Elden Ring Nightreign Perfect for Handheld PCs

Does Elden Ring Nightreign Run Well on Asus ROG Ally X?

Elden Ring performed exceptionally on the Asus ROG Ally X, but with Nightreign's release, handheld gamers wonder if the performance holds. Given that Shadow of the Erdtree was more demanding than the base game despite being an expansion, Nightreign's standalone nature raised concerns. Surprisingly, it runs even smoother than Elden Ring.

This performance boost makes sense once you consider Nightreign's design. Unlike Elden Ring's vast landscapes, Nightreign confines players to Limveld—a compact map requiring fewer on-screen calculations. Additionally, its visuals draw from Limgrave rather than Shadow of the Erdtree's more GPU-intensive effects.

Why the ROG Ally X Excels

Among current handheld gaming PCs, the Asus ROG Ally X stands out. While competitors like the Lenovo Legion Go share its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, the Ally X's upgraded 24GB RAM (16GB dedicated to GPU) gives it an edge—especially for demanding titles like Nightreign.

The Steam Deck could challenge this dominance through Valve's optimization expertise. After optimizing Elden Ring, similar enhancements might benefit Nightreign.

Performance Testing Methodology

Testing focused on Limveld's central castle—the most demanding area where magic-pot-throwing giants stress the hardware. Using Turbo mode (30W) while plugged in and allocating 16GB RAM to GPU provided optimal conditions.

Performance Results

Open combat scenarios with multiple enemies caused noticeable frame drops, though enclosed spaces performed significantly better. Maximum settings at 1080p delivered stable 30fps gameplay with occasional dips during intense moments.

The Optimal Experience

For balance between visuals and performance, Maximum settings at 720p (averaging 41fps) works best. Players prioritizing framerate should choose Medium/Low presets at 720p, though graphical quality suffers—removing shadows and simplifying geometry.

The ROG Ally X handles Nightreign beautifully at 1080p Maximum settings, despite minor stutters during chaotic encounters. While it can't maintain 60fps consistently, careful settings adjustment ensures smooth gameplay throughout Limveld's brutal challenges.