Fallout 4 Next-Gen Update Faces Performance Hurdles on Certain Platforms

From Steam Deck optimization to PS Plus barriers, Bethesda's re-release hits snags.

Fallout 4’s highly anticipated next-generation update has been welcomed by fans eager to experience the post-apocalyptic RPG with enhanced visuals and performance. However, the rollout has not been entirely smooth, with certain platforms encountering significant issues.

On the Steam Deck front, players with the OLED model found their framerates capped at half the intended level due to an incompatibility between the game’s code and Valve’s Proton software layer. While a community-discovered .ini tweak provided a temporary workaround, a more robust solution emerged – creating a dxvk configuration file and supplying it as a launch option. This overrides Fallout 4’s problematic vertical sync implementation, allowing the game to reach its full potential on OLED Steam Decks.

Meanwhile, PlayStation users who obtained Fallout 4 through Sony’s PS Plus subscription service faced barriers in accessing the PS5 upgrade. Those with the PS Plus Collection on PS4 were initially unable to claim the next-gen version without repurchasing the game, sparking frustration. Bethesda has since resolved this for PS Plus Extra and Premium tier members, enabling them to add the PS5 version to their libraries at no extra cost. However, the issue persists for PS Plus Essential subscribers who redeemed Fallout 4 via the collection.

“It’s irritating that we had a limited window to buy Fallout 4 for just a few dollars, but now can’t access the upgrade we technically own the license for,” remarked one disappointed fan on Reddit. Bethesda has not clarified if a fix is forthcoming for this subset of PS Plus users.

The next-gen Fallout 4 update also shipped with a bug affecting Xbox Series X/S consoles, with only the 60fps mode functioning properly. While a patch is expected, Digital Foundry’s analysis revealed the ray-tracing enhanced graphics mode remained unplayable on Microsoft’s latest hardware.

Fallout

As developers continue ironing out these complications, the Fallout 4 remaster has delivered a highly requested feature – the ability to play the base game and all its DLC expansions with stunning new visuals and a stable 60fps experience on PC, Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 for existing owners. However, ensuring a smooth upgrade path across all platforms and hardware configs has proven challenging.

Bethesda has not issued an official statement addressing the various snags, though regular updates and patches will likely follow as the publishers work to untangle the web of technical challenges this remaster has presented. For now, fans are advised to follow the recommended workarounds where possible, or simply wait patiently until the upgrade issues are fully resolved.

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