Fallout 4 Update Causes Issues with Steam Deck Game Launcher

The recently confirmed status of Fallout 4 is now being doubted, as the latest update has removed the ability to modify the game’s graphics settings on Steam Deck.

Following the triumph of the Fallout TV Show, Bethesda revealed plans for a new update to be released for Fallout 4. This update aimed to enhance the beloved game with next-generation features and official Steam Deck certification.

However, Steam Deck users have found that the latest update has eliminated the option to customize the in-game graphics of Fallout 4.

On April 25th, the highly anticipated Fallout 4 update was released for both console and PC players. Bethesda had previously announced that the update would be “Steam Deck verified”when it was first announced. However, with the update now available on the Valve handheld, the game launcher has mysteriously disappeared.

Fallout 4 image with Vault Boy frowning — Bethesda

The Bethesda game launcher would previously pop up when starting Fallout 4, giving Steam Deck owners the opportunity to adjust in-game options. However, the launcher has now been eliminated, causing the game to automatically launch with the Fallout 4 menu and leaving players unable to change the default settings on Steam Deck.

The Fallout 4 game menu is much more restrictive compared to the Bethesda game launcher as it does not offer the ability to adjust in-game graphics. The only options available are to change the button layout, enable the use of the official Pip-Boy app, or modify display settings such as dialogue and general subtitles.

Other issues have also been reported by owners of Fallout 4 on r/Steam Deck following the update. According to Reddit user WhoCares30, the update has not improved the performance of Fallout 4 on OLED screens, with the game still running at half the intended frame rate. This is in contrast to the LCD model, which runs at 60 Hz. As the Steam Deck OLED display has a 90 Hz screen, this could potentially be the cause of the frame rate and performance problems.

When using the Steam Deck to play games, the performance settings of the Valve handheld may show an average of 90 FPS. However, this reported performance is inaccurate and the game will actually run at half the speed. Therefore, users can expect a maximum of around 45 FPS under ideal conditions. A workaround was previously shared on the Steam Deck subreddit to correct the framerate for Fallout 4, but this has been fixed in the next-generation update of the game.

Despite Steam Deck owners experiencing performance issues with Fallout 4, Bethesda has not yet addressed these concerns. However, a solution has been found to restore the Bethesda game launcher, giving players the ability to customize their Fallout 4 gameplay while on the go.