The Last of Us Part 1 PC version achieves Steam Deck verification after major June 13 performance update
From Disastrous Launch to Steam Deck Recovery
The PC edition of The Last of Us Part 1 received a substantial update on June 13 that finally earned the game Steam Deck verified status following its problematic initial release.
Eleven weeks after the heavily criticized PC debut, The Last of Us Part 1 has regained its Steam Deck verification through comprehensive fixes implemented in the June 13 patch addressing widespread technical problems.
Naughty Dog, renowned for delivering premium console gaming experiences, faced significant challenges when adapting The Last of Us Part 1 for PC platforms in March. The transition revealed numerous critical performance deficiencies and disruptive bugs that compromised gameplay integrity at launch.
The situation escalated to the point where the acclaimed PlayStation studio issued a formal apology, Steam implemented exceptional refund policies disregarding playtime restrictions, and the title lost its Steam Deck compatibility certification.
Now, nearly three months following the troubled release, substantial progress has been made. The June 13 update has restored the PC version’s verified status for Steam Deck compatibility.
Initial player reactions to the PC adaptation—marking the series’ first availability beyond PlayStation ecosystems—fell short of expectations. Many veteran PC gamers described it as among the most problematic ports they had encountered.
Development teams have since dedicated extensive resources to resolving the most severe issues while systematically eliminating persistent technical glitches.
Although the remediation process required considerable time investment, The Last of Us Part 1 PC edition now demonstrates markedly improved performance. Since June 13, the game functions reliably on Steam Deck hardware.
Complete patch documentation appears below, provided by Naughty Dog development team:
Comprehensive Patch Notes Analysis
- System-wide optimizations enhancing CPU and GPU performance across all game segments
- Comprehensive upgrades to texture streaming and environmental asset loading procedures
- Accelerated shader compilation processes reducing initial wait times
- Resolved system crashes triggered by custom controller configuration changes
- Fixed Photo Mode instability when capturing 4K resolution screenshots
- Addressed compatibility crashes between Ultra graphics settings and DLSS functionality
- Corrected high DPI mouse input causing system instability
- Eliminated crashes occurring during Graphics options menu navigation
- Multiple stability improvements for systems utilizing Intel graphics processors
- Fixed weapon functionality loss occurring immediately after interface menu closure
- Resolved persistent Flashlight tutorial overlay when player ignored prompt
- Corrected unintended item throwing when exiting Photo Mode
- Fixed rendering gaps allowing visibility beyond intended game world boundaries
- Addressed persistent screen tearing issues despite V-Sync activation
- Corrected audio distortion when combining USB audio devices with Spatial Audio Plug-Ins
- Implemented compatibility support for third-party audio driver solutions
- Fixed graphics preset modification saving failures during active gameplay
- Corrected Speedrun timer regression following crashes or desktop exits
- Enabled mouse wheel navigation for scrollable menu description elements
- Updated Quick Time Event button interfaces for proper Xbox controller display
- Rectified multiple localization errors across in-game text, menus, and text-to-speech systems
- GPU Performance HUD now accurately reflects usage metrics at launch; CPU Performance HUD calibration improved
- Fixed Aiming Mirror configuration not applying to motion sensor aiming functionality
- Corrected settings Reset to Defaults failure when menu dropdowns remained active
- Prevented Photo Mode scrolling from affecting in-game camera orientation
- Fixed monitor display settings reset during game launch sequence
- Corrected premature shader loading completion indicators
- Resolved Corsair and Logitech peripheral LED deactivation during startup
- Display configurations now save per hardware device instead of cloud synchronization
- [The Suburbs] Fixed sniper encounter sequence crash vulnerability
- [The Suburbs] Corrected Sam character model appearing wet in dry environment cinematic
- Introduced new Very Low graphics configuration preset (Options > Graphics > Graphics Presets)
- Added AI Quality adjustment parameter in graphics configuration menu (Options > Graphics)
- Implemented Dynamic Lights Quality control in graphics settings (Options > Graphics)
- Resolved AMD hardware shader compilation crash vulnerability
- Fixed frame rate impact when activating GPU Usage monitor (Options > HUD > GPU Usage)
- Eliminated crashes occurring during return to main menu sequence
- Restored vibration functionality for affected users
- Addressed crash scenarios for players missing Steam user directory structures
Steam Deck Specific Enhancements
- Comprehensive performance enhancements specifically optimized for Steam Deck hardware architecture
- Addressed memory leakage issues that previously caused system instability and crashes
- Corrected misaligned button prompt display elements affecting interface clarity
- Fixed intense lighting artifact generation when modifying graphics presets (Options > Graphics > Graphics Preset)
- Synchronized in-game HUD frame rate display with Steam Deck Performance Overlay metrics
- Eliminated loading screen transition crash vulnerabilities
- Effects Density setting now defaults to Very Low configuration instead of Low preset
- [Lakeside Resort] Resolved cinematic introduction sequence crash point
- [Pittsburgh] Fixed checkpoint-specific system instability
- [The Outskirts] Corrected physics interaction problems caused by frame rate locking affecting pushable object mechanics
Valve explains why the Steam Deck 2 still isn’t ready after desktop gaming PC reveal
Steam now requires age verification in the UK for mature game pages
Half-Life 2 gets surprise update to fix an 18-year-old issue
Performance Optimization Strategies
For optimal performance on both desktop and Steam Deck platforms, follow these expert recommendations derived from the patch improvements.
Graphics Configuration Strategy
Begin with the new Very Low preset as your baseline, then incrementally increase settings while monitoring performance impact. The AI Quality and Dynamic Lights Quality settings provide granular control over computationally intensive effects. Disable DLSS initially if experiencing instability, as the patch specifically addresses Ultra preset compatibility issues.
Common Performance Pitfalls
Avoid modifying controller settings during active gameplay sessions to prevent the crash vulnerability that has been addressed. When using Photo Mode, ensure you’re not in critical gameplay sequences to avoid the previously documented item throwing bug. For Steam Deck users, the default Very Low Effects Density provides the best balance of visual quality and battery life.
Advanced Optimization Techniques
Rebuild shaders completely after the update by deleting the existing shader cache—the improved compilation times make this process significantly faster. Monitor GPU usage with the now-accurate HUD to identify bottlenecks. For players with high-DPI mice, the input-related crashes have been resolved, but gradual sensitivity adjustments remain recommended.
Steam Deck Specific Tips
Utilize the synchronized FPS display between in-game HUD and Steam Deck overlay to accurately monitor performance. The memory leak fixes allow for extended play sessions without degradation. When encountering pushable objects in The Outskirts area, ensure frame rate isn’t severely limited to maintain proper physics interactions.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » The Last of Us Part 1 now Steam Deck verified after controversial launch issues The Last of Us Part 1 PC version achieves Steam Deck verification after major June 13 performance update