The eagerly anticipated release of Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition on PC promises to breathe new life into Aloy’s adventures, offering fans and new players alike a chance to experience her journey in unprecedented ways. As the game gears up for its launch on both PS5 and PC, including availability on Steam and Epic’s stores, a pressing question emerges: Can we experience Aloy’s second grand adventure on the Steam Deck?
Steam Deck: A Seamless Transition to Handheld Adventure?
With Horizon Forbidden West making its way to Steam, the possibility of playing it on the Steam Deck becomes a tantalizing prospect for gamers who cherish the freedom of gaming on the go. The game, celebrated for its rich storytelling, breathtaking landscapes, and formidable mechanical beasts, promises an even more immersive experience in its sequel. As Aloy ventures into new territories, battles escalate, and with the inclusion of DLC, the adventure deepens.
Yet, as anticipation builds, the game’s compatibility with the device remains a question mark. Sony Computer Entertainment and the game developers have yet to confirm whether the complete Edition will sail smoothly on Valve’s portable gaming console. The lack of a ‘playable’ or ‘verified’ status on its Steam page adds a layer of suspense, leaving gamers in a state of eager anticipation.
With Horizon Forbidden West's specs now available, we can start to speculate how it will run on the #SteamDeck, so we dive a little deeper!
Here is how we think it will run and why:https://t.co/084GLM1XCc
— SteamDeckHQ (@SteamDeckHQ) March 6, 2024
A Glimpse into the Past: Learning from Horizon Zero Dawn
The journey to handheld compatibility is not without its precedents. Horizon Zero Dawn, the precursor to Forbidden West, eventually found its stride on Steam’s device, despite initial hiccups. Running at 30FPS on low settings, the first game set a precedent, albeit with room for improvement. The hope is that Horizon Forbidden West will not only follow in these footsteps but also enhance the experience, leveraging the advancements in gaming technology since the first game’s release.
Horizon Forbidden West: Facing the Challenges Ahead
One of the significant hurdles for the latest game on Steam’s device is the game’s enhanced graphical fidelity. Designed to push the boundaries of visual excellence, especially on the PS5, the game’s PC version might pose challenges to the device’s hardware capabilities. Yet, if the porting is handled with the expertise shown in previous titles like Ratchet and Clank, the transition could be smoother than expected.
Another aspect to consider is the game’s hefty 150GB install size, which could be a substantial demand on the device’s storage capacity. For gamers looking to dive into Aloy’s world without compromise, investing in high-quality microSD cards or opting for the 1TB Steam Deck OLED model might be wise moves to ensure an uninterrupted experience.
A Horizon Awaited
As the gaming community waits with bated breath, the prospect of playing Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition on the Steam device holds promise. The sequel offers not just a continuation of Aloy’s story but an evolution of the gaming experience itself. Whether battling new machines, exploring uncharted lands or delving into expanded narratives through DLC, the adventure awaits.
