The sprawling world of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth just got a little easier to carry around.  A recent update has dramatically reduced the game's download size on the Steam Deck, offering a significant storage space saving for players on the go.

Initially launched on PC in January 2025 after a period of PS5 exclusivity, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth quickly gained acclaim and climbed the Steam sales charts.  Notably, the game launched with Steam Deck compatibility, allowing players to seamlessly transition between their PC and the handheld device. Now, Square Enix has further demonstrated its commitment to the Steam Deck community by optimizing the game's footprint on the platform.

One of the standout features of this update is the game’s reduced file size.  Previously clocking in at 144.2 GB, the update shrinks the installation down to a much more manageable 88.1 GB, a reduction of nearly 39%.  This change is particularly impactful for Steam Deck users, where storage space can be a premium, especially on the entry-level models with only 256 GB.

This impressive reduction likely stems from reworking high-resolution assets, prioritizing a smaller file size over maximum visual fidelity on the Steam Deck's less powerful hardware. This strategic decision makes sense, balancing visual quality with the practical constraints of the handheld device.

Beyond the storage benefits, update version 1.003 also addresses various bug fixes and stability issues, including crashes previously reported on AMD systems. This further enhances the overall gameplay experience on the Steam Deck.

While many studios have added games to the Steam Deck Verified list, it’s less common to see this level of optimization from AAA developers for heavyweight titles.  Square Enix’s dedication to the Steam Deck version of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth sets a positive example, and hopefully encourages other major developers to prioritize handheld optimization in the future.