You're supposed to only be able to use AMD FSR4 with the latest AMD GPUs, but thanks to a woops from AMD - even the Steam Deck can now use FSR4. It's all a bit of a hack though and completely unsupported.
Back when AMD released FidelityFX SDK 2.0 to include FSR4 for developers, they initially did a massive oops by including the full source code. Not something they can really take back either, as not only does the internet never forget but it was under an open source license before they scrubbed it.
Now, Reddit user AthleteDependent926 has caused quite a stir by compiling the DLL needed to allow AMD FSR4 on older AMD GPUs and sticking it online for anyone to use. And so, of course people are. For Steam Deck, it's especially nice, as older versions of FSR have some pretty jarring visual issues due to the low resolution.
For Steam Deck owners first you'll need to install Decky Loader using the GamingOnLinux guide to get your Steam Deck ready to work with plugins. Then you can use the Decky Framegen Plugin which has just recently updated in version v0.11.15 to include it.
To install it you can follow the Decky Framegen Plugin install steps from their GitHub page (to ensure the newest version), which I've tweaked below to be hopefully clear enough
- Go into Desktop Mode: STEAM button -> Power -> Switch to Desktop.
- Download the Plugin: Look for "Decky-Framegen.zip" from the releases page via your web browser.
- Go back into Gaming Mode
- Install the Plugin: In Decky Loader, select the "install from zip" option in developer settings.
- Setup OptiScaler: Open the plugin and click "Setup OptiScaler Mod".
- Configure Games: For each game you want to enhance:
- Click "Copy Patch Command" in the plugin.
- Go to your game's Properties → Launch Options in Steam.
- Paste the command:
~/fgmod/fgmod %command%
- Enable Features: Launch your game and enable DLSS in the graphics settings
- Adjust Steam Input: Add the Insert key to one of the back buttons on the Steam Deck. You'll need it to open the OptiScaler settings overlay.
- Adjust Settings: Once in-game, press the Insert key for OptiScaler settings to change modes.
It will likely suck away a bit more power from the Steam Deck, but if you have a charger handy or you're docked to a TV, the visual bump compared to what you'll get with older FSR on Steam Deck appears to be worth it.
Pictured - Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered on Steam Deck with FSR4
Pretty amazing to see, and only shows that AMD could if they wanted to, actually put up FSR4 for older GPUs officially. Naturally though, they want people to buy their latest tech.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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And once again we have the community to thank for this, showing what is possible when you're not blinded by corpo mindsets. AMD could've unlocked FSR4 on their previous gens to reward customer loyalty, and increase their value, but they decided that their new GPUs need a selling point. Ironically this makes them look worse now from a consumer standpoint and will probably hurt their sales rather than increase them
The code came from AMD though, so clearly they've been working on it. Since it's still in this halfway state the performance isn't all there yet.
Perhaps with redstone it'll be "officially" supported.
Last edited by chr on 17 Sep 2025 at 1:05 pm UTC
2 hours ago
Just looking at the guide here, and the fact you also need to be in developer mode, follow the deckyloader guide, optiscaler guide before following the FSR4 guide, before adding a launch command to each and every game doesn't make it user very friendly for everyday gaming folk.
It would be nice if an official plugin system was supported by valve on the SteamDeck (for desktop Linux too in 'big-picture') & without having to be in any kind of Beta/Dev mode.
Still it's more progress and it is very welcome.
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