The latest patch for Cyberpunk 2077 has been eagerly anticipated by gamers, especially those playing on the Steam Deck. Exploring this update, I chose the Panam route to enhance my in-game experience, particularly intrigued to see her in my apartment. But let's delve into the heart of the matter - the game's performance.
Right off the bat, it's clear that the performance is somewhat inconsistent. This is a classic example of why I maintain a skeptical stance towards benchmarks. They offer a rough guide but hardly capture the full picture of actual gameplay. For instance, the in-game benchmark suggested an average frame rate of 45 to 50 FPS, peaking at 55 FPS. However, these figures are somewhat misleading.
When you're actually in the thick of the game, especially in the Phantom Liberty expansion and areas like Dog Town, the performance noticeably dips. Even with the graphics set to low and FSR 2.1 on balance, frame rates often struggle to maintain even 30 FPS. This is a marked decline from previous versions, where such significant drops were not as prevalent.
Now, on the Steam Deck OLED, one would expect somewhat better performance, yet this patch seems to exert more strain on the system. Despite the wattage being more efficient (around 23w Mark), the frame rates don't consistently hit the hoped-for 40s.
The performance does vary based on location. Moving out of Dog Town to standard Night City doesn't yield a significant improvement as seen in previous versions. It appears there's an overarching optimization issue impacting the Steam Deck's performance. In less dense areas, frame rates might hover around 50 to 60 FPS, but they plummet once you re-enter more populated zones.
For optimal enjoyment on the Steam Deck, setting a cap of 40 FPS seems reasonable, but don't expect to consistently hit the 50 to 60 FPS mark, especially in city areas or the Phantom Liberty expansion. As expected, indoor scenes, like in apartments, allow for higher settings, offering a visually richer experience.
On a lighter note, the game's latest expansion introduces engaging activities with your in-game partner, adding a delightful layer to the gameplay without spoiling the surprises.
In conclusion, while Cyberpunk 2077 remains a compelling experience on the Steam Deck, the latest patch brings a mixed bag in terms of performance. It's a waiting game to see if future updates will enhance the experience. Meanwhile, I invite fellow gamers to share their experiences and partner choices in the game's romance options. Let's keep our fingers crossed for more polished performances in the upcoming updates.