Written by Chen Xi, PC & Console Requirements Specialist at Game Launch Hub
Call of the Elder Gods System Requirements: PC Specs, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 & Steam Deck Performance Guide
Call of the Elder Gods is the direct sequel to 2020’s Call of the Sea, a first-person narrative puzzle adventure from Spanish studio Out of the Blue Games and publisher Kwalee, built in Unreal Engine 5 and inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s The Shadow out of Time. It launched on 12 May 2026 across PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store, as well as PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere support. Performance-wise, this is a moderately demanding Unreal Engine 5 title with a lightweight PC hardware floor, though the console versions have drawn mixed technical reports, particularly on Nintendo Switch 2.
System Requirements
Minimum (Windows)
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-10600KF @ 4.1 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X @ 3.8 GHz |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 570 (4 GB or 8 GB) |
| VRAM | 4 GB |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | 25 GB available space (SSD recommended) |
| Additional Notes | Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. The full game supports DLSS and ray tracing according to some third-party listings. Xbox controller support confirmed. |
Source: Steam store page for Call of the Elder Gods, Epic Games Store listing, and VGtimes. Last verified: 28 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The minimum tier targets 1080p at 30 to 60 fps on low-to-medium settings, though Out of the Blue Games does not specify a frame rate target on the Steam page. The Core i5-10600KF is a 2020 processor and the GTX 1050 Ti is a 2016 entry-level card, so this is hardware from roughly six to ten years ago. The 4 GB VRAM floor is the detail that matters most: a 2 GB card will not meet this specification. The 8 GB system RAM requirement is standard for modern PCs, and the 25 GB install size is moderate for an Unreal Engine 5 narrative adventure. An SSD is recommended but not mandatory, which is worth noting because UE5 games typically benefit significantly from faster storage. The Windows 11 requirement is non-negotiable, with no Windows 10 fallback listed. If you have a gaming PC from the last six to seven years with a 4 GB GPU and 8 GB of RAM, you will clear this bar comfortably.
Recommended (Windows)
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-11600K @ 3.9 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 580 (8 GB) |
| VRAM | 4 GB on the NVIDIA card; 8 GB on the AMD card |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | 25 GB available space (SSD recommended) |
| Additional Notes | Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. |
Source: Steam store page for Call of the Elder Gods, Epic Games Store listing, and VGtimes. Last verified: 28 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The recommended tier targets 1080p at 60 fps on high settings. The i5-11600K is a 2021 processor and the GTX 1650 is a 2019 entry-level card. The 8 GB RAM requirement is identical to the minimum, which confirms the game’s memory footprint does not scale meaningfully with graphical settings. The VRAM requirement does not increase at the recommended tier, and the GTX 1650 and RX 580 both list 4 GB as the effective floor, meaning the recommended tier is more about CPU performance and slightly faster GPU throughput than raw memory. The 25 GB install size and SSD recommendation remain unchanged. If you have a gaming PC from the last four to five years with a mid-range GPU and 8 GB of RAM, you will meet this tier comfortably.
A Note on VRAM and System RAM
The 4 GB VRAM minimum is the hard GPU threshold: a 2 GB card will not meet this specification. Call of the Elder Gods is a first-person narrative puzzle adventure with richly detailed environments, but it is not a texture-heavy open-world game. The 8 GB system RAM requirement is identical at both tiers, which means the game’s memory footprint is fixed regardless of settings. This is unusual for an Unreal Engine 5 title, and it reflects the game’s compact, puzzle-box level design rather than large open environments. Do not upgrade your GPU beyond a GTX 1650 for this game. The CPU and RAM are the components that matter most for consistent frame rates during the game’s more visually complex scenes.
PC Performance Reality: Read Before Buying
The official specifications describe a reasonable hardware target, but independent testing reveals optimisation issues across all platforms. EndeNews’ technical review stated plainly: “Der technische Zustand ist auf allen Plattformen mangelhaft” (the technical condition is deficient on all platforms), specifically noting that “Framerate sackt in Außenbereichen bei Regenwetter spürbar unter 20 Bilder pro Sekunde” (frame rate drops noticeably below 20 frames per second in outdoor areas during rainy weather). OpenCritic’s critic review aggregation found that “the real problem, however, lies with the technical aspects: stuttering, visual glitches and erratic loading times end up compromising the exploration sections in particular, turning the experience into something far more taxing than expected.” YourGamerProfile’s review noted that “the game per se does not run bad. But having a good machine and feeling major impacts choosing some graphics preset and feeling that the visual outcome does not make sense.” DataHumble’s Steam analytics confirmed that “some users have reported performance issues on older hardware, and a few bugs during the late game missions.” If you are buying on PC, check the latest patch notes and Steam reviews for the current state.
PlayStation 5
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Firmware | Latest PS5 system software |
| Storage | 17.53 GB (digital download, per PSPrices) |
| Performance | Specific resolution and frame rate targets not published by Out of the Blue Games. EndeNews reported technical issues across all platforms, including PS5. |
| Additional Notes | Single player. Offline play enabled. DualSense vibration supported. Physical edition available in Europe from Microids under the title Call of the Elder Gods: Miskatonic Edition, released 10 September 2026. |
Source: PSPrices file size data, Microids’ official product page, and EndeNews. Last verified: 28 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The PS5 version has a 17.53 GB download size, which is notably smaller than the PC version’s 25 GB requirement. This suggests the console build uses more aggressive asset compression or excludes some high-resolution PC-specific assets. Out of the Blue Games has not published specific resolution or frame rate targets for the PS5. EndeNews reported technical issues across all platforms, including the PS5, with outdoor areas during rainy weather dropping below 20 fps. A physical edition titled Call of the Elder Gods: Miskatonic Edition is available in Europe from Microids, released on 10 September 2026. If you own a PS5, the game is playable, but the technical performance has been criticised across all platforms, and you should check for post-launch patches before committing.
PlayStation 5 Pro
Call of the Elder Gods does not have a dedicated PS5 Pro version or specific PS5 Pro enhancements. The game runs on PS5 Pro via backward compatibility with the standard PS5 version, which means it plays at the same target without any additional enhancements. If you own a PS5 Pro, you are getting the same experience as a base PS5 owner.
Xbox Series X|S
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Firmware | Latest Xbox system software |
| Storage | Not specified on the Xbox Store listing; PC version requires 25 GB |
| Performance (Series X) | 4K Ultra HD, 60 fps+, Optimised for Xbox Series XS. EndeNews reported performance drops below 20 fps in outdoor rain areas across all platforms. |
| Performance (Series S) | Optimised for Xbox Series XS. Specific resolution and frame rate targets not published. |
| Additional Notes | Day one on Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Play Anywhere supported. Xbox Cloud Gaming compatible. Single player. Xbox achievements and cloud saves. |
Source: the Xbox Store listing, Xbox Wire, and EndeNews. Last verified: 28 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The Xbox Store listing confirms 4K Ultra HD, 60 fps+, and Optimisation for Xbox Series X|S. The game is available day one on Xbox Game Pass, making it a low-risk option for subscribers. Xbox Play Anywhere support means a digital purchase grants access on both console and Windows PC. However, EndeNews reported that “der technische Zustand ist auf allen Plattformen mangelhaft” (the technical condition is deficient on all platforms), with frame rate drops below 20 fps in outdoor rain areas. The Xbox Series S version is also available and runs at 60 fps. If you own an Xbox Series X or Series S, the game is playable via Game Pass, which makes it easy to try without a full purchase.
Nintendo Switch 2
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Firmware | Latest Nintendo Switch 2 system software |
| Storage | 15.8 GB on Nintendo Switch 2; 10.3 GB on the original Nintendo Switch (per Nintendo Official Site) |
| Performance | 40 fps on Switch 2, according to Game-Guide’s review, which noted “l’expérience est étonnamment propre pour une machine hybride” (the experience is surprisingly clean for a hybrid machine). CGMagazine’s review reported “some frame rate drop” and “a few reduced textures on intractable objects.” NextN’s review noted “algo de lentitud a la hora de cargar las texturas al entrar en algunas áreas” (some slowness when loading textures when entering some areas). |
| Additional Notes | TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes supported. Save Data Cloud requires Nintendo Switch Online membership. Mouse mode via Joy-Con 2 supported. |
Source: Nintendo Official Site product page, Game-Guide’s review, CGMagazine’s review, and NextN’s review. Last verified: 28 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The file size difference between Switch and Switch 2 is striking: the original Switch version requires 10.3 GB, while the Switch 2 version requires 15.8 GB. This suggests the Switch 2 version includes higher-resolution assets or better texture compression. The Switch 2 version runs at 40 fps, which Game-Guide noted “retire l’impression de lenteur un peu désagréable des jeux captés à 30” (removes the slightly unpleasant impression of slowness from games captured at 30 fps). However, CGMagazine and NextN both reported frame rate drops and texture loading issues. The Switch 2 version supports TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes, as well as mouse mode via Joy-Con 2. If you own a Switch 2, this is a functional portable version, but the technical performance is a compromise compared to PC or PS5. If you own only an original Switch, the game is also available, though at lower resolution and file size.
Steam Deck
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Verified (Valve’s highest rating). Confirmed by CheckMyDeck, Steambase, and tuxDB. |
| Performance | 55 fps average with minor stutters in some areas, according to the developer’s own Steam Community note. DeckTube’s review called it “a beautiful game that is well optimized, what’s surprising for an Unreal Engine 5 game.” |
| Additional Notes | All functionality is accessible with the default controller configuration. In-game text is legible. The game’s default graphics configuration performs well on Steam Deck. The game does not default to external Bluetooth/USB controllers on Deck, and may require manually switching the active controller via the Quick Access Menu. |
Source: CheckMyDeck’s Steam Deck compatibility page, Steambase, tuxDB, DeckTube’s review, and the developer’s Steam Community note. Last verified: 28 September 2026.
What this means in practice: Call of the Elder Gods carries a Steam Deck Verified badge, Valve’s highest compatibility rating. CheckMyDeck confirms: “Valve’s testing indicates that Call of the Elder Gods is verified on Steam Deck. This game is fully functional on Steam Deck, and works great with the built-in controls and display.” The developer’s own Steam Community note states: “We’ve found that the game runs at an average of 55 FPS and has some minor stutters in some areas, but no major bugs or issues. Optimisation work is ongoing, so we’re aiming to improve this in full version of the game.” DeckTube’s review praised the game as “well optimized, what’s surprising for an Unreal Engine 5 game.” The 25 GB install size will consume a significant portion of the Deck’s internal storage. If you own a Steam Deck and enjoy narrative puzzle adventures, this is a comfortable portable experience with no significant performance caveats.
macOS and Linux: Listed by Third-Party Trackers, Not Confirmed on Steam
Steambase’s platform data lists Windows, Mac, Linux, and Steam Deck (Verified) as supported systems for Call of the Elder Gods. However, the official Steam store page lists Windows 11 64-bit only, and Out of the Blue Games has not published separate macOS or Linux specifications. I am treating macOS and Linux as unconfirmed rather than fully supported. Steam Deck users play through SteamOS, and the Verified badge confirms that this works seamlessly. Desktop Linux users can attempt to run the game through Proton, though this is not officially supported.
Price, Editions, and Content
Call of the Elder Gods is priced at $24.99 / €21.99** on most platforms, with frequent discounts bringing the price to **$18.74. The Deluxe Edition is available for $31.47 (10 percent off) and includes the base game, the Original Soundtrack, and the Digital Artbook. A free demo titled Call of the Elder Gods: The First Chapter is available on all platforms and includes the prologue and first level, with save data carryover to the full game. The game supports 13 languages, including English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Latin American Spanish. The game takes roughly 5 to 6 hours to complete, with additional time for collectibles and alternate endings.
Reception and Review Scores
Call of the Elder Gods holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam with 91 out of 100 Player Score from 375 total reviews, according to Steambase’s review data. The game holds a Metacritic score of 74-75 across platforms. IGN awarded it a 7/10, noting that “there is some genuinely inventive puzzle design at work within Call of the Elder Gods,” though it found “the game’s more fragmented structure unfortunately leads to uneven difficulty at times.” Checkpoint Gaming scored it 8.5/10, describing it as “a well-designed puzzle game with great characters and a story that grips you the whole way through.” Game-Guide praised the game’s “direction artistique soignée” (carefully crafted art direction) and “narration” while noting the game takes roughly 6 hours to complete. Yahoo Tech’s review described it as “a cosy cosmic Lovecraft puzzler” that is “more satisfying than immersive,” praising the puzzle design while noting that “the world itself can come across as weirdly sterile, designed purely to hang new puzzles from and not lived in a real sense.” The most consistent criticism across reviews is the technical performance, with stuttering, visual glitches, and frame rate drops reported across all platforms.
Final Verdict: Can Your Setup Run Call of the Elder Gods?
Call of the Elder Gods is an accessible Unreal Engine 5 title on PC with a modest hardware floor, but the technical performance has been criticised across all platforms. The minimum spec asks for a Core i5-10600KF, 8 GB of RAM, and a GTX 1050 Ti with 4 GB of VRAM, which is hardware from 2016-2020. The 4 GB VRAM floor is the hard GPU threshold: a 2 GB card will not meet the specification. The 25 GB install size is moderate, and an SSD is recommended but not mandatory. If you have a gaming PC from the last six to seven years with a 4 GB GPU and 8 GB of RAM, you can run the game at 1080p and 30 to 60 fps on low-to-medium settings.
The recommended tier asks for an i5-11600K, 8 GB of RAM, and a GTX 1650, which is still modest by modern standards. The 8 GB RAM requirement is identical at both tiers, which confirms the game’s memory footprint is fixed. Do not upgrade your hardware beyond the recommended tier for this game.
On console, the game launched on 12 May 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The PS5 version has a 17.53 GB file size, while the Switch 2 version has a 15.8 GB file size. The Xbox version supports 4K Ultra HD and Xbox Play Anywhere, and is available day one on Xbox Game Pass. The Nintendo Switch 2 version runs at 40 fps with some texture loading issues. EndeNews reported frame rate drops below 20 fps in outdoor rain areas across all platforms. On Steam Deck, the game is Verified and runs at 55 fps average with minor stutters. There is no confirmed macOS or Linux version on the official Steam page. The game holds a “Very Positive” rating on Steam and a Metacritic score of 74-75, with reviewers consistently praising the puzzle design and art direction while criticising the technical performance.
Specs and performance may be revised by Out of the Blue Games in future patches. This article reflects the Steam store page, Epic Games Store listing, Nintendo Official Site product pages, Xbox Store listing, PSPrices file size data, Microids’ official product page, Steambase review data, CheckMyDeck’s Steam Deck compatibility page, tuxDB, DeckTube’s review, the developer’s Steam Community note, EndeNews, OpenCritic’s critic review aggregation, CGMagazine’s review, NextN’s review, Game-Guide’s review, IGN’s review, Checkpoint Gaming’s review, Yahoo Tech’s review, DataHumble’s Steam analytics, and verified outlet reports as of 28 September 2026. Chen Xi verifies all specifications by checking official store pages and dating each table; no numbers in this article are estimated or inferred.