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In our previous article, we covered Knights in Tight Spaces, Craftlings, and Blue Prince, analyzing how they might perform on the Steam Deck. Now, we turn our focus to Post Trauma, a survival horror game that takes inspiration from classic genre-defining titles like Silent Hill and Resident Evil. With its fixed camera angles, eerie atmosphere, and puzzle-driven gameplay, Post Trauma is set to be one of the most anticipated horror experiences of 2025.

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But how well will it run on Steam Deck? Based on official developer insights, community reports, and our own analysis, we break it all down.

Post Trauma – Classic Survival Horror for the Modern Era

Post Trauma follows Roman, a train conductor who wakes up in a surreal, nightmarish reality with no memory of how he got there. The game leans heavily into psychological horror, emphasizing exploration, cryptic storytelling, and puzzle-solving rather than fast-paced combat. The fixed camera angles immediately evoke the classic horror aesthetic of the late 90s, forcing players to navigate creepy environments with a sense of vulnerability.

Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Post Trauma boasts stunning visuals, dynamic lighting, and highly detailed environments. However, this raises questions about Steam Deck performance—can the device handle a graphically intensive horror title while maintaining an immersive experience?

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How Will Post Trauma Play on Steam Deck?

Developer Insights & Community Discussion

Red Soul Games, the developers behind Post Trauma, have acknowledged that Steam Deck compatibility is on their radar but was not a primary focus early in development. They initially stated that supporting the Deck “wouldn’t happen right away,” but in mid-2024, they confirmed that Steam Deck Verification was a development goal by the time of release. This means the game is expected to be fully optimized for Steam Deck but may require post-launch patches to reach full verification.

During Steam Next Fest, players who tested the demo on Steam Deck via Proton reported that it was playable but required adjustments. Some noted frame rate drops in visually intensive areas, while others pointed out that text and UI elements were small on the Deck’s 7-inch screen. Additionally, some players had to manually remap controls, indicating that controller support was not seamless in the demo. These issues suggest that while the game can run on Deck, full optimization is still in progress.

Performance Expectations

Since Post Trauma is built in Unreal Engine 5, the game’s performance on Steam Deck is expected to be more demanding compared to traditional indie horror titles. Based on early demo impressions and our analysis of similar UE5 games, we estimate the following performance outcomes:

  • Frame Rate: Likely 30-40 FPS on High settings, possibly reaching 60 FPS on Low settings with tweaks.
  • Battery Life: Estimated 2-3 hours on moderate settings, as UE5 games tend to use around 10-15W on the Deck’s APU.
  • Potential Adjustments: Lowering effects like shadows, ambient occlusion, and resolution scaling may be necessary for a smooth experience.

Steam Deck Verification Status

Currently, Steam’s store lists Post Trauma’s Deck compatibility status as “Unknown”, meaning Valve has not yet tested the game for official Verified or Playable status. However, given that the demo was tested by players on Deck, it is likely to be at least Playable at launch. If the developers address UI scaling and frame rate issues, full Steam Deck Verification could follow post-launch.

Gameplay & Mechanics – What to Expect

Much like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, Post Trauma leans heavily into environmental storytelling and puzzle mechanics. Players will need to search for clues, solve riddles, and interact with objects to progress. Instead of constant combat, tension is built through atmospheric dread, eerie sound design, and limited resources.

  • Fixed Camera Angles: Adds to the game’s cinematic feel, increasing immersion and tension.
  • Mind-Bending Puzzles: The game features environmental puzzles that require careful observation and logical thinking.
  • Exploration-Based Horror: Players will uncover a non-linear world filled with cryptic notes, unsettling environments, and psychological horror elements.
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While combat details remain scarce, early footage suggests there may be some form of limited combat mechanics, possibly requiring players to weigh the decision to fight or flee. This aligns with the classic survival horror philosophy, where managing limited supplies is key to survival.

Final Thoughts – Will Post Trauma Be a Good Fit for Steam Deck?

While Post Trauma isn’t officially Steam Deck Verified yet, early testing and community impressions suggest that it will be Playable with some adjustments. Players looking for a handheld survival horror experience may need to tweak settings to balance frame rate, visuals, and battery life. However, the game’s cinematic pacing and puzzle-based gameplay make it well-suited for handheld gaming.

What Works Well on Steam Deck:

✔ Classic fixed-camera horror works great on a handheld screen. ✔ Puzzle-driven gameplay allows for shorter, immersive play sessions. ✔ UE5 lighting and detail enhance the eerie atmosphere, even at lower settings.

Challenges for Steam Deck Players:

⚠ Frame rate fluctuations in high-detail areas. ⚠ Small text/UI elements may need scaling adjustments. ⚠ Battery drain could be a factor in longer play sessions. ⚠ Controller remapping may be required based on demo impressions.

Overall, Post Trauma looks like a great horror experience for Steam Deck users willing to make a few tweaks. As we get closer to launch, we’ll revisit its performance on Steam Deck with a full breakdown.

What horror game are you most excited to play on Steam Deck? Let us know in the comments!

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