Summary: This guide first explores whether Monster Hunter Wilds is playable on Steam Deck, optimal settings, and how you can enhance your experience with the right tools.

Monster Hunter Wilds is the next highly anticipated installment in Capcom’s legendary action RPG franchise. Promising vast open-world environments, dynamic weather changes, and new hunting mechanics, the game aims to redefine the series with cutting-edge graphics and engaging gameplay. As players prepare for this thrilling adventure, many are wondering: Can Monster Hunter Wilds Steam Deck compatibility meet expectations?

Valve’s Steam Deck has revolutionized portable PC gaming, allowing players to take their favorite games on the go. However, not all AAA titles run smoothly on this device. With Monster Hunter Wilds Steam Deck performance in question due to the game pushing the limits of modern hardware, users are eager to know if they can experience the game without major performance issues.

In this guide, we’ll explore whether the game is playable on Steam Deck, optimal settings, and how you can enhance your experience with the right tools like Xmod.

Part 1: Will Monster Hunter Wilds Run on Steam Deck?

Part 2: Optimal Monster Hunter Wilds Steam Deck Settings

Part 3: How to Enhance Monster Hunter Wilds Gaming on Steam Deck

Part 4: How to Install and Use Xmod on Steam Deck SteamOS

Will Monster Hunter Wilds Run on Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming device, but it has its limitations when it comes to running high-end AAA games. According to early benchmark tests, Monster Hunter Wilds struggles to maintain stable performance on the Steam Deck. At its lowest graphics settings, the game only achieves an average of 21 FPS, dipping as low as 12 FPS during intense action sequences. Even with AMD’s FSR upscaling and frame generation enabled, the results remain underwhelming, making for a stutter-filled experience.

Why Does Monster Hunter Wilds Struggle on Steam Deck?

The main reasons Monster Hunter Wilds faces issues on Steam Deck include:

• High Graphical Demands: The game features expansive environments, dynamic lighting, and detailed textures, which demand more processing power than the Steam Deck can comfortably provide.
• Lack of Optimized Settings: Unlike some titles that receive Steam Deck-specific optimization patches, Monster Hunter Wilds has yet to be tailored for the handheld.
• Limited Hardware: While the Steam Deck is impressive, it lacks the high-end GPU power found in gaming desktops or newer-generation consoles.

With these factors in mind, players should adjust their expectations. Monster Hunter Wilds might not offer an optimal experience on Steam Deck at launch, but future updates or community mods could improve performance.

Optimal Monster Hunter Wilds Steam Deck Settings

While Monster Hunter Wilds is not inherently optimized for Steam Deck, there are some settings adjustments that can help boost performance. Here’s what you can do:

• Resolution: Lower the resolution to 640×480 for a small FPS boost.
• Upscaling: Enable AMD FSR Ultra Performance Mode for slightly better frame rates.
• Graphics Presets: Set to Lowest for minimal strain on hardware.
• Frame Generation: Turn it on, but be aware of potential stuttering.
• Blur Effects: Disable motion blur and depth of field for a clearer image.
• SteamOS Settings: Set the Steam Deck’s refresh rate to 40Hz for a smoother experience.

Even with these settings, expect an average of 15-28 FPS with occasional dips. The game remains borderline unplayable on Steam Deck without further optimizations.

How to Enhance Monster Hunter Wilds Gaming on Steam Deck

Given the performance challenges, many players are seeking alternative ways to enhance their gaming experience on Steam Deck. One highly recommended solution is Xmod, a powerful modding tool designed to optimize performance and gameplay.

Xmod is a versatile modding tool that can significantly improve gaming performance on Steam Deck. Here’s what it offers:

• Performance Optimization: Adjusts graphics settings and resolution for smoother performance.
• Cheat Integration: Modify in-game variables like health, money, and level progression.
• Trainer Support & Modding Tools: Customize game attributes in real-time, including difficulty and inventory management.
• Automatic Game Detection: Scans your Steam library for compatible games.
• Game Mod Library: Access thousands of mods for visual enhancements and gameplay tweaks.

Using Xmod can help alleviate some of Monster Hunter Wilds’ performance issues on Steam Deck, making the game more enjoyable.

How to Install and Use Xmod on Steam Deck SteamOS

If you want to enhance your Monster Hunter Wilds experience using Xmod, follow these steps:

Step 1. Download Xmod Installer: Visit the official Xmod website and download the latest installer.

Step 2. Add Xmod Installer as a Non-Steam Game: Open Steam on your Steam Deck, go to Library select Add a Non-Steam Game. Then, Select the Xmod Installer file you downloaded.

Step 3. Install Xmod:  Launch the Xmod Installer from your Steam Library. Then Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 4. Set Steam Shortcut to Xmodhub.exe: Once installed, find Xmodhub.exe in your file directory. Add it as a shortcut in Steam to easily access it from Gaming Mode.

Step 5. Get Back to the Steam Deck and Test: Restart Steam Deck, launch Xmod, and test Monster Hunter Wilds with performance-enhancing tweaks.

With Xmod installed, you’ll have access to mods and settings that can enhance graphics, stabilize frame rates, and improve your overall gameplay experience.

For a more detailed tutorial, you can refer to this YouTuber’s Video.

Conclusion

While Monster Hunter Wilds is an exciting addition to the franchise, its performance on Steam Deck leaves much to be desired. At launch, the game struggles to maintain playable frame rates, even with reduced settings and upscaling enabled. However, players can still enjoy the game on Steam Deck by optimizing settings and using tools like Xmod to enhance performance. With future patches and potential modding community efforts, Monster Hunter Wilds may become more viable on Steam Deck. Until then, consider alternative ways to experience the game, such as playing on a higher-end PC or leveraging third-party performance boosters like Xmod.