Introduction

This guide is the result of many months of testing and optimization focused on improving Tekken 8 performance on the Steam Deck OLED.

The configuration also works on the standard Steam Deck LCD, although performance may vary slightly between the two models.

The main goal of this guide is to achieve a stable 60 FPS experience with the lowest practical input latency, while maintaining reasonable image quality for the hardware.

Who is this guide for?

This modification is intended for users who are comfortable with the Steam Deck's Desktop Mode and terminal and have at least a basic understanding of how the system's files and configuration work.

The guide is aimed at users who are willing to make advanced system and game configuration changes in order to get the best possible performance out of their Steam Deck.

Most of the steps and tools mentioned in this guide are well documented and can be easily found online. If you are unfamiliar with Desktop Mode, the terminal, BIOS settings, Decky Loader, or .ini configuration files, you can learn how to use them from the many tutorials and guides available on the internet before continuing.

You do not need to be an experienced Linux user. However, you should be comfortable following technical instructions, navigating the Steam Deck's filesystem, and using the terminal when required.

Setup

Before applying the configuration, I recommend preparing your Steam Deck as follows:

1. Increase the UMA/VRAM allocation

Set the UMA/VRAM allocation to the maximum available value in the BIOS.

2. Install CryoUtilities

Install CryoUtilities and use its recommended settings.

3. Install Decky Loader and Decky-Framegen (for OptiScaler FSR3/FSR4 injection only; do not enable frame generation in fighting games!)

Install Decky Loader and Decky-Framegen.

Launch Decky-Framegen while Tekken 8 is running, assign a key to Insert (for example, one of the rear buttons), and select FSR 3.

Save the generated .ini file so that FSR 3 is automatically enabled every time you launch the game.

4. Install Tekken 8 on the internal SSD

For the best loading and streaming performance, install the game on the Steam Deck's internal SSD rather than an external storage device or microSD card.

5. Install the Semi-Potato mod

The Semi-Potato stage mods reduce the rendering load of the stages and are an important part of this optimization setup.

DLC stages:
https://tekkenmods.com/mod/5933/semi-potato-dlc-stages

Base-game stages:
https://tekkenmods.com/mod/3399/semi-potato-stages-pack-tekken-8

6. Install the custom configuration files

Install the configuration files provided with this guide and set them to read-only so that Tekken 8 does not overwrite the optimized settings.

The files should be placed in:

/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/1778820/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/Local/TEKKEN 8/Saved/Config/Windows/

7. Configure the Steam Deck performance profile

Create a dedicated Tekken 8 performance profile and set both the CPU and GPU to maximum performance.

The goal is to prevent the Steam Deck from unnecessarily reducing CPU or GPU clocks during gameplay.

Credits & Thanks

Special thanks to the following people and communities for their work, support, and inspiration:

xowny — creator of the original modification that became the foundation for my experiments in pushing Tekken 8 to its limits on the Steam Deck, as well as developing a minimum-input-latency setup for my private streaming PC.
Sonny4546 — creator of the Semi-Potato mod, which became an important part of the Steam Deck optimization setup.
All the people whose handhelds I used for testing — thank you for making it possible to test and refine these settings across different devices and configurations over the past few months.
Bandai Namco — for giving me plenty of reasons to learn how to optimize Unreal Engine 5 myself.