In the modern world, the number of gamers is growing, but the time to spend it on a PC or console is decreasing. Therefore, users are starting to look for alternatives in the form of mobile games or portable consoles like the Steam Deck. In this article, Bo3.gg will talk about whether it is possible to play Counter-Strike 2 on Valve's portable computer.

Despite the fact that the Steam Deck is not the most competitive option for a portable console, it has the right to exist. Valve's console handles its responsibilities quite well.

So, can you play CS2 on Steam Deck?

Yes, CS2 is fully compatible with the Steam Deck, and you can play the updated version of the shooter using it. Similar to some other games for the Steam Deck, CS2 requires 85 GB of disk space. Therefore, you may need to expand it using a microSD. Be prepared for this in advance to avoid surprises.

At the time of the article's publication, Valve stated that CS2 is "playable" on the Steam Deck. How is that possible? you may ask. This means that the shooter simply cannot undergo a complete, so-called, validation because it is difficult to discern some in-game text on the console screen with a resolution of 1280 by 800. In general, you can play, but how comfortable it will be is a question.

Another nuance is that CS2 does not support the portable device's controller. Thus, you won't be able to play using the D-pad or Steam Deck joysticks. Therefore, if you still want to play CS2 on the Steam Deck, we recommend connecting a keyboard and mouse to the console.

CS2 Steam Deck settings

Not everything is straightforward when it comes to optimizing CS2 for the Steam Deck. Despite Valve's claims that the shooter is supported on their portable console, in reality, it runs unstably with a low FPS. Developers may address this in the future, but when it will happen is unknown.

So, what should gamers do? We have a few recommendations:

• Disable unnecessary features on the Steam Deck and launch CS2.
• Go to "Settings," then "Display" > "Graphics."
• Set the resolution to 1280x800.
• Set the refresh rate to 60Hz.
• Now go to the "Advanced Graphics Settings" tab.
• Enable vertical synchronization.
• Choose the "No" option for multisample antialiasing.
• Set low overall shadow quality.
• Set low model and texture detail.
• Set low shader detail.
• Set low particle detail.
• Disable global darkening.
• Choose the "Performance" option in the extended dynamic range setting.
• Set a low setting for FidelityFX Super Resolution.

READ MORE: Best Sound and Audio Settings in CS2

This is the current situation. However, we hope for prompt actions from Valve regarding game optimization, taking into account the capabilities of the Steam Deck console. Additional parameters may be added to the standard graphics settings menu. It's a waiting game for now!