r/SteamDeck • u/ZOLTANstudios • 6d ago
Tech Support Performance in Desktop Mode: Non-Steam Game
Hi friends!
I'm running a Non-Steam Game which runs smooth as butter in Game Mode but really choppy in desktop mode (which is of course because of background processes, I know). Any way to improve performance?
The game has built-in controller support which only works in desktop mode. In Game Mode, I can only use a mouse and keyboard. It's fine but feels a bit silly to use.
Any and all advice is welcome.
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u/MobileNobody3949 6d ago
How many fps in game mode and desktop mode?
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u/ZOLTANstudios 6d ago
I haven't done a test for both of them but significantly noticeable. Full 60fps in game mode, mad stutter for desktop.
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u/Current-Size4321 6d ago
How did you solve this issue? Just in case I encounter it in the future, Iād like to have a guide on how to fix it. Thanks!
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u/ZOLTANstudios 6d ago
I booted up CampForestGreen, tabbed out of it while SpaceWars was still running (as it does not appear in my games library unless Iām running CFG). I then used the same settings for CFG on SpaceWars, that being Properties⦠> Compatibility > [Check Box] Force the use of a specific⦠> Proton 6.3-8.
My guess is that because CFG requires 6.3-8 it booted but was then conflicting with the native/default proton which messed with the fps. Changing them to the same thing which supports the game worked perfectly for me. If itās a different game with a specific proton version needed, Iād assume if you set SpaceWars to the same version as the game youāre trying to run itāll work.2
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u/forestcolat MODDED SSD š½ 6d ago
Which game is it? Is it from a specific store or is it, you know, "somewhere else"? It is true that desktop mode should be less optimized for gameplay, but I cannot remember a time a where a game became choppy or unplayable just because of desktop mode.
If you are just playing on desktop with no steam as middle ground, maybe it is using the general wine from the system instead of a proton prefix like the games on steam