Can Steam Deck Run Elite Dangerous?
Steam Deck compatibility check and performance analysis
Playable: works with adjustments
Valve's official Steam Deck compatibility rating for Elite Dangerous
Spec-based estimate
On paper its GPU is 67% of the PC recommended GPU. PC specs assume 1080p; the Deck plays at 800p and Valve's test is what counts.
ProtonDB Rating
Community Linux/Deck compatibility
Performance Estimate
Based on the Steam Deck GPU (RDNA 2, about a Radeon RX 560, 4,550 pts) at its native 1280x800. Real performance depends on the game's optimization and Proton.
Spec Comparison
| Component | Steam Deck | Minimum | Recommended | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPU | RDNA 2 (Score: 4,550) | Nvidia GTX 470/AMD R7 240 | Nvidia GTX 770 / AMD Radeon R9 280X (6,750) | Below |
| CPU | Zen 2, 4c/8t (Score: ~15,000) | Quad Core CPU (4 x 2Ghz) | Intel Core i7-3770K Quad Core CPU or better / AMD FX 4350 Quad Core CPU or better | — |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5 | 6 GB | 8 GB | Pass |
| Storage | 64GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 25 GB | 25 GB | — |
| Display | 1280x800, 7" / 7.4" OLED | — | OK | |
PC requirements are written for a desktop at 1080p or higher. The Deck renders at 1280x800, so a GPU below the PC spec on paper doesn't mean it won't run: Valve's test is the one that counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Steam Deck run Elite Dangerous?
Yes, Elite Dangerous is rated Playable on Steam Deck: it runs, but may need manual tweaks such as graphics settings or the on-screen keyboard. On paper the Deck's GPU (4,550 pts) is 67% of the PC recommended GPU, but PC requirements assume 1080p and Valve tested it at the Deck's 800p.
What settings should I use for Elite Dangerous on Steam Deck?
For Elite Dangerous on Steam Deck, start from Valve's tested defaults at 800p and lower settings if the frame rate dips. On PC the game recommends a GeForce GTX 770; the Deck's GPU is roughly a Radeon RX 560 (4,550 pts) and falls below that on paper.
Does Elite Dangerous have Steam Deck verified status?
Elite Dangerous is marked as Playable, not Verified, on Steam Deck. It works but doesn't meet every Verified criterion, so you may need some manual adjustments.
