Diablo 4 Steam Deck performance ruined by Vessel of Hatred update

The latest update for Diablo 4 may have added a host of new content for players, but the game‘s Steam Deck players are suffering from poor performance in the latest expansion. 

With a bugged Spiritborn class and an underwhelming campaign, poor performance on Valve’s handheld-that-could is making the massive RPG a sadly botched experience for now. 

Diablo 4 on Steam Deck is botched 

While the main game of Diablo 4 continues to run mostly smooth, the new Vessel of Hatred areas fail to hit 60fps on the handheld. Even early parts of the new expansion drop to 40fps on a variety of settings, and later sections can get even worse. 

Later missions such as the cinematic Mephisto boss fight or the endgame Infernal Horde missions can absolutely tank the framerate of Blizzard’s ARPG. As the crowds increase and the effects stack up, expect to drop under 30fps in Diablo 4 on Steam Deck. 

With new patches on the way, Vessel of Hatred content could end up being more optimised in the future. However, considering the significant leap in visual quality of the game’s new endgame content, the game may never hit 60fps in the new content’s later content. 

A struggle for new content 

Just like Diablo 3 on Xbox 360 and PS3, the release of more intensive content in Diablo 4 is a struggle for Valve’s Steam Deck. As a live service game with years of support planned, it’s likely that the game will become even more intensive as time goes on. 

However, with a Steam Deck 2 in the works alongside countless other handheld PC consoles, there will be places to play Diablo 4 on the go for years to come. The game will likely also come to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 eventually, if Nintendo actually announces the thing.

As it stands, D4 on the Steam Deck isn’t completely unplayable. It runs fine for most players, but those used to the game’s smooth-as-butter performance will be upset by its new content. 

For more content on Blizzard’s ARPG series, check out our endgame builds tier list for the new season or check out every dungeon location and their rewards.