Best The First Descendant graphics settings for Steam Deck
The First Descendant runs at playable framerates on the Steam Deck. The game is a bit on the demanding side and requires powerful hardware for a decent experience. The Deck isn't your best option, given how weak the handheld is when it comes to the underlying hardware. It faces several framerate issues in the latest and most demanding titles, and Nexon Games' looter shooter is no different.
However, with sufficient compromises, you can squeeze out a playable framerate in The First Descendant. Do note that the game might not look the best, but it will be playable.
The First Descendant graphics settings for higher framerates on the Steam Deck
You can stick to the native resolution of the Steam Deck display for The First Descendant: 1280 x 800. The game supports FSR 3 with frame generation, which we recommend using. The Low settings with FSR set to Balanced works best to maintain a high framerate. We are talking high 30s.
The detailed settings recommendation for the game is as follows:
- Graphics: Custom
- Ray tracing: Off
Performance
- Upscale type: AMD FSR
- Upscale mode: Balanced
- Vsync: Off
- Nvidia Reflex Low Latency: On
- Frame generation: On
- Frame rate limiter: Unlimited
Advanced settings
- Visibility: Low
- Anti-aliasing: Low
- Post-processing: Low
- Shadows: Low
- Global illumination: Low
- Reflections: Low
- Textures: Low
- Effects: Low
- Vegetation: Low
- Shader quality: Low
- Object: Low
- Physics: Low
- Motion blur: Off
Read more: How to fix The First Descendant lag? Best settings explored
The First Descendant graphics settings for higher visual quality on the Steam Deck
For those looking for higher visual quality on the Steam Deck, do note the game can freeze multiple times, and the experience may be unplayable for some. We recommend setting FSR to the Quality preset for extra sharpness. The Low settings work best with frame generation turned on.
The detailed settings list is as follows:
- Graphics: Custom
Performance
- Upscale type: AMD FSR
- Upscale mode: Quality
- Vsync: Off
- Nvidia Reflex Low Latency: N/A
- Frame generation: On
- Frame rate limiter: Unlimited
Advanced settings
- Visibility: Low
- Anti-aliasing: Low
- Post-processing: Low
- Shadows: Low
- Global illumination: Low
- Reflections: Low
- Textures: Low
- Effects: Low
- Vegetation: Low
- Shader quality: Low
- Object: Low
- Physics: Low
- Motion blur: Off
Read more: 5 best GPUs for The First Descendant
The Steam Deck isn't the most powerful gaming console on the planet. It is riddled with performance issues in all demanding video games. However, thanks to upscaling and frame generation, you can still get a playable framerate in The First Descendant. However, 30 FPS isn't enough in a shooter, and it's best to play the game on a capable PC.