The Last of Us Part 1 – Naughty Dog is Prioritizing PC Fixes Over Steam Deck Optimization

The Last of Us Part 1 may have enjoyed a decent launch on Steam where player numbers are concerned, but by every other metric, the PC port has been something of a disaster. Numerous technical issues have plagued the game since launch, with many players being unable to even boot it, and a couple of hotfixes have already been pushed out until now to address some of its most critical issues.

But for now, it seems Naughty Dog is focused purely on the game’s PC port, which means those who’re hoping to be able to properly play the game on a Steam Deck are going to have to wait longer for it to be fully optimized for the device. The studio confirmed the same in a recent tweet, saying, “While we know many of you would like to play The Last of Us Part 1 on Steam Deck, we are prioritizing fixes and patches before submitting it for verification. We will keep you updated of its Steam Deck status as we continue to improve the PC version.”

The fact that the game was allowed to launch in the state it did is cause for concern as it is, but with Naughty Dog having said prior to its launch that it would be fully optimized for the Steam Deck upon release, this will only serve to add insult to injury.

Meanwhile, the developer has also reiterated that a new hotfix will be going live for the PC port tomorrow, while a larger patch with additional fixes will launch on Friday.

In our review of The Last of Us Part 1’s PC port, we gave it a score of 5/10, saying, “The Last of Us Part 1’s PC debut has been hampered by an incredibly bad job done on the port. Aside from low frame rates, the game also suffers from random crashes, and the initial shader caching takes long enough to be an active mark against the game.” Read the full review through here.

And while we know many of you would like to play The Last of Us Part I on Steam Deck, we are prioritizing fixes and patches before submitting it for verification.

We will keep you updated of its Steam Deck status as we continue to improve the PC version.

— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) April 3, 2023