Nihon Falcom released a surprise update for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter on July 9, adding modern upscaling support that changes how the game runs on current hardware. This update matters because it introduces DLSS 4 and FSR 2.2, giving players on PC and handhelds like the Steam Deck new options to boost frame rates. Buyers with older GPUs or those prioritizing smooth performance on portable devices should pay attention to the specific settings required to get these benefits.
Testing reveals lower internal resolutions deliver better frame rates
The update targets the classic JRPG title, which previously lacked support for Nvidia's DLSS and AMD's FSR technologies. SteamDeckHQ tested the new upscaling features on a Steam Deck to determine their real-world impact on a popular handheld platform. The testing reveals that simply enabling upscaling does not guarantee better performance, as the internal resolution setting plays a critical role in the final result.
FSR 2.2 includes a resolution slider that moves in 10% increments, allowing users to scale from 50% up to 100% internal resolution. Testing shows that running the game at 100% internal resolution with FSR actually performs worse and introduces blur compared to native rendering. The optimal setting for performance is 60% internal resolution, which offers the best balance without dropping to the lowest possible quality.
The update also includes fixes for random bugs, though the primary focus remains on the visual scaling technologies. At 70% internal resolution, FSR 2.2 reduces 0.1% stutters from 12 to 6, improving consistency compared to running the game without upscaling at that same resolution. Players who prioritize stability over maximum resolution should consider the 60% or 70% settings to avoid the performance penalty seen at 100%.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is available globally for 59.99 USD (around $59.99). The game now supports both DLSS 4 and FSR 2.2, with testing confirming that lower internal resolutions provide the best performance on handhelds like the Steam Deck. We looked at this update while tracking recent PC gaming patches to see how legacy titles are adapting to modern upscaling standards.
Source: SteamDeckHQ
