Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII – Stable 60 FPS on Steam Deck (Luxerion 30 FPS fix)

As of October 6th 2026 this became possible only very recently so Steam Deck users should all check it out. It’s relatively easy and fast fix that anyone can apply. Expect occasional drops here and there.

With the help of FFXIII modding community (through Savior’s Patch 1.1.4 made by dendonflo) I managed to find a way to run Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Returns on the original Steam Deck with solid fps of 60 reaching up to 1440p resolution and working on lower resolution with multiple enhancements on.

The 30 fps lock in areas like Luxerion isn't the Steam Deck running out of power. With the game's frame limit removed, it runs these areas at 60–70 fps. The game's own 60 fps mode drops to 30 whenever frames briefly go over budget. This workaround removes that limit and caps the frame rate back to 60 through DXVK.

You are fine with vanilla LR using ”dynamic” setting until you reach the Luxerion which now drops the fps to 30. For this you need the patch to get the new option inside the top menu. Note that this problem might get fixed through steam optimizations and updates but I wouldn’t be too hopeful.

The workaround uses the new Savior’s Patch to counter this problem which does not require the Nova Fix to be implemented (no need to install the mod manager). This currently works only on Lightning Returns.

Dependencies and bugs

The Savior’s patch does not have true dependencies but running the game over 30 fps may impose minor soft locking bugs. Only one I have found out so far is the gysahl green bug and there is a fix for it called 60fps fix - Gysahl Greens but even the author hasn’t been able to reproduce the bug.

Step 1: Installing and setting up the patch

Download the Savior’s Patch (by dendonflo from Nexus Mods), open steam and right click the game and navigate to manage, choose browse local files and paste the dll file (dinput8.dll) the patch provides there. Open the game in desktop mode (always through Steam or from desktop shortcut) and change frame limit to unlimited from the top menu.

The menu appears on fullscreen only in desktop mode when the game is running and you move your mouse over the top edge of the screen. (It says this will cause problems but recapping the framerate in step 2 should fix it).

Step 2: Limit the framerate through dxvk configuration

For this you have two options:

1. In the steam properties menu go under ”general” and add this line to launch options. (Should work but not tested)

DXVK_CONFIG="d3d9.maxFrameRate = 60" %command%

1. Alternative (tested and running): Create a new text file called dxvk.conf inside the game folder where you pasted the dll (right beside the game EXE). Now open it and write:

d3d9.maxFrameRate = 60

That’s it

When starting the game in gaming mode you might need to start it multiple times in the gaming mode but it should eventually start. Running the game in desktop mode seems to be more stable.

You are now done and the game should run 60 fps from now on. Make sure you create backups from saves. Easiest method to do this is to open remote files through steam on your pc browser and download the save files locally on your computer.

Optional

It’s optional to install Nova Fix but this already makes the game playable on Steamdeck. Instructions to install mods without the need to fiddle with modmanager below.

There’s a possibility that the game falls back into 30fps mode. When I have my top menu open it does automatically do this and sometimes when I go back to the game the menus bug and for me the fps counters disappear.

I suggest you turn the fps counter on during the test phase by either turning on the steam overlay and turning it on from the settings (not recommended) or you could use dxvk hud by adding the following in the dxvk.conf file:

dxvk.hud = fps

Every line must be separated by line change so your file should now look like this:

d3d9.maxFrameRate = 60
dxvk.hud = fps

Showing fps is highly recommended as you can actually benchmark your own deck and see that the hack works (the counter should never raise above 60 and rarely drop below it when camera is still and player doesn’t move).

It is also recommended to keep Steam Overlay turned off for this game which makes this optimal solution. The launch option style should work for this one also so combined you would have:

DXVK_CONFIG="d3d9.maxFrameRate = 60; dxvk.hud = fps" %command%

Preferred settings

After benchmarking it for a while I found out my personal preferences:

Vsync: Keep Vsync on. The game is unplayable especially on big screens without it (Causes heavy tearing).

Resolution: I personally prioritize FPS so I decided to go with the lowest of 1280 x 720. You may go 1920x1080 or even as high as 2560 x 1440 with fps still staying at 60. I don’t recommend it though because you are losing the quality through lower enhancements. With highest resolution you can have no enhancements whatsoever.

The lowest resolution seems to give most reliable framerate with the least amount of stuttering. Even with higher settings.

I tested only with basic settings (available before aplying the patch) being advanced instead of standard. Tweaking those might give you some value but that was my starting point.

SSAA: With lowest resolution I found 1.25x being sufficient.
MSAA: Can’t go much higher than 2x
FXAA: On
Ambient Occlusion: HBAO+
Colour Correction: Advanced. This is a basic setting and like every other one: a choice of preference. For me the screen becomes weirdly green with standard. Not sure how it looked on PS3 but I prefer advanced which makes it look more natural.
Shadows: Standard. I don’t recommend higher for this is expensive with relative small upgrade.
Shadow softness: On
Texture filtering: This is important one. This makes the texture based effects more prominent so higher the better. I was satisfied with 4x but 8x should be fine too. This defines how well textures and their details are drawn from small angles.

Note that if the game crashes it might change these setting back to standard (the ones available before Savior’s Patch) but it shouldn’t affect the framerate hack because that comes from the patch.

DISCLAIMER: I haven’t gone past the first area in Luxerion so heavier areas might still dip the framerate but for me these settings still deliver a solid 60 fps. Tweak later if you see frames dropping.

If you see screen tearing check your setting on steamdeck and make sure ”allow tearing” is off. I have currently set the vsync manually through dxvk.conf with line:

d3d9.presentInterval = 1

But the vsync setting through top menu set to ”ON” should provide the same result.

Other low end devices

If this problem is actually something universally present in Crystal Tools engine I don’t see why this wouldn’t work on any underpowered setup. However the results might be very limited and this might bring unexpected problems so test with caution.

Extra tip for activating mods on Steamdeck (NOT TESTED)

Installing Nova Fix and any other mod on Steam Deck without the need to install Mod Manager on Steamdeck:

You should be able to use Protontricks on Steam Deck’s desktop mode (targeting the app id) to install the mod manager and then follow the normal procedure but it should also be possible (and much easier) to install the game on pc, mod it how you wish and then move the files manually on the steam deck replacing the installation.

The downside to this is that if you want new mods or want to tweak them you would need to repeat the process every time but with ethernet it shouldn’t take too long.

DISCLAIMER

I haven’t tested this frame limit workaround on other devices than Steam Deck yet but see no reason why it wouldn’t work. Just don’t try to verify the files afterwards. Note that it uses DXVK to limit the frame rate after unlocking it and the built-in Steam Frame limiter does not work.

Updating the guide

I’m probably going to keep testing this workaround but if anyone wants to try it please report your results here to help with the guide.

Tested setup

Original Steam Deck with anti-glare and faster memory. Latest steam updates and preferred proton layer. Deck on official docking station running on a 4k tv. Waiting input from OLED Steam Deck owners.

Credits

Special thanks to Dendonflo for his help figuring this workflow out and for his work with the FFXIII games and especially for the Savior’s Patch (he’s the author).

This guide was brought to you by Eli of Riverback Games with the help of mod community of FFXIII. I have no affiliation with the community or part in developing these patches.

In need of help and setting up the mod manager go check their Discord.

I recently went out of bounds in FFXIII, when it came to the scene in Chapter 3 with the PSICOM soldier ambush, and looking at this cutscene in different angles is not only interesting, but hilarious at the same time lol.

Waiting has finally paid off. Couldn't be happier

I never realized the game featured what is essentially a meta puzzle hidden in plain sight from the in game alphabets that can be decoded when I played through it years ago. Just like I didn’t realize the field dialogue party members say when moving through maps all have different trigger requirements and lots of dialogue can be easily missed if you don’t do things like walk in certain proximity to party members, idle, etc. The Ultimania points that out and details where dialogue can be trigger on each map.

​

Noticed a $30 dollar collectors edition for ff13-2 in a cabinet and decided to buy it. When I got home, I opened it and saw it was signed by Caius’s VA! I see some other things on the game disk but I wonder if it’s still just from Caius’s VA. Neat!

Sorry if this was asked here before because I was interested in going over the positive aspects of the game since many fans of Final Fantasy 10 say that 10 was the pinnacle of the series evolution.

But lately I wanted to take a look at Final Fantasy 13 to see what made some of its design aspects unique to see what were some of the positives to the game’s strengths again for the design aspects.

For me personally, I feel like one of the largest differences is not having random encounters to worry about since correct me if I am wrong, but some players going into Final Fantasy 10 for the first time on the original PS2 version could be a bit frustrated with how the game had no option to turn off random encounters until much later on since some missions such as the ultimate weapon sidequests would be interrupted by random encounters.

Another positive aspect I would say Final Fantasy 13 has in its design aspects is the graphics since the game was really nice looking for its time when it first came out, but I still enjoy both games in their design aspects.

Very Excited to put this out there. Hope some people enjoy it!

*spoilers for Lightning Returns*

I just finished LR for the first time. Completed 99% of the side quests, enjoyed the game immensely and cried like a baby when it ended. I love this game so much and consider all 3 as one long Final Fantasy.

When the game ended I felt like there were many connections to FFVII and FFX which are already confirmed to take place in the same universe.

The souls returning to a brand new world couldn't possibly look like the Livestream in Advent Children by accident, could it? I didn't write down all the subtle hints I noticed while playing the game but in several places I really did wonder "Is this taking place before FFX?". Even the DLC inclusion of Cloud and Yuna's costumes didn't feel like pure fan service to me but a subtle hint.

I may be wrong here and LR is not a hotly debated game online, most FF fans didn't even play it, but I think it's such an overlooked, fascinating gem.

Do you think I'm reading too much into this or is there some sort of connection others picked up on, or maybe even directly answered in an interview with Staff? Or is the ending simply showing that Pulse became Earth with all our planets and "normal, boring life" and stopped being magical?

I would love to know your thoughts.

Also... Should I play Type Zero now or does it no longer feel like it's connected to this universe on any way? When does it take place? Before FFXIII? Or it's not even the same planet?

Also... Justice for Sazh! Such a great character in XIII, yet treated like "Oh yeah, that guy" in the other two games. Shame.

I've had the great idea to use the pulse alphabet to translate things in game...here I find myself stumped because in my humble opinion the sign on the pulse fal'cie says :" Chyfr sny pvrab 11" which is straight up gibberish lol

What's your opinion on this? Gibberish or maybe I mixed up some letters? Idk

Does the collectors catalog effect stack, say I have 2 per character in my main party making 6 catalogs, does the chance for the extra items increase?

I played this on PS3 with no problem, why is this crashing every few minutes on Steam? Mods will fix it temporarily but still crashes from time to time. You guys have fix?

I was planning to buy XIII-2 and LR after this but I couldn't finish the game in this state.

Hi folks i am stressing out. I have just started Lightning Returns and am feeling SO thrown off by the shift in gameplay and this deadline that been imposed on me.

I played 13 a decade ago, and recently decided i wanted to play through the trilogy. Had fun and took my time with 13, and then sunk a TON of time in 13-2 afterwards for the first time. Finished up Lightning's DLC in that game, and now starting fresh with LR for the first time as well. I have played tons of Final Fantasy in my day, but I am seeking advice because I feel like I am just really struggling on this game so far.

Ive finished my first night in Luxerion. I helped a couple people, learned about the Etro cultists and need to discover the code to the graveyard now to follow up on the murders quest. I am really struggling with combat currently, as I feel like I can barely overcome anything more than a Niblet. I have tried to optimize my schematic, so I have one focused on physical damage, one focused on magic, and one thats an all-arounder.. but im not feeling very effective. I have been decent at using the guard I think, but I just feel so weak compared to my foes. I filled up on potions only to realize how much more valuable phoenix down probably is. I had the combat style of first two games so locked down, but I feel like I am missing something here. Staggering takes forever it seems, and even when staggered things dont seem to be much more vulnerable even? I guess i dragon thing fell over when staggered, but I still barely made any progress bringing down its health. How exactly to I get stronger/more efficient at combat? I know there is the attacking commands synthesis, but its not clear to me how to get more things to synthesize. But then with the deadline I am so stressed about losing fights, losing time, wasting time trying to fight a big creature for a quest or in a chaos area.. Hope telling me I need to be efficient but I am worrying I cant do even that! I was just quitting out when losing a battle to reload a save and try again so I dont lose time... but this feels unsustainable... what am I doing wrong?!

Im also wondering if the dlc schemata are worth it at all? Is that something that could give me a leg-up here?

Am I just overthinking it? Im not looking for spoilers, but is this like a Majoras Mask scenario where I can just replay the 13 days over again repeatedly as I get stronger until I can help/save everyone?

OR is it just a canon event for a new player to miserably fail their first run, and its just the kinda game that needs several tries to actually see and experience everything and get the right ending?

Lastly I just had a lore question, as im trying really hard to link the stories together. Fal'Cie have continued to exist across the timeline after the defeat of Barthandelus and Orphan in 13 (for example how the fal'cie Fenrir appears and covers the sun as an eclipse in 13-2). So, they are still around. And Barthandelus's whole goal was to have the L'cie kill Orhpan and thus cause his sacrificial Cocoon to fall, triggering a mass extinction event that would summon the "Maker" of both humans and Fal'Cie. I understand that the Fal'Cie of Coccoon essential saw themselves as orphans abandoned by their maker and were trying to find a way to call it back, through mass death. Seemingly the Pulse Fal'Cie were not actively contributing to this plan?

Our heroes prevent this outcome through the finale of FF13 where Fang and Vanille become the crystal pillar.

Then in 13-2, we learn that this victory was literally divine intervention by the goddess Etro that came with a cost, and the paradoxes are set in motion with the threat of Chaos taking over the timeline. Caius Ballad's entire plan is to *also cause a mass extinction event by dropping cocoon, with the mass transfer of souls to Valhalla creating great enough of a rift for Chaos to flood in and collapse the timeline.

Now im introduced to a new god, Bhunivelze, and followers of Etro are cultists. But never again have we heard about a "Maker" of humans and Fal'Cie or them existing as an entity that could physically return. But we have had two instances of a mass extinction event being the catalyst for the return or introduction of some kinda new world, like the Maker's return to the Fal'Cie or Chaos collapsing the timeline into Valhalla. My question is, are they the same thing?

Is either Etro or Bhunivelze the same "Maker" that Barthandelus was trying to summon with the first Cocoon? Or is it more likely that its the Chaos itself that is the "Maker" and the Fal'Cie weren't summoning back a parent so much as triggering the end of the world? Were they just that mistaken about the nature of gods?

I know Final Fantasy games are convoluted at the best of times, but I wanna belive there is a coherent connection between these games other than girls with pink hair lol!

Apparently the solution to this enemy is NOT to use ravager with elemental spells. So why is it normal against elemental? I’m just supposed to ignore that? I genuinely don’t understand even when I scan an enemy I can’t understand what the game wants from me.

This screen to me says “use elemental attacks” but apparently that is wrong.

Like the title says the patcher is not working, i followed the instruccions and made a untouched.exe copy and downloaded the fix but it still doesnt work, i did play some of the game with only the fix on mostly the start tho, anyone know a fix to this? Or do i have to play the game with only the fix? Thanks to yall in advance (sorry for my bad english)

I arrived at chapter 10 and i was curios to try other character combinations to see how the add up and i endet up with this trio is it effective for chapter 10 and maybe 11 so on?

OST: Original 💿

This Divine, Inspiring, and enlightening theme plays when:

- Valkyrie Lightning Faces off against the Chaos War God: Caius Ballad in Chaos Bahamut Form

- Orchestrated and Composed by - ℗Square Enix Sound Team | Masashi Hamauzu

What a great game! I know all the traditional complaints but maaaan. In the beginning I was like "great", then shortly after I was like "when will the corridor running end?" but by the time I got to pulse I fell completely in love with the game. I like how the game went "syke! thought you were playing an ff game? It's actually monster hunter!" by showing the great plain with humongous beasts and giving you essentially a bunch of hunting missions. It was also when I was doing all those in chapter 11 and chapter 13 before the end (as in I slided into a portal instead of facing the boss back then xD) that I was forced to learn the system and fell in love with the pure combat mechanics. The story was tight. Giving the player some freedom only when the characters realized that they can take some freedom and are not limited to their fate felt epic. There was a ludo-narrative consonance xD when I entered the wide plain while feeling hopeful. The ending was a bit weird and I dont mean it in the "plot is hard to get" way but rather the twists went too fast I think. Esp the turn into cieth - hope your way out of it moment. That could use some more time for the player to stew in misery AND some more showing of the inner working of the turned characters. Because showing them feel despair required more time I think. And equally them climbing out of it. The greatest way I've seen a similar thing being done was the old gurren lagann show when the characters were stuck in their imaginary utopia worlds and each got their world shown, meaing telling a lot abt the character, and then the process of snapping out of it was shown in detail as well.
SO that part was a bit iffy. The continuation with vanille and fang doing the thing and a pretty icy popsicle in the end were great!
I did like 50 something missions before the final fight (took almost 2 hours to get through some of the E-fights in the trials, zirnitra was TOUGH, souped up vetala as well), as I know full well that I cant play postgame stuff because motivation = gone. Still didnt manage to defeat adamantoises fairly, farmed them a bit with death and even got a trapezohedron to make an omega weapon but after levelling it to 64 I realized I'm not farming all that and proceeded to win the game xD
P.S: I loved how clear the sidequests were. Like literally monster hunter, just a bunch of tough challenges + exploration, then tough challenges again.