For a practical starting point, use 1280×800, a 30 FPS in-game cap, V-Sync on, FSR 2.0 off and mostly medium graphics settings. That preset comes from a Steam Deck HQ review published September 18, 2023; it is a dated recommendation, not a guarantee for the current game build or every Steam Deck.
Recommended Party Animals Steam Deck settings
Steam Deck HQ’s September 18, 2023 review recommends the following setup. Treat it as a baseline to try, then adjust if the current build behaves differently on your device.
| Where | Setting | Starting value |
|---|---|---|
| SteamOS performance menu | Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| SteamOS performance menu | TDP limit | 12 |
| SteamOS performance menu | GPU clock | Disabled |
| SteamOS performance menu | Scaling filter | Linear |
| SteamOS performance menu | Half-rate shading | Off |
| Steam game properties | Compatibility / Proton | Do not force a compatibility version |
| In-game display | Display mode | Full Screen |
| In-game display | Resolution | 1280×800 |
| In-game display | FSR 2.0 | Off |
| In-game display | V-Sync | On |
| In-game display | FPS limit | 30 |
| Graphics | Anti-aliasing | FXAA |
| Graphics | HBAO | Medium |
| Graphics | Texture quality | Medium |
| Graphics | Shadow quality | Medium |
| Graphics | Effect detail | Medium |
| Graphics | Motion blur | Off |
| Graphics | Depth of field | Medium |
| Graphics | Bloom | Medium |
| Graphics | Fur | Low |
In the SteamOS performance menu, open the Quick Access menu with the “…” button and select the performance tab. For the game-specific options, open Party Animals’ settings while it is running. Menu names and locations can change with SteamOS or game updates.
Why start with a 30 FPS cap?
Steam Deck HQ reviewer Noah Kupetsky preferred 30 FPS after reporting slowdowns and input lag at 40 and 50 FPS, plus dips below a 60 FPS target on some maps in his test. He wrote, “For this, I feel 30 FPS is the way to go.” That is one reviewer’s observation from September 18, 2023—not a current-build benchmark or a claim that 30 FPS will feel best to every player.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
The trade-off is straightforward: a 30 FPS cap aims for consistency, while a higher target may feel more responsive when it holds but could be less stable. If you experiment with higher caps, compare how the game feels across different maps rather than judging from a single match.
Image quality: resolution, FSR and graphics options
The 1280×800 recommendation uses the Deck’s 16:10 display. The review recommends FSR 2.0 off because Kupetsky found it too blurry for the performance improvement he saw. If you prefer a sharper image, begin with FSR disabled; the cited test does not establish that this remains the best choice for every current build.
Most listed graphics options are set to Medium, with motion blur off and Fur Low. These are settings from the same review rather than individually measured prescriptions for every map or Deck model. Change one setting at a time if you want to find a personal balance between clarity and performance.
Check compatibility and current game status
Steam Deck HQ marked Party Animals Verified in its September 2023 review, but that is historical and does not confirm the game’s current Steam Deck rating. Check the live compatibility details in the Steam library or store before relying on that status. Valve says Verified means “The game works great on Steam Deck, right out of the box”; Playable means the game may require manual tweaking. Valve’s criteria cover controller input, display resolution and text legibility, seamlessness, and system support, including Proton where applicable: Steam Deck compatibility program.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #3
- 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 2TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
- 【Stunning 7.4" HDR OLED & 90Hz Motion】 Experience striking contrast and brilliant clarity with the all-new 7.4-inch HDR OLED display. Designed from the ground up for gaming, it features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and pure blacks. This handheld is capable of delivering an immersive visual experience, ensuring your Steam library looks better than ever with vibrant colors and amazing motion rendition.
- 【30-50% More Battery & Efficient Performance】 Play your favorites longer with up to 50% more battery life. By fitting a larger battery and a power-efficient OLED panel, this device provides extended gameplay sessions. It’s the perfect travel companion for long flights or commutes. The updated AMD APU ensures high-speed performance for AAA titles while maintaining incredible energy efficiency.
- 【3X Faster Downloads with Wi-Fi 6E】 Never wait for a game again. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, this Steam Deck OLED offers increased bandwidth and lower latency, delivering downloads up to 3 times faster than previous models. This ensures stable online play and rapid updates, making it the most reliable wireless gaming handheld for modern high-speed home networks.
- 【Responsive Touch & Enhanced Connectivity】 Enjoy a vastly improved touchscreen with higher fidelity and faster haptics. We’ve added a dedicated Bluetooth antenna to improve connections for multiple controllers. Whether using the built-in trackpads or the included external controller, this allows for precision play in everything from FPS to complex strategy games.
Party Animals was released on Steam on September 20, 2023, and is developed by Recreate Games and published by Source Technology. The Steam listing’s Windows PC requirements are not a Steam Deck performance guarantee. Its minimum specifications include Windows 10/11 64-bit, an Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent, 8 GB RAM, a GTX 750 Ti or RX 550 with 2 GB VRAM, DirectX 11, broadband and 12 GB of storage. The recommended listing specifies an Intel Core i5 7500K or AMD equivalent, 16 GB RAM, a GTX 1060, RX 580 with 4 GB VRAM or Intel Arc A380, DirectX 11, broadband and 12 GB storage. See the Steam store listing for the current requirements.
The official startup support article, dated August 22, 2023, lists 8 GB storage, rather than the Steam listing’s 12 GB. For current install planning, use the Steam store figure and check the live page. The support article advises players who meet its requirements but still cannot launch the game to submit a support ticket.
Rank #4
- 512 GB NVMe SSD: Fast storage for quicker game load times and space for larger game libraries.
- OLED Display: 1200x800 resolution with deep contrasts and vibrant colors for a captivating visual experience.
- Custom AMD APU: Power-efficient Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU for desktop-level gaming performance.
- Expandable Storage: Add more space with a microSD card slot, ensuring you can bring even more games with you.
- Versatile Controls: With built-in thumbsticks, trackpads, and touchscreen controls, you have full control over your gaming experience.
Battery and temperatures in the cited test
Steam Deck HQ estimated 2.5–3 hours of battery life and reported temperatures of 66–72°C in its review; it also noted wattage observations of 12–19 W. These are that review’s test figures, not typical-use guarantees. Battery life and temperature can vary with game build, settings, device condition and play session.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Updates can change results
Official announcements show that Party Animals continued receiving updates in 2026, including performance and optimization changes such as a menu frame-rate limit and a fallback for DLSS-related crashes. Those announcements do not establish that Deck performance changed or that the 2023 preset was retested. After a major update, check the live Steam Deck compatibility details and reassess the settings in the current build: Party Animals Steam announcements.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
