Phantom Blade Zero's patch improves Steam Machine performance in one test, but Steam Deck still struggles
Phantom Blade Zero's first post-launch patch changes shader compilation and improves performance in some areas. In one set of Steam Machine tests, the update also made a much smoother frame rate possible at settings that previously needed a 30fps cap.
That finding comes from Steam Deck HQ's testing, not a published performance guarantee from developer S-GAME. The same tester reported that the Steam Deck still struggled to maintain 30fps, even with settings reduced.
S-GAME's November 4 patch notes describe improvements in certain areas, plus PC changes for shader compilation, Bluetooth controller stutter and control remapping. They do not name the Steam Machine or promise a specific frame-rate increase.
Image: S-GAME
What the Steam Machine test found
Steam Deck HQ editor Noah Kupetsky compared the game before and after the patch using 2K resolution, FSR Balanced and Medium quality settings. He reported that problem areas could run close to 60fps on the Steam Machine after the update, with occasional dips. Previously, he said he had needed a 30fps cap for a stable experience at those settings.
Image: S-GAME
The results apply to those settings and the areas tested, not necessarily every battle or configuration. His follow-up found occasional frame-rate drops and minor stutters in busy areas even after the improvement.
Steam Deck was a different story. Kupetsky reported that the game still did not sustain 30fps in his testing at the lowest settings, with larger fights and crowded areas causing dips. A Steam Machine result should not be assumed to translate to Valve's handheld.
Image: S-GAME
The patch changes how PC shaders are compiled
According to the developer, the update no longer compiles ray-tracing shaders by default at startup. Players who previously had ray tracing disabled must recompile shaders on their first launch after installing the patch; S-GAME describes this as a one-time process.
Players who had ray tracing enabled can start without that recompilation, the studio says. If someone later enables ray tracing in the settings, the required shaders compile separately the next time the game restarts. The change is intended to shorten startup time, rather than remove ray tracing from the PC version.
The update also lets PC players remap the Interact/Talk action on both keyboard and controller. S-GAME says it has reduced stutter that could occur with Bluetooth controllers and fixed an issue involving Nvidia Reflex on Auto with V-Sync enabled.
The patch notes warn that some third-party mods may be incompatible and suggest removing installed mods if problems start after updating. Anyone planning to play on a Steam Deck should check recent compatibility and performance reports for their own settings; the developer's notes do not promise a handheld-specific fix.
