Phantom Blade Zero performance on Steam Deck remains suboptimal despite recent game updates

Phantom Blade Zero, while highly regarded for its combat and visual design, currently struggles to maintain playable performance on the Steam Deck. Despite two significant post-release patches, the game experiences frequent frame rate drops below 30 FPS, particularly during intense combat sequences and boss encounters. The reviewer observed that the GPU is underutilized, prompting an attempt to force a 1600 MHz GPU clock speed. While this adjustment improved stability and prevented the frame rate from dipping below 20 FPS, it did not eliminate significant stuttering during effect-heavy scenes. Furthermore, testing with FSR frame generation, while smoother in some areas, introduced substantial input lag that proved detrimental to the precise timing required for combat. Consequently, the reviewer concludes that the game is not currently recommended for the Steam Deck, as the performance compromises significantly detract from the intended experience. While the game is highly enjoyable on more capable hardware, the current state of the Steam Deck port makes it difficult to navigate the game's more demanding segments.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

Phantom Blade Zero, while highly regarded for its combat and visual design, currently struggles to maintain playable performance on the Steam Deck. Despite two significant post-release patches, the game experiences frequent frame rate drops below 30 FPS, particularly during intense combat sequences and boss encounters. The reviewer observed that the GPU is underutilized, prompting an attempt to force a 1600 MHz GPU clock speed. While this adjustment improved stability and prevented the frame rate from dipping below 20 FPS, it did not eliminate significant stuttering during effect-heavy scenes. Furthermore, testing with FSR frame generation, while smoother in some areas, introduced substantial input lag that proved detrimental to the precise timing required for combat. Consequently, the reviewer concludes that the game is not currently recommended for the Steam Deck, as the performance compromises significantly detract from the intended experience. While the game is highly enjoyable on more capable hardware, the current state of the Steam Deck port makes it difficult to navigate the game's more demanding segments.

Phantom Blade Zero suffers from significant frame rate instability on the Steam Deck, frequently dropping below 30 FPS. Forcing a 1600 MHz GPU clock speed provides some performance improvements but fails to eliminate stuttering during combat.

FSR frame generation increases visual smoothness but introduces unacceptable input lag for a precision-based action game. The game's performance is particularly poor during boss fights, which are critical to the overall gameplay experience.

The reviewer does not recommend playing the title on the Steam Deck in its current state due to these technical limitations.

Chapter guide

IntroductionOverview of the game's performance on the Steam Deck.Performance AnalysisDetailed look at frame rates and performance in different areas of the game.GPU Clock Speed TestingTesting the impact of forcing a 1600 MHz GPU clock speed on performance.Frame Generation TestingEvaluating the use of FSR frame generation and its impact on input lag.Handheld GameplayShowcasing raw handheld gameplay footage on the Steam Deck.Final VerdictSummary of the reviewer's recommendation regarding the game on the Steam Deck.

Worth noting

  • A copy of the game was provided by S-Game for review purposes.
  • Performance testing was conducted on a public build of the game, which may not reflect final optimization.

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