The Steam Deck has opened up new possibilities for gamers, allowing them to play their favourite PC games on a handheld device. One such game that has garnered attention is Path of Exile. This guide will explore the controller setup, installation process, performance, and overall experience of playing Path of Exile on the Steam Deck. Whether you're a seasoned Path of Exile player or someone new to the game, this guide aims to provide you with a realistic experience expectation.
Installation and Performance:
Installing Path of Exile on the Steam Deck is straightforward despite the game being labelled as "playable" rather than "verified" on the Steam version. The game runs on the default Proton, specifically Proton 8, at the time of this writing. No additional steps or desktop environment setups are required to start playing. Path of Exile launches quickly, with minimal startup time, making it one of the fastest-starting games on the Steam Deck. Additionally, the game performs admirably, providing around three to four hours of gameplay on 85% battery life, comparable to low settings in Diablo 4 and slightly behind World of Warcraft.
Controller Setup:
Path of Exile's controller layout is well-designed and suits the game's complex mechanics. The use of modifier keys with triggers allows for easy access to various abilities and skills. Unlike Diablo 4, which follows a standard button layout, Path of Exile's controller setup resembles console ports or games like Final Fantasy. Active abilities can be bound to trigger combinations, while flasks are conveniently assigned to back buttons. Overall, the controller setup works exceptionally well for combat and ability usage.
Inventory Management and UX:
One concern players may have is how well the controller works for inventory management and other non-combat activities. Path of Exile's controller support includes a comprehensive user experience specifically designed for controllers. This built-in functionality allows for smooth navigation through menus, moving items, and gem management. While gem management may be slightly less intuitive compared to using a mouse, the overall experience is well-implemented. The controller support also introduces useful quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to disable auto-leveling of gems, making the game more beginner-friendly.
Stash and Passive Skill Tree:
The controller support extends to stash management, where cycling through tabs and customizing them is a breeze. Features like automatically stashing poe currency items in the designated tab enhance the inventory management experience. The passive skill tree can be easily navigated using the controller's thumbstick or even the mouse if preferred. Searching for items may require the Steam keyboard, but overall, the inventory-related aspects are well-implemented.
Gripes and Limitations:
One notable gripe with Path of Exile's controller support is the pickup function. The A button, which serves as both the primary ability and pickup, can lead to unintended item pickups during combat. This can fill up the inventory and interfere with ability usage, potentially causing inconvenience or even death. Unfortunately, there is no obvious way to rebind the pickup button or limit it to out-of-combat situations. This is an area where improvements are needed to enhance the overall experience.
Conclusion:
Playing Path of Exile on the Steam Deck is a highly enjoyable experience that exceeds expectations. The game installs easily, runs smoothly, and provides extended gameplay sessions on the handheld device. The controller layout is well-designed, and the inventory management features are well-implemented, with a few minor limitations.
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