Gamers rejoice! The acclaimed open-world samurai adventure, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut, is finally slashing its way onto PC. But for those eager to experience Jin Sakai’s epic journey on the Steam Deck, there’s a catch to consider. While the game will be playable on Valve’s popular handheld console, it comes with a restriction concerning its multiplayer mode.
The Good News: Explore Feudal Japan on Steam Deck
The good news is that Nixxes Software, the studio responsible for the PC port, has confirmed that Ghost of Tsushima will be playable on the Steam Deck and similar handheld gaming PCs. This means you can explore the stunning landscapes of Tsushima Island, hone your katana skills, and delve into the captivating story mode, all on the go. The Iki Island expansion, which adds a new island to explore and expands the narrative, is also fully compatible with the Steam Deck.
The Catch: Legends Mode Remains Tethered to PC
However, the catch lies with Ghost of Tsushima’s Legends mode, the thrilling online co-op experience. Unfortunately, Legends mode will not be playable on the Steam Deck due to its reliance on PlayStation Network features. To access Legends mode, the game requires the PlayStation Overlay, a software component that is currently only supported on Windows PCs. Since the Steam Deck runs on SteamOS, a custom Linux operating system, this creates a compatibility hurdle.
Misleading Label: Steam Deck Runs Single-Player Ghost of Tsushima
This restriction has led to some confusion, with the Steam page for Ghost of Tsushima even listing the title as “Unsupported” for the Steam Deck. This label is a bit misleading, as the single-player experience remains fully functional. Nixxes has clarified that they’ve optimized the game specifically for the Steam Deck’s hardware, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for solo players.
Options for Legends Mode: Windows PC or Risky Workaround
So, what are your options if you crave the cooperative thrills of Legends mode? There are a couple of possibilities, though none are ideal. One option would be to forget the Steam Deck altogether and play Ghost of Tsushima on a Windows PC. This would allow you to access both the single-player campaign and Legends mode. Another more technical solution involves installing Windows on your Steam Deck. This would enable the PlayStation Overlay to function, but it’s important to note that Windows compatibility with the Steam Deck is still under development, and performance might not be optimal.
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The Choice is Yours: Embrace the Samurai Life on PC
Ultimately, the decision of whether to play Ghost of Tsushima on the Steam Deck or a Windows PC hinges on your priorities. Craving the immersive single-player story? The Steam Deck offers a fantastic platform to experience Jin Sakai’s journey on the go, complete with the captivating Iki Island expansion. However, if the online co-op thrills of Legends mode are a must-have, then a Windows PC is the way to go.
Regardless of your choice, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut promises to be a captivating adventure for PC gamers. With its breathtaking visuals, engaging combat system, and rich narrative, prepare to be transported to feudal Japan and become the Ghost.
