Lossless Scaling has been adapted for SteamOS. I will demonstrate how to install and utilize it.
Lossless Scaling is a tool that enables you to achieve two primary objectives: upscale games from a lower resolution to a higher one and enhance the FPS of games through frame generation. The tool is especially favored within the handheld community as it facilitates improved frame rates and resolutions on the less powerful hardware of portable PCs.
Yet, there was always a limitation: The tool was exclusively available on Windows – or at least it was previously. In the meantime, Lossless Scaling has been adapted for SteamOS and can consequently be used on the Steam Deck, among other devices.
I will guide you on how to install it and what other restrictions exist.
How to install Lossless Scaling on the Steam Deck
Firstly, you must possess Lossless Scaling. The app is priced at 6.89 euros and can be found on Steam. If you also have a gaming PC or a Windows handheld alongside the Steam Deck, the seven euros are truly worthwhile. This allows you to implement frame generation in games and apps that do not typically support this feature.
Once you have included Lossless Scaling in your Steam library, follow these steps:
- Install Lossless Scaling on the Steam Deck, but refrain from launching it – the app remains incompatible.
- Switch to desktop mode.
- Open the terminal.
- Input the following command: curl -sSf https://pancake.gay/lsfg-vk.sh | sh
- Confirm by pressing Enter.
- Confirm with “1” and then “Y”.
Now Lossless Scaling is set for use on your Steam Deck – or any other handheld running SteamOS.
How to use Lossless Scaling on the Steam Deck
The app’s functionality is still somewhat restricted compared to its Windows version. The primary upscaling feature is not yet accessible. However, you can already utilize frame generation to double or even triple your frame rate.
At present, the usage remains somewhat complex:
- Browse in Steam to the game where you wish to enable the feature.
- Click or tap on the gear icon on the right and then on “Properties”.
- In the “General” tab of the launch options, input the following text:
ENABLE_LSFG=1 LSFG_MULTIPLIER=2 LSFG_FLOW_SCALE=0.75 %COMMAND%
Here’s what these settings accomplish:
- ENABLE_LSFG=1: This turns on LSFG (Lossless Scaling Frame Generation).
- LSFG_MULTIPLIER=2: This value determines the factor by which your base FPS will be multiplied. With 2, your FPS is doubled. You can opt for 3 or even 4, but this demands far greater GPU resources, which is why I wouldn’t recommend it for the Steam Deck;
- LSFG_FLOW_SCALE=0.75: The “Flow Scale” in Lossless Scaling regulates how detailed the movement between frames is evaluated. A higher value enhances image quality but requires additional processing power, while a lower value boosts performance but may result in more graphical artifacts and issues like ghosting. 0.75 utilizes 75 percent of the resolution and strikes a good balance of