The video demonstrates how to install and use Lossless Scaling on the Steam Deck to double framerates. This involves installing Decky Loader, a plugin, and then setting up Lossless Scaling, which is a paid Steam app, along with specific configurations and per-game launch options. The presenter uses Spider-Man 2 as an example, showing a significant FPS increase.
Installing Decky Loader
- Access desktop mode on the Steam Deck (Steam button > Power > Switch to Desktop).
- Set a password for your user account (System Settings > Users > Change Password).
- Open a browser and download the Decky Loader installer.
- Move the downloaded installer to the desktop.
- Download the Decky Lossless Scaling VK plugin (ZIP file) from its GitHub releases page and leave it in the downloads folder.
- Run the Decky Loader installer from the desktop.
- Enter your password when prompted.
- Choose "Install release" (recommended for stable SteamOS).
- Return to gaming mode (top right icon).
Installing Lossless Scaling Plugin
- Open the sidebar menu (left-hand side button with three dots).
- Locate the new Decky Loader icon (looks like a plug) at the bottom.
- Go to the Decky Loader settings icon.
- Enable "Developer mode".
- Go to "Developer" within Decky Loader.
- Select "Install plugin from zip file".
- Browse to your downloads folder and select "lossless.scaling.zip".
- Install the plugin.
Setting up Lossless Scaling (Paid App)
- Purchase and install Lossless Scaling from Steam.
- Once installed, go to Lossless Scaling in your Steam library.
- Manage > Properties > Betas.
- Change "Beta Participation" to "Linux testing".
- Allow Lossless Scaling to update.
- Open the Decky Loader menu again.
- Open the Lossless Scaling plugin.
- Install "LSFGVK" directly from the plugin.
Configuring Lossless Scaling for Games
- In the Lossless Scaling Decky plugin, copy the provided launch option command.
- For each game you want to use Lossless Scaling with, go to its properties in your Steam library.
- Paste the copied command into the "Launch Options" field.
- Configure the Lossless Scaling plugin:
- Frame Generation: Set to 2x (doubles framerate; 3x/4x not recommended for Steam Deck due to lower performance).
- Flow Scale: Set to 50% or 60% for better performance, with minimal visual degradation on the small screen.
- Performance Mode: Enable for better performance.
Demonstration with Spider-Man 2
- The game was played at 720p, low settings, with FSR set to balanced.
- Initial FPS without Lossless Scaling: Fluctuated between 32-44 FPS.
- After enabling Lossless Scaling (2x, 50% flow scale, performance mode) from the Decky menu:
- FPS jumped to an average of around 54 FPS.
- Minor ghosting was noted, but was less noticeable on the built-in display and the game felt smoother.
- This method is primarily recommended for single-player games, not online multiplayer games where latency is critical.
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