Can Steam Deck Run Hollow Knight?
Steam Deck compatibility check and performance analysis
Verified: runs great on Steam Deck
Valve's official Steam Deck compatibility rating for Hollow Knight
Spec-based estimate
Playable: may need lower settings
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 560 Ti (1GB), Radeon HD 7750 (1GB) (1,500) | GeForce GTX 1050 (2GB), Radeon R9 380 (2GB) (5,450) | Tight |
| CPU | Zen 2, 4c/8t (Score: ~15,000) | Intel Core i3-3240, AMD FX-4300 | Intel Core i5-3470 | — |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5 | 4 GB | 8 GB | Pass |
| Storage | 64GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 9 GB | 9 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 Hollow Knight?
Yes. Hollow Knight is Deck Verified by Valve: it runs well on Steam Deck with full controller support and readable text. Our spec-based estimate: C (Tight).
What settings should I use for Hollow Knight on Steam Deck?
For Hollow Knight on Steam Deck we estimate: Medium-Low at 800p, 30-40 FPS. On PC the game recommends a GeForce GTX 1050 2GB; the Deck's GPU is roughly a Radeon RX 560 (4,550 pts) and falls below that on paper. Start at medium settings and adjust based on frame rate.
Does Hollow Knight have Steam Deck verified status?
Yes, Hollow Knight 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.