When it comes to post-apocalyptic RPGs, few games are as iconic as Fallout. Since the first game launched in 1997, the series has taken players on wild adventures through nuclear wastelands, filled with mutants, bandits, and tough choices. Fallout 4, released in 2015, pushed the series even further with its massive open world, action-packed combat, and deep RPG mechanics.

So why are people still playing Fallout 4 nearly a decade later? Simple—there’s just so much to do. The game lets you explore a huge, open wasteland, build settlements, customize weapons, and shape your own story through its choice-driven quests. But the biggest reason Fallout 4 is still going strong is its modding community. Fans have created thousands of mods that add new weapons, improve graphics, introduce fresh storylines, and even change the gameplay completely. Whether you want a tougher survival experience, crazy sci-fi weapons, or just better visuals, mods keep Fallout 4 feeling brand new.

Bethesda is also keeping the game alive with an upcoming next-gen update. This update promises improved performance, bug fixes, and visual upgrades, making it a great time to dive back into the wasteland. Whether you’re a returning player or a newcomer, Fallout 4 still has plenty to offer.

Yes, but it needs some tweaking. Since Fallout 4 relies on a launcher that doesn’t work on SteamOS, the game starts with Ultra settings by default, making it nearly unplayable due to low FPS. Without the launcher, you can’t adjust settings before launching, which causes performance issues.

Luckily, with the right tweaks, Fallout 4 can run at an average of 50+ FPS on the Steam Deck. In complex scenes or combat, FPS may drop to 40-50, but overall, it’s a solid experience. Next, let’s look at how to fine-tune the settings for smooth gameplay.

To balance performance and visual quality, targeting 40 FPS is the best way to keep Fallout 4 running smoothly on the Steam Deck. Higher settings can cause major frame drops, while lower settings sacrifice too much visual clarity.

With the right adjustments, you can achieve a stable 40 FPS while maintaining a good balance between graphics and performance.

In the next section, we’ll go over the best settings to make Fallout 4 shine on the Steam Deck.

To get the best performance on the Steam Deck, follow these steps to optimize Fallout 4 for a stable 40 FPS experience.

Enable Fallout 4 Launcher (Must-do step)

1. Open Fallout 4 in your Steam Library.
2. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner and select Properties.
3. Under the General tab, find the Launch Options section.
4. Enter the following command. This bypasses the SteamOS launcher issue and lets you tweak in-game settings:
   SteamDeck=0 %command%

Steam Deck Settings

Fallout 4 In-game Settings

When optimizing Fallout 4 on the Steam Deck, Shadow Distance and Godrays Quality have the biggest impact on performance. For the best experience, lower these two settings first before making other adjustments to find the perfect balance between visuals and FPS.

• Shadow Distance – Controls how far shadows are rendered. Higher settings cause major FPS drops, especially in open areas. Set to Medium for the best balance.
• Godrays Quality – Affects light beams and atmospheric effects. High settings are very demanding and can significantly lower FPS. Set to Low to boost performance without losing much visual quality.

While Fallout 4 runs well on the Steam Deck, a game this immersive truly shines on a big screen. That’s where the beCreatus GR10 comes in. With HDMI 2.1, HDR, and VRR, it delivers smoother gameplay and richer visuals—perfect for exploring the wasteland in all its glory.

Beyond visuals, the GR10 removes the Steam Deck’s limitations. Its 100W PD fast charging keeps you powered up, while USB-A and USB-C ports let you connect a keyboard, mouse, or controller. Whether you're diving into mods or embarking on a new adventure, GR10 unlocks Fallout 4’s full potential.

• Aluminum Body for Better Cooling – The GR10’s aluminum chassis enhances heat dissipation, keeping your Steam Deck cool even during long play sessions.
• Lightweight & Versatile Design – Compact and easy to carry, the flip-cover design works as both a dock and a stand, making it great for desktops or laptop use.
• 2.5GbE Ethernet for Fast, Stable Connections – Download large Fallout 4 mods and updates at lightning speed with 2.5GbE wired networking, ensuring a smooth, lag-free experience.

With the GR10, your Steam Deck becomes a true gaming hub—ready to bring the wasteland to life.

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