Verified: runs great on Steam Deck
Valve's official Steam Deck compatibility rating for Cairn
Spec-based estimate
On paper its GPU is 72% of the PC minimum GPU. PC specs assume 1080p; the Deck plays at 800p and Valve's test is what counts.
ProtonDB Rating
Community Linux/Deck compatibility
Performance Estimate
Based on the Steam Deck GPU (RDNA 2, about a Radeon RX 560, 4,550 pts) at its native 1280x800. Real performance depends on the game's optimization and Proton.
Spec Comparison
| Component | Steam Deck | Minimum | Recommended | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPU | RDNA 2 (Score: 4,550) | GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4096 MB), Radeon RX 570 (8192 MB) (6,350) | Geforce RTX 2060 Super (6144 MB), Radeon RX 5700 (8192 MB) (15,500) | Below |
| CPU | Zen 2, 4c/8t (Score: ~15,000) | Intel Core i7-6700 (4 * 3400), AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (4 * 3500) or equivalent | Intel Core i7-10700 (8 * 2900), AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (8 * 3600) or equivalent | — |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5 | 8 GB | 8 GB | Pass |
| Storage | 64GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 10 GB | 10 GB | — |
| Display | 1280x800, 7" / 7.4" OLED | — | OK | |
PC requirements are written for a desktop at 1080p or higher. The Deck renders at 1280x800, so a GPU below the PC spec on paper doesn't mean it won't run: Valve's test is the one that counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Steam Deck run Cairn?
Yes. Cairn is Deck Verified by Valve: it runs well on Steam Deck with full controller support and readable text. On paper the Deck's GPU (4,550 pts) is 72% of the PC minimum GPU, but PC requirements assume 1080p and Valve tested it at the Deck's 800p.
What settings should I use for Cairn on Steam Deck?
For Cairn on Steam Deck, start from Valve's tested defaults at 800p and lower settings if the frame rate dips. On PC the game recommends a GeForce RTX 2060 Super; the Deck's GPU is roughly a Radeon RX 560 (4,550 pts) and falls below that on paper.
Does Cairn have Steam Deck verified status?
Yes, Cairn is officially Deck Verified by Valve. It meets all of Valve's compatibility criteria: controller support, readable text, full-screen display and good performance on Steam Deck.
