The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has a Steam Deck update that tweaks how the game runs on Valve’s handheld.
As revealed on the Bethesda blog, the new update does away with the main Skyrim configuration launcher. Now, instead of heading into the launcher to configure different elements, Skyrim loads directly into a pre-optimized version.
I’ve checked and it is still possible to add the original Skyrim launcher as a non-Steam game and access it that way if you do decide you want to alter any settings to save some battery life.
If you already have Skyrim installed, just click the play button while connected to the Internet and the game will update. If you’ve not got it installed currently, just download the game and you’ll have the latest version.
What Else Is In The Update?
For Deckers, the big news is Steam Deck support, but the update also adds a host of fixes and something rather controversial in paid mods.
Paid mods are exactly as they sound. Instead of downloading mods for free and installing them through the mods menu or Vortex, you can now buy mods on the Creation Store.
These mods are different from the previously paid mods in that these have been created by community members rather than Bethesda-sanctioned Creation Club users. Also, annoyingly, unlike Creation Club mods, I’m hearing the paid mods disable achievements. So they really are just mods you pay for.
Performance.
I’ve been playing with the latest update installed and Skyrim feels, well, about the same as before. Indoor areas will hit 60 frames per second with minimal effort, while outdoors you’re in the 50 to 60 range. Lighting looks a little nicer, but it’s only if you really pay attention that you’ll notice much in the way of changes.
When I reviewed Skyrim on the Steam Deck, I ended up going with a mix of medium settings. Visually there isn’t much of a difference, but by switching to medium, I was able to net an extra 40 minutes of battery life compared with whacking everything up to ultra settings, which is a pretty solid gain as far as I’m concerned.
Update Verdict.
It’s always good to see any game get more Steam Deck support, let alone when it’s a heavy-hitter like Skyrim. What I would love to see if more mod support from outside of the Creation Club. I got Vortex running on the Steam Deck and was able to install mods through SteamTinkerLaunch, but any updates to Vortex can render that process obsolete until it’s fixed. SKSE, thankfully, is still much easier to install on the Deck than Vortex though, and rarely breaks.
Are the paid mods worth it? That’s going to be up to the userbase to decide. I truly believe people who spend hours creating something should get paid for their work. That said, if it’s not being treated in the same way official Creation Club content is, there’s very little incentive to purchase it over free mods.
I’m of the mindset no mods should disable achievements. I don’t see how beating Alduin while dressed as Shrek is something that should be punished. Until Bethesda removes that restriction altogether, it’s hard to recommend paying for anything that comes with such a needless hindrance.
