Best Overwatch 2 settings for Steam Deck: Graphics & controller

winston from overwatch 2 in a steam deckBlizzard/Valve

Overwatch 2 works straight out of the box on the Steam Deck. As Blizzard now releases their games on Steam, it eliminates any need for complex installation instructions.

You can still install Battle.net and access the game that way if you want. We recommend something like Non-Steam Launcher to assist with getting the software installed.

Overwatch 2 also doesn’t need much tweaking in terms of graphical settings. Even on Low, the art style and chunky graphics still look great on the 800p screen of the Deck. On the OLED, with our settings, you should be able to hit 90FPS pretty easily.

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Best Overwatch 2 graphics settings on Steam Deck

tracer in ow1Blizzard Entertainment

Here are our best settings for Blizzard’s hero shooter for playing on the go:

Video:

  • Resolution: 1280×800
  • V-Sync: On (this will help prevent screen tearing mid-match)

Graphics quality:

  • Graphics quality: Medium

This will then automatically set everything down to medium quality. We’ve had some success with High and Ultra with FSR 2.2, but it hovers around 60FPS or lower during busier skirmishes.

We recommend medium settings as this will ensure you stay at a competitive frame rate.

Best Overwatch 2 controller settings on Steam Deck

We fully recommend mapping certain functions to the trackpads, back-paddles and even give gyro aiming a look.

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Currently, we have the ping system, and bumper buttons assigned to L4, L5, and R5. 

For gyro aiming, toggle on in the Deck’s controller menu to use it as a joystick. Then in the settings (the little gear next to it), change “Enhance Small Movement Precision” under General to something you feel comfortable with.

Your mileage may vary, as we’ve seen some find that sticking this at 100 and then balancing the Deck is their preferred way to play. 

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What should happen is that the Deck’s right stick should handle most of the aiming when being touched, but when you let go, the gyro should immediately kick in.

The Steam Deck is perfect for Overwatch 2’s easier-to-play heroes. D.Va, for instance, doesn’t require the fine touch like Widowmaker. Other characters like Mercy, which just need a general point in the direction of what you’re healing are also great options. 

Overwatch 2’s PC version doesn’t separate controller players from mouse and keyboard users – as far as we can tell. While some might see this as a disadvantage, you might find that making things simpler for yourself is the way forward.

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