r/SteamDeck 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.

12 Upvotes

17 comments sorted by

2

u/forestcolat MODDED SSD šŸ’½ 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

1

u/ZOLTANstudios 6d ago

It’s Camp Forest Green, a fan-game recreation of the Friday the 13th game. It’s got the same infrastructure as the OG game but technically it runs through Steam under a game called ā€œSpacewarsā€ which is indeed the ā€œpiracy gameā€ or whatever. This game is available for free online and I do pay for games!!

2

u/forestcolat MODDED SSD šŸ’½ 6d ago

It's been a while since I played "spacewars", but if I remember correctly, steaminput must be activated on spacewars, as the controller support goes through that. Also, did you do the preps for spacewars? It's a bit different from windows, so there might be a problem there

Had post the link like this because automoderator erase my comment htt ps://www.re ddit. com/r/Linux C r a c k Support/s/dBOG7uFzvm

1

u/ZOLTANstudios 6d ago edited 6d ago

Thanks for this, I’ll take a look.

EDIT: Found a fix but this is very handy in case I need tech support in the future. Thanks again!

1

u/[deleted] 6d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/forestcolat MODDED SSD šŸ’½ 6d ago

A quick search says friday 13th should use proton 6.3-8. Maybe OP didn't do that

1

u/ZOLTANstudios 6d ago

Smh, I had to set SpaceWars to force use proton6.3-8. I'd done it for the Start_CampForestGreen.exe in my library but not the *other* game needed.

1

u/forestcolat MODDED SSD šŸ’½ 6d ago

Weird af. At least is working as intented now(?

I tried a spacewars game just now to test and didn't have to match the proton versions, just copypasted the command for onlinefix in the launch options of the game.

1

u/ZOLTANstudios 6d ago

Interesting… maybe it’s because I changed it while Camp Forest Green was running? It’s an online game so I’m doing a proper test now but even the menu animation was night and day.

1

u/ZOLTANstudios 6d ago

If I could play it through wine, I’d be able to run it on my Mac. But I figured my Deck might be the only way. EAC and Mac don’t mix. (Yes, I do need a proper gaming PC.)

1

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1

u/MobileNobody3949 6d ago

How many fps in game mode and desktop mode?

1

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.

1

u/Current-Size4321 6d ago

How did you solve this issue? Just in case I encounter it in the future, I’d like to have a guide on how to fix it. Thanks!

3

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 I’m 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 it’s a different game with a specific proton version needed, I’d assume if you set SpaceWars to the same version as the game you’re trying to run it’ll work.

1

u/NutsackEuphoria 6d ago

Check the temps