls on a gamepad, making it more accessible despite its technical limitations on the device. The native Linux port has also improved performance, although specifics remain unclear.
What This Means for Players
The enduring popularity of Baldur's Gate 3 on Steam Deck indicates a strong desire for the game, even on a platform that isn't necessarily the best fit. Players continue to enjoy the experience on the go, underscoring the game’s universal appeal. While some may find the performance lacking, the engaging gameplay keeps fans returning.
What to Watch Next
As we move into 2024, it will be interesting to see how BG3 continues to perform. With a current ranking of #4 overall for January 2024, the game’s trajectory remains strong. Players should keep an eye on updates and any potential performance improvements that may enhance their experience on Steam Deck.