A Game-Changing Hotfix: Larian Studios Delivers a Native Steam Deck Build for Baldur’s Gate 3

For millions of players, the Steam Deck has become the ultimate way to experience the vast world of Faerûn on the go. While Baldur’s Gate 3 has always been playable and “Steam Deck Verified” since launch, the experience, especially in the notoriously performance-heavy Act 3, was often less than ideal. Now, Larian Studios has once again proven their commitment to their player base by releasing a major update that is a monumental win for portable gamers. The latest hotfix introduces a native Steam Deck build, a dedicated version of the game optimized specifically for Valve’s handheld, promising a smoother, more stable, and overall superior gameplay experience.

The Problem with Proton: Why a Native Build Matters

Previously, Baldur’s Gate 3 ran on the Steam Deck via Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux. While Proton is a fantastic piece of technology, it adds a layer of overhead that can impact performance. This was particularly noticeable in dense, populated areas like the Lower City in Act 3, where the CPU would often struggle to keep up with the sheer number of NPCs, leading to significant framerate drops and stuttering. The new native build circumvents this issue entirely. By running the game directly on the Steam Deck’s native operating system, Larian has been able to significantly reduce CPU usage and memory consumption, which in turn leads to a more stable framerate, lower loading times, and a smoother overall experience.

This massive improvement was the result of the tireless work of a single Larian engineer who, according to a statement from the studio, initiated the project after hours because he “really wanted a smoother version of the game on Steam Deck.” This kind of passion and dedication is a hallmark of Larian Studios and a powerful reminder of why they are so beloved by the gaming community.

Beyond the Deck: Benefits for All Players

The good news doesn’t stop with Steam Deck users. The work that Larian put into the native build has also resulted in performance improvements for all players, regardless of their platform. Larian’s official patch notes confirm that they have made “overall improvements to the way game models are streamed across all platforms.” This should reduce framerate spikes in busy areas, such as the Lower City in Act 3, for everyone. This is a crucial fix that addresses one of the most persistent complaints about the game’s technical performance and is a welcome surprise for those who were not expecting any further major optimizations.

Key Improvements in Hotfix #34

Beyond the game-changing native build, Hotfix #34 also includes a number of other important fixes and quality-of-life improvements that enhance the overall experience:

• Performance Fixes: The update addresses several potential crashes and performance issues, including a fix for a crash related to the “Slow” condition during combat and another for using the “Find Familiar” spell on Scratch and Boo.
• Xbox-Specific Fixes: Larian also made a number of fixes for the Xbox Series X|S version of the game, including crashes that could occur when suspending and resuming the game mid-cinematic.
• Audio and Cinematic Fixes: The patch notes are filled with a number of humorous and detailed fixes, such as “reminded Halsin to actually yell when he gains barbarian Rage instead of silently miming it” and a fix for a rat in the Lower City that players “tragically, couldn’t hear squeak when it squoke.”

This latest update is a testament to Larian’s ongoing commitment to Baldur’s Gate 3. Even after the official “final patch,” the studio continues to deliver meaningful improvements that enhance the game for a wide range of players. For those who have been holding off on a full playthrough on their Steam Deck, the time to dive in has never been better.