We waited 14 years to get Red Dead Redemption on PC, and we'll have to wait even longer to find out how well it plays on Steam Deck

Red Dead Redemption art hd
Red Dead Redemption is now available on PC, but Rockstar has not tested the game on Steam Deck. (Image credit: Rockstar Games)

What you need to know

  • Red Dead Redemption is now available on PC and can be purchased through Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Rockstar.
  • Despite making the game available through Steam, Rockstar did not test Red Dead Redemption on Steam Deck.
  • The game should work on Steam Deck thanks to the handheld console's use of Proton, but surprisingly, Rockstar did not test the game for such a popular device.
  • Red Dead Redemption launched 14 years ago on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
  • The game was ported to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in 2023 and is playable on Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility.

Red Dead Redemption finally launched on PC today. In a wait that makes Sirius Black's time in Azkaban seem like a short stint, PC gamers have had to wait 14 years to play Red Dead Redemption, at least officially. The game's PC launch is good news, but it's accompanied by a bit of a strange development. Despite Rockstar's deep pockets, the developer of Red Dead Redemption has not tested the game's compatibility on Steam Deck.

The Red Dead Redemption port has many PC features to ensure the best experience, including support for 144Hz, ultrawide monitors, adjustable shadows and draw distance, AMD FSR, NVIDIA DLSS 3.7, and frame generation. The game is available through Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Rockstar Store. It also includes the Undead Nightmare expansion.

If you hop over to the Red Dead Redemption listing on Steam, you'll see a question mark and "Unknown" under Steam Deck compatibility. Unknown does not mean unsupported; it just means that Valve does not have enough information on the game. Rockstar could have helped Valve by testing Red Dead Redemption on Steam Deck, but instead, we'll have to wait for the community to rank compatibility. I doubt there will be a shortage of players willing to share opinions, but it's still disappointing that Rockstar did not handle that before launching the game on Steam.

Red Dead RedemptionNow:

Red Dead Redemption
Now: $39.99 at Steam

The legendary game is now available on PC, letting you run the western-themed title with the powerful specs of your gaming rig or within the palm of your hands through a handheld console. This version comes with the Undead Nightmare expansion and support for 144Hz, ultrawide monitors, adjustable shadows and draw distance, AMD FSR, NVIDIA DLSS 3.7, and frame generation.

Launch date: 2024 (PC version)

See at: Steam
See at: Epic Games Store
See at: Rockstar Store

✅Perfect for: Those who want to enjoy a legendary game that's now available PC.

❌Avoid if: You do not enjoy western-themed games or zombies.

PC gaming on Steam Deck

Steam Deck displaying Great on Deck page.

Valve's Steam Deck can play thousands of games, but Red Dead Redemption has not been tested for the handheld console. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)

Valve's Steam Deck runs on a variation of the Linux operating system rather than Windows, but the handheld console can play thousands of PC games. The not-so-secret secret sauce of the Steam Deck is a compatibility layer called Proton. Technically, Proton is not an emulator. Instead, it translates APIs such as DirectX to make them compatible with SteamOS. Proton is a fork of WINE (Wine Is Not an Emulator), which is one reason I highlighted that game compatibility is achieved through translation, not emulation.

Many don't care about the method used to get games to work; they care that games work. Luckily, that's the case with Proton and the Steam Deck-specific charts, where you'll see many of the best PC games, including Diablo IV, Elden Ring, and Baldur's Gate 3.

What's up Rockstar?

I'm sure Rockstar is busy, but people have waited a long time to play Red Dead Redemption on PC. I know that Steam Deck runs on Linux, but it's one of the best gaming handhelds, and many people use it to play PC games. It would have been nice to see verified Steam Deck support when Red Dead Redemption launched.

Even though there's a good chance Red Dead Redemption will run fine on Steam Deck, people shouldn't have to take a risk, especially not for such a well-known title.

If you don't want to risk compatibility issues related to playing PC games on Steam Deck, check out the best early Black Friday deals on gaming handhelds. Devices like the Lenovo Legion Go run on Windows and are versatile.

Lenovo Legion Go (Z1 Extreme, 512GB)Was: $699.99Now: $499.99 at Best Buy

Lenovo Legion Go (Z1 Extreme, 512GB)
Was:
$699.99
Now:
$499.99 at Best Buy

"Thanks to its large 8.8-inch display, built-in kickstand, and detachable controllers, the Lenovo Legion Go stands out as one of the most versatile Windows gaming handhelds available. The casing is a bit thick and might be hard for some to hold. Additionally, battery life isn't ideal, the setting software is limited, and sometimes gameplay can be choppy. However, the graphics render beautifully, and the combined effect of the gorgeous color gamut and crisp resolution of the display makes for a great visual experience."

Our experience: Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Display: 8.8-inch IPS LCD, 16:10 aspect ratio, QHD+ (2,560 x 1,600) resolution, 144Hz refresh rate. CPU/GPU: AMD Z1 Extreme w/ Radeon graphics. Memory: 16GB RAM. Storage: 512GB SSD. OS: Windows 11. Weight: 854g (1.88lbs). Warranty: 1-year Limited

Launch date: 2023

See at: Best Buy

✅Perfect for: Those who want the most versatile Windows-powered gaming handheld with detachable controllers, an FPS mouse mode, built-in kickstand, and a massive (and beautiful) display.

❌Avoid if: You want a more compact gaming handheld that's better for travel.

💰Price check: $499.99 at Amazon

❓Why Best Buy? One of our most trusted retailers, Best Buy offers reliable shipping options, standard 30-day return windows, and fast customer support. My Best Buy members can reap a ton of other benefits, too, with free and paid subscription tiers.

🎃The best early Black Friday deals🦃

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

  • Adcgjml
    Steam decks are over rated, 15 watts isn’t enough, steam os works great until a games not compatible and it turns into a paper weight. People talk a lot of shit about windows until there’s a game they really like and can’t play on steam os. Get an ally, the game will run way better even if the steam deck gets support.
    Reply