Fix: Assassin’s Creed (AC) Syndicate Not Working on Steam Deck

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Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, a beloved entry in Ubisoft’s iconic franchise, has captivated gamers with its Victorian London setting and engaging gameplay. However, running this classic title on the Steam Deck has proven to be a bit tricky for many players. If you’re struggling with performance issues, crashes, or the game not loading at all, don’t worry — this guide will help you resolve these problems step by step.

Why AC Syndicate May Struggle on the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is a powerful handheld device, but it’s still not a traditional PC. Game optimization can sometimes be a challenging task, especially for older titles like Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. Some of the common issues include:

  • Poor compatibility with Proton (Steam’s compatibility tool for Windows games).

    • <li<Misaligned controller settings or input issues.

  • Graphical glitches or low FPS due to outdated drivers or settings.

Step-by-Step Fix for AC Syndicate on Steam Deck

Here’s a detailed guide to help you play the game seamlessly:

1. Enable a Compatible Proton Version

The first thing to check is the version of Proton you’re using. To do this:

  1. In Steam, go to your library and locate Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.
  2. Right-click (or press the appropriate button on the Steam Deck) and choose Properties.
  3. Head to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box labeled “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.”
  5. Choose the latest Proton version (try Proton Experimental first).

If the game still doesn’t work, experiment with other Proton builds, like Proton GE (Glorious Eggroll), which is custom-tweaked for better compatibility with Windows titles.

2. Tweak Graphics Settings

AC Syndicate’s default graphical settings might strain the Steam Deck. Follow these steps for smoother gameplay:

  • Launch the game and head to the graphic settings.
  • Lower demanding options like Anti-Aliasing, Shadows, and Environment Quality.
  • Set the resolution to 1280×800 to match the Steam Deck’s native display resolution.
  • Try limiting the FPS to 30 for consistent performance.
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3. Address Controller and Input Issues

If you notice input lag or unresponsive controls, it’s likely tied to the Steam Deck’s layout or game compatibility. Here’s what to do:

  1. Open Steam’s Controller Settings for the game.
  2. Select a community-made controller configuration optimized for AC Syndicate. Steam’s community often has profiles tailor-made for certain games.
  3. If custom profiles don’t work, reset inputs to default and test the settings.

It’s also a good idea to ensure Steam OS is fully updated, as firmware updates frequently improve compatibility with games.

4. Handle Graphical Glitches

Users might notice odd behaviors like flickering or visual artifacts. This usually stems from GPU driver issues. To resolve this:

  • In the Steam Deck settings, enable the Compatibility Mode toggle for AC Syndicate under the game’s properties.
  • Alternatively, try performing a system update for Steam OS to get the latest drivers.
  • If the problem persists, switch to a different Proton version and retest.

5. Verify Game Files

Occasionally, missing or corrupted game files can cause the game to misbehave. This is easy to fix:

  1. Right-click on the game in your Steam library and choose Properties.
  2. Navigate to the Local Files tab and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”

Steam will scan and repair any missing or corrupted files.

6. Install Custom Patches

Some Steam Deck players have found success using community patches or mods designed to fix specific issues in older Assassin’s Creed games. These are often available on forums like Nexus Mods. Make sure to only download patches from trusted sources to avoid malware risks.

Optimizing Battery Life While Playing

Playing resource-intensive games like AC Syndicate can drain the Steam Deck’s battery quickly. To extend your playtime:

  • Lower the screen brightness through the system settings.
  • Enable FPS Limiting to minimize power draw.
  • Disable unnecessary background apps while gaming.
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Conclusion

Although running Assassin’s Creed Syndicate on the Steam Deck may present a few hurdles, most issues can be resolved with some simple adjustments. From tweaking Proton settings to optimizing graphics and input configurations, you can enjoy this classic title on Valve’s handheld console comfortably. Stick to the steps above, and don’t hesitate to explore community forums for additional fixes if needed. Enjoy your journey across Victorian London!