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Hope in the City is not released yet. The current listing schedules its Windows launch for November 10, 2026. A PC meeting the published minimum should satisfy the stated baseline, while the recommended tier targets a newer processor, graphics card, more memory, and more storage. Steam Deck compatibility is currently unconfirmed: the listing shows Windows support and full controller support, but no Valve Verified or Playable badge.
Published requirements at a glance
These are the specifications currently published by the Hope in the City team on FirstLook.gg. They are targets for the Windows version, not independent performance benchmarks.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 7 (64-bit) | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-2600K | Intel Core i5-10400F |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | GeForce GTX 560 | GeForce GTX 1060 |
| DirectX | DirectX 9 | DirectX 12 |
| Storage | 3 GB available space | 10 GB available space |
The minimum column is the entry point for starting the game; it is not a promise of a particular frame rate, resolution, graphics preset, or loading time. The recommended column is the safer target if you want headroom for modern Windows background tasks and the game’s higher-quality settings. No developer or independent source has published a frame-rate benchmark, battery test, or performance chart.
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What the minimum specification means
Windows 7 64-bit is the game listing’s baseline
The published minimum names 64-bit Windows 7. That is the game requirement as listed, not a recommendation to install an obsolete operating system. FirstLook.gg also carries a Steam client note stating that, from January 1, 2024, the Steam Client supports Windows 10 and later. That policy concerns the client used to access Steam; it does not establish that Hope in the City’s executable itself requires Windows 10.
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
In practical terms, a supported, updated Windows 10 or Windows 11 installation is the sensible platform for a new 2026 release. If you are checking an older Windows 7 machine, the game specification alone does not resolve whether the current Steam client, drivers, security updates, or other dependencies will work on it.
Processor: Intel Core i7-2600K
The minimum CPU is a second-generation desktop Core i7 with four physical cores and Hyper-Threading. Its model number is more useful than the word “i7”: a laptop i7 from a different generation is not automatically equivalent, and a newer Core i3 or Ryzen processor may be faster despite a different tier name. Compare the exact model in your system rather than relying on the branding.
Meeting the CPU line means the processor is within the published target. It does not account for thermal throttling, a heavily loaded background system, or a laptop running in a low-power mode. Those conditions can still affect smoothness.
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Memory: 4 GB RAM
Four gigabytes is a very small allowance for a modern Windows gaming computer because the operating system and other applications consume part of it before the game starts. A machine with exactly 4 GB may launch, yet leave little room for browsers, overlays, recording software, or an antivirus scan. Close unnecessary applications before testing a system near this boundary.
Graphics: GeForce GTX 560
The GTX 560 is the minimum listed graphics class. A card with a larger model number is not automatically faster: compare the generation, memory configuration, and actual driver support. Integrated graphics should not be assumed to match a discrete GTX 560 simply because the computer is newer.
The listing pairs this tier with DirectX 9. That identifies the graphics API level expected by the minimum configuration; it does not specify a resolution, texture setting, or frame-rate target.
Rank #2
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
Storage: 3 GB available
The minimum requires 3 GB of free space. “Available” means space that can be used by the installation, not the total capacity printed on a drive. Leave additional room for Steam’s download process, temporary files, patches, save data, and Windows updates. Installing to a nearly full system drive can fail even when the nominal free-space figure appears to meet the requirement.
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Windows 10 64-bit
The recommended listing moves to 64-bit Windows 10. This aligns with the Steam client policy described above and is a more realistic starting point for a 2026 PC, although the listing does not state a separate Windows 11 requirement or compatibility guarantee.
Intel Core i5-10400F
The recommended processor is a 10th-generation desktop Core i5. It illustrates the gap between the minimum’s older CPU target and the hardware level the developer considers preferable. The “F” suffix identifies a model without integrated graphics; the system therefore needs a separate graphics card to display the game.
8 GB RAM
Eight gigabytes gives Windows and the game considerably more working room than the minimum. It is still wise to close memory-heavy applications when troubleshooting stutter, but the recommended capacity is less likely to be consumed by normal desktop activity before the game loads.
GeForce GTX 1060 and DirectX 12
The recommended graphics card is a GTX 1060, paired with DirectX 12. The listing does not identify whether the 3 GB or 6 GB GTX 1060 variant is intended, nor does it state a target resolution or preset. Treat the model name as the published class rather than as a measured performance promise.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors10 GB free storage
The recommended storage figure is 10 GB. Allocate that space on the drive where Steam will install the game, and keep a buffer beyond it for updates. A fast solid-state drive can improve loading responsiveness, but the published requirements do not mandate an SSD or provide comparative loading times.
Rank #3
- Operating System: SteamOS 3.0
How to check whether your Windows PC qualifies
- Check Windows: press
Windows key + R, enterwinver, and select OK. Confirm the edition and version in the About Windows dialog. For the system type, open Settings → System → About and look for “System type”; the published requirements specify 64-bit Windows. - Identify the processor and installed memory: open Settings → System → About. Record the exact processor model and installed RAM, not just the manufacturer or the word “i5” or “i7.”
- Identify the graphics card: right-click Start, choose Device Manager, expand Display adapters, and note the complete GPU model. In Settings → System → Display → Advanced display, you can also confirm the active display adapter and refresh rate.
- Check DirectX: press
Windows key + R, enterdxdiag, and select OK. The System tab shows the installed DirectX version; the Display tab lists the adapter and driver details. - Check free space on the intended library drive: open File Explorer → This PC, inspect the drive that contains your Steam library, and compare its free space with the relevant requirement. Steam may need temporary working space during installation.
- Compare every row: a faster GPU cannot compensate for insufficient RAM, and a newer CPU does not remove the need for a supported 64-bit operating system. Mark the machine against all six categories before buying or installing.
If a component falls between the two published tiers, the listing does not say how performance will scale. The safest interpretation is that the machine is neither a guaranteed minimum configuration nor a confirmed recommended one; wait for official testing or use the game’s eventual refund policy if you decide to try it.
Where the likely bottlenecks are
- Old CPU, adequate GPU: simulation, streaming, or busy scenes can be limited by processor throughput even when the graphics card is capable.
- Adequate CPU, old GPU: lowering resolution or visual settings may help, but the published requirements do not document which settings are adjustable.
- Only 4 GB of RAM: background applications can consume enough memory to cause paging and long pauses.
- Low disk headroom: installation and patching can fail when the drive has only the nominal requirement free.
- Driver or API mismatch: an otherwise suitable card can still need a current manufacturer driver and the DirectX components used by the game.
These are diagnostic patterns, not measured Hope in the City results. Until the game ships, they should be used to plan checks rather than to predict a specific frame rate.
Steam Deck compatibility: what is known now
The current SteamDB record lists Windows support and full controller support. It does not show a game-specific Steam Deck Verified or Playable badge. Because the game is unreleased and scheduled for November 10, 2026, the accurate status is Steam Deck compatibility unconfirmed.
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What Valve’s four labels mean
| Label | Valve’s meaning | What it would tell a Deck owner |
|---|---|---|
| Verified | Works out of the box | Valve found no material setup or compatibility obstacle under its review criteria. |
| Playable | Functions but may require manual configuration | The game can be usable, but you may need a setting change, an on-screen keyboard, or another workaround. |
| Unsupported | Not functional | Valve’s review found that the title does not provide a working Deck experience. |
| Unknown | Valve has not reviewed it | No official label-based conclusion is available yet. |
The absence of a badge today should not be translated into either “will work” or “will not work.” It means Valve has not published a category for this title in the cited current record.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check when a Deck rating appears
Display and text
Check whether the game renders readable menus and text at 1280×800, including during first launch and account or launcher prompts. A title can run while still requiring manual scaling or a workaround for small interface elements.
Rank #4
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
Controls and input
Confirm that the built-in controls cover movement, menus, camera, confirmation, text entry, and any radial or shortcut commands. “Full controller support” on the listing is encouraging, but Valve’s review also considers whether the experience is seamless from the handheld’s controls.
Proton and system behavior
The Windows requirements do not establish Proton compatibility. Once users have a released build, the relevant evidence will include the Valve badge, the selected Proton/system configuration, first-launch behavior, suspend and resume, and whether manual launch options are needed.
Storage and removable media
The recommended PC listing calls for 10 GB of free space. On a Deck, reserve room beyond that figure for shader caches, updates, and other installed games. A microSD card can be an optional way to expand a handheld library, but storage capacity does not resolve an unconfirmed compatibility rating.
Release timing and what may change
The current app record identifies Lofty Sky Entertainment as the title’s developer or publisher and schedules release for November 10, 2026 on Windows. An official Steam Community announcement repeats the November 10, 2026 launch plan for Steam and Xbox and mentions a currently available demo or event promotion. A pre-release demo can reveal input or startup behavior, but it should not be treated as proof that the final build will receive a particular Deck label or match the final requirements.
System requirements, supported operating systems, graphics drivers, and the Steam Deck rating can change before launch. Recheck the store listing and Valve’s compatibility label after release rather than relying on a pre-release assumption.
A practical buy-or-wait checklist
- Buy or install only after confirming your exact CPU, GPU, RAM, 64-bit Windows version, DirectX support, and free space.
- Treat the minimum tier as a launch baseline, not a guaranteed visual-quality or frame-rate target.
- Prefer the recommended tier when the computer will run browsers, capture tools, overlays, or other applications at the same time.
- Do not purchase a Deck specifically for this game on the strength of controller support alone.
- Before launch, look for Valve’s Verified, Playable, Unsupported, or Unknown label and read any listed manual steps.
- After release, confirm that the final store page still lists the same requirements and that any demo behavior matches the shipping build.
For a Windows PC, the published minimum and recommended tables are the only firm hardware targets currently available. For Steam Deck, the responsible answer remains conditional until Valve reviews the released game.
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