Baxie
Published
There is an option in title screen menu: "Activate DirectX 12 API". Make sure to set it to "on". While having it set to "off" I encountered heavy flickering and textures blurrying which often led to game crashing. I didn't pin point the exact cause yet but so far it seems to appear mostly on Coral Highlands and Hoarfrost Reach maps while hunting tempered monsters. One quest where I was able to consistently trigger this behaviour was Arch-Tempered Namielle event quest. Start at camp 12 and track down Namielle while turning around your camera. Return to camp 12 and repeat if it didn't appeared first time (most likely will appear on 1st try tho). Setting it to "on" seems to fix this and I didn't encounter this issue since. The game runs flawlessly so far with this setting set to "on".
Make sure to got to Options > Display in title screen menu and set "Activate DirectX 12 API" to "on" (see abobe why). I also recommend locking FPS to 30 in display menu. You might be able to achieve 30~50 FPS without it depending on setup of other display settings but I think stable 30 is better than unstable 30~50. I was even able to run the game on highest settings with more or less stable 30 FPS (with occasional drops to 25), but you might want to tone it down to high, mid or even low to boost performence, get stable FPS and extend battery life.
"/path/to/custom/launch_file.sh" %command%
Standard DOSBox setup the game comes with in native version is not working. I installed flatpak DOSBox and Flatseal through Discover.
Use Flatseal to adjust DOSBox flatpak permissions - in "Other files" add new path "/home/deck".
Then save this launching file anywhere (e.g. in your home folder):
#!/bin/bash
cd "/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Prehistorik"
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH="/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Prehistorik/dosbox/libs/x86_64"
flatpak run com.dosbox.DOSBox -conf "/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Prehistorik/dosboxPrehistorik1.conf" -conf "/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Prehistorik/dosboxPrehistorik1_single.conf" -noconsole
Save file with ".sh" extension and set it as executable (right click on file -> Permissions -> check "Is executable"). Then copy file location (right click on file -> copy location) and change launch options as shown above using correct path to this file.
The game supports gamepad but you might actually want to play with control mapping a bit to fully enjoy playing the game as e.g. jumping is not comfortable with default setup.
"location/to/custom/launch_file.sh" %command%
Standard DOSBox setup the game comes with in native version is not working. I installed flatpak DOSBox and Flatseal through Discover.
Use Flatseal to adjust DOSBox flatpak permissions - in "Other files" add new path "/home/deck".
Then save this launching file anywhere (e.g. in your home folder):
#!/bin/bash
cd "/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Prehistorik 2"
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH="/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Prehistorik 2/dosbox/libs/x86_64"
flatpak run com.dosbox.DOSBox -conf "/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Prehistorik 2/dosboxPrehistorik2.conf" -conf "/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Prehistorik 2/dosboxPrehistorik2_single.conf" -noconsole
Save file with ".sh" extension and set it as executable (right click on file -> Permissions -> check "Is executable"). Then copy file location (right click on file -> copy location) and change launch options as shown above using correct path to this file.
The game supports gamepad but you might actually want to play with control mapping a bit to fully enjoy playing the game as e.g. menu screen doesn't work with gamepad and also jumping is not comfortable with default setup.
Game runs perfectly once initial setup and a few workarounds to install it are done, see details below.
PROTON_ENABLE_NVAPI=1 PROTON_SET_GAME_DRIVE=1 %command%
- Back buttons:
- L4: ESC (to access non-gamepad escape menu)
- L5: , (comma - to unlock and use mouse)
- R4: DPAD LEFT (I use gamepad layout 1 from in-game settings which has this button assigned to swap weapons, that's uncomfortable mid-fight to me due to SD layout so I use this button instead)
- R5: F11 (I assigned toggling gamepad mode to this button in in-game "controls" settings)
- Left trackpad: Directional Pad
- Requires click: ON
- Layout: 4 Way (No Overlap)
- Click Action: Right Mouse
- Left: I (to open inventory and alt menu in non-gamepad mode, might be just as useful to use "alt", but I use inventory often and it can be used in gamepad mode too)
- Right: E (the main button you are going to use in non-gamepad mode as this confirms all the actions)
- Up and Down: optional, I assigned them to F9 and F10 and then assigned those to custom actions of mods I use in in-game "controls" settings
- Rest I left on default setings
This game is unplayable in Steam Deck launcher as ESO launcher constantly pops up for a few microseconds and interrupts your actions. Play the game in desktop mode using Steam Big Picture mode (I found out that steam overlay works best in this mode - you'll use it to change controller settngs on the go or turn on keyboard and other useful things I'm still learning about).
- I installed the game in Steam Deck launcher. First run opens ESO install wizard briefly before ending in black screen. I figured out that tapping screen gets rid of it. I tapped it at the bottom near the center and slightly left. Other people reported that using "enter" (assign some buttom to it) also works. After this launcher appeared again just to download someting and then exited back to Steam Deck launcher.
- This was OK - just run the game again and it will start. However, ditch Steam Deck launcher and go to desktop mode, open Steam in Big Picture mode and run it from there (see above why). - Be aware - log in screen doesn't support controller but it's easy to navigate just by tapping the screen (probably also character creation screen, just use right pad as mouse or touch screen).
- Once you load your character make sure you have ESC setup on one of your buttons because your SD controller is still not working. Press ESC and make sure to set following setting to ON: Settings > Gameplay > Gamepad section > Gamepad Mode. Your SB controller now works.
- However, you'll find some things are still better to be managed in non-gamepad mode. Some useful mods don't work in gamepad mode at all. That's why I set up hotkey to swap between those modes. However, I use it usually just to set up guild store sales and to use crafting tables and a few other things. Core gameplay is great in gamepad mode but it took me a while to get used to it.
- When it comes to chat - I use app called "Remote Touchpad". You can install it from software center in desktop mode. App displays QR code. Scan it with your phone (note: you must be on the same local network). It opens browser window you can use as touchpad or to type with it. You can write whole your message and then send it to ESO chat.
- When it comes to mods - I use minion app - Java version (needs Java 8). Definitely try "Controller Tweaks" mod. For TTC I found this script (change url for NA if needed and double check mod folder location on your system):
#!/bin/bash
echo downloading.... &&
curl -s -o ~/PriceTable.zip 'https://eu.tamrieltradecentre.com/download/PriceTable' &&
cd ~/ &&
echo unziping... &&
unzip -o -q ~/PriceTable.zip -d "/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/306130/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/Documents/Elder Scrolls Online/live/AddOns/TamrielTradeCentre/" &&
echo done
- When it comes to graphics I run on mid and it runs smoothly even with all my mods so far.
Apart from initial setup game now runs perfectly even in game mode (with Steam Deck OS update from 25 APR 2022)
PROTON_ENABLE_NVAPI=1 PROTON_SET_GAME_DRIVE=1 %command%
- Back buttons:
- L4: ESC (to access non-gamepad escape menu)
- L5: , (comma - to unlock and use mouse)
- R4: DPAD LEFT (I use gamepad layout 1 from in-game settings which has this button assigned to swap weapons, that's uncomfortable mid-fight to me due to SD layout so I use this button instead)
- R5: F11 (I assigned toggling gamepad mode to this button in in-game "controls" settings)
- Left trackpad: Directional Pad
- Requires click: OFF
- Layout: 4 Way (No Overlap)
- Click Action: Right Mouse
- Left: I (to open inventory and alt menu in non-gamepad mode, might be just as useful to use "alt", but I use inventory often and it can be used in gamepad mode too)
- Right: E (the main button you are going to use in non-gamepad mode as this confirms all the actions)
- Up and Down: optional, I assigned them to F9 and F10 and then assigned those to custom actions of mods I use in in-game "controls" settings
- Rest I left on default setings
- Installation: First run ends in black screen. Tap at the bottom near the center to get rid of it or use "enter" (steam key + right arrow). Launcher appears again but exits back to Steam Deck launcher - just run the game again and it will start.
- With Deck update on 25 APR 2022 they introduced window management (you can swap windows in steam overlay) - this fixes issue with launcher popping up constantly so you can now play in steam game mode instead of using desktop mode.
- Be aware - log in screen doesn't support controller but it's easy to navigate just by tapping the screen (probably also character creation screen, just use right pad as mouse or touch screen).
- Once you load your character make sure press ESC (steam key + left arrow) and make sure to set following setting to ON: Settings > Gameplay > Gamepad section > Gamepad Mode. Your SD controller now works.
- You'll find some things are better to be managed in non-gamepad mode (e.g. mods without gamepad support). So I set up hotkey to swap between those modes if necessary. Core gameplay is great in gamepad mode tho after you get used to it.
- Chat - I found game mode Deck keyboard is good enough. "RemoteTouchpad" app I suggested in my last report doesn't work in game mode. You can use KDE Connect instead, refer to this reddit post for more info - setup app in desktop mode then add it as non-steam app so you can run it from game mode.
- When it comes to mods - I use minion app - Java version (needs Java 8). Definitely try "Controller Tweaks" mod and controller compatible mods from IsJusta.
- You can add "console / comand line" as non-steam app - do that for running TTC and minion app from game mode, I then use this bash script to first download TTC data and then run minion (change EU url and file locations if needed):
#!/bin/bash
echo downloading.... &&
curl -s -o ~/PriceTable.zip 'https://eu.tamrieltradecentre.com/download/PriceTable' &&
cd ~/ &&
echo unziping... &&
unzip -o -q ~/PriceTable.zip -d "/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/306130/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/Documents/Elder Scrolls Online/live/AddOns/TamrielTradeCentre/" &&
echo done &&
/home/deck/java/jre1.8.0_321/bin/java -jar /home/deck/Minion/Minion-jfx.jar
- Graphics - mid default settings run mostly at 60 FPS, feel free to experiment and bumping some options up.
Apart from small issues caused by the game being heavily mouse & desktop focused it runs smoothly with no issues and out of the box.
I mapped B button to right mouse click (as right click in game essentially functions to go back or cancel action) and changed right track pad to directional pad with up as scroll wheel up and down as scroll wheel down both with hold to repeat turned on (rest unmapped). You'll really need scroll wheel as scroll bars are super tiny and hard to use using touchscreen or left trackpad (mapped as mouse by default) and scrolling through wall of text is signature feature of the game.
Going first - winning game, awesome experience. Going second - losing game, awful experience. /s (or not?)
Considering the game runs also on mobile and switch with much better handling of touch controls I'm a bit disappointed some things don't work in PC version, especially swipe controls for scrollable views. If this would be implemented the gameplay would be without any issues on Deck. Scrolling through card texts tends to be the most annoying part already and bad controls just add to the frustration sometimes. Maybe I'm just missing some deck feature but anyway, adjusted control scheme I'm using helps a lot.
