Steam to show expected FPS before purchase

Steam may show expected FPS before you buy

Valve is reportedly working on a feature that could display the expected frames per second (FPS) for a game directly on the Steam store page, before users purchase.

The core idea is to add performance transparency earlier in the decision process. Instead of relying only on player comments, benchmark videos, or users troubleshooting their rigs after the fact, Steam would surface an estimated performance range up front—potentially alongside the game’s system requirements.

That matters because Steam users increasingly buy across a wide spread of hardware, from budget laptops to high-end desktops and handheld PCs. Performance expectations can be a make-or-break factor for buyers who want to avoid stuttering, low frame rates, or unclear graphical trade-offs.

What would change for players

• You’d get a performance estimate at the moment of purchase.
• Fewer “it runs poorly on my PC” surprises.
• Better ability to compare multiple games on the same platform without leaving Steam.

What remains unclear

The reports don’t specify how Valve would calculate the number (for example, whether it’s based on Valve’s testing, user telemetry, or developer-submitted benchmarks), and they don’t say whether the feature will be universal at launch or limited to select games.

Still, it’s a logical extension of Steam’s ongoing store and client updates that aim to make purchasing decisions faster and more informed. If implemented broadly, “expected FPS” could become a new baseline metric alongside price, genres, and user reviews—especially for players who prioritize smooth gameplay over pure visual fidelity.