Playing Monster Hunter Wilds on handheld devices presents significant challenges, especially on platforms with modest hardware capabilities. Recent tests have revealed performance issues that hinder the gaming experience, raising questions about the viability of playing such demanding titles on portable consoles.
Previously, handheld gaming devices have managed to run demanding games through optimization and scalable settings. However, the latest attempts with Monster Hunter Wilds show that even with extensive adjustments, maintaining a stable frame rate remains elusive on devices like the Steam Deck.
Steam Deck’s Performance Limitations
The Steam Deck struggles to run Monster Hunter Wilds, achieving framerates in the mid-teens despite lowering settings to the minimum. Even in low-intensity areas of the game, the device fails to reach the desired 30 fps, resulting in a choppy and unsettling visual experience.
Settings Tweaks and Their Impact
To improve performance, various settings were adjusted, including disabling bloom and reducing sky quality. Additionally, enabling the 30 fps limit and increasing the GPU clock speed to 1600 MHz provided some relief. However, these modifications were insufficient to deliver a smooth gaming experience, with framerates still hovering around 20-25 fps.
Alternatives for Playing Monster Hunter Wilds
On more powerful handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally, Monster Hunter Wilds runs at a more consistent 30 fps using low to medium settings.
“Playable but not exactly enjoyable,”
stated hardware writer Nick Evanson, who emphasizes that even with higher-end devices, the experience remains suboptimal. The new generation of AMD Strix Halo-powered devices might offer improved performance, potentially allowing the game to run without severely compromising image quality. However, given the game’s demanding nature, streaming remains a recommended option for smoother gameplay on portable platforms.
Running Monster Hunter Wilds on handheld devices like the Steam Deck remains problematic due to the game’s demanding performance requirements. While higher-end devices offer slightly better framerates, the overall experience is still hindered by graphical compromises and instability. For players seeking a smoother experience on portable consoles, streaming the game might be the most viable option, ensuring better performance without overburdening the device’s hardware.
