Elden Ring Nightreign confirmed to run on Steam Deck despite verification issues

Elden Ring Nightreign, a new multiplayer title from developer FromSoftware, was announced as a unique multiplayer game set in the Elden Ring universe. It features similar combat mechanics to the original Elden Ring and allows players to engage in short online matches either solo or with a group of three. Given the trend of increasing popularity for portable gaming devices, it is anticipated that more gamers will seek to play such titles on the Steam Deck. The game is designed for shorter sessions, which is beneficial for battery life on portable devices like the Steam Deck. Despite the potential for a seamless gaming experience, Elden Ring Nightreign is not yet verified for the Steam Deck, a status that indicates whether a game is compatible with the hardware’s controls, resolution, and performance metrics. While it is possible that the game will receive verification upon launch, it currently raises questions about its compatibility and gaming quality. Notably, being Steam Deck verified does not guarantee optimal performance, as some non-verified games can still be played but may present challenges. The technical requirements for Elden Ring Nightreign include a minimum specification that necessitates a CPU equivalent to an Intel Core i5-10600 or AMD RYZEN 5 5500, a GPU comparable to Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580, with 12GB of RAM. The recommended specs suggest slightly more advanced hardware. In contrast, the Steam Deck offers a Zen 2 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and an AMD RDNA 2 GPU. These specifications indicate that the Steam Deck is technically capable of handling the game. However, a significant consideration arises from the inclusion of anti-cheat technology in Elden Ring Nightreign. FromSoftware previously confirmed via its SteamDB page that such software will be a part of the final game. Given that the Steam Deck runs a Linux-based OS rather than Windows, there is uncertainty about its ability to function effectively in multiplayer modes. This factor may prevent users of the Steam Deck, along with other non-Windows systems, from participating fully in the game's online features. Importantly, possessing the original Elden Ring title is not a prerequisite for playing Nightreign, making it accessible to a broader audience.