Can You Play Unsupported Games on Steam Deck? Exploring the Boundaries of Gaming Possibilities

Can You Play Unsupported Games on Steam Deck? Exploring the Boundaries of Gaming Possibilities

The Steam Deck, Valve’s handheld gaming device, has taken the gaming world by storm since its release. With its powerful hardware and the ability to run a vast library of Steam games, it has become a favorite among gamers. However, one question that often arises is: Can you play unsupported games on Steam Deck? This article delves into the various aspects of this question, exploring the possibilities, challenges, and workarounds that gamers might encounter when trying to play unsupported games on this versatile device.

Understanding the Steam Deck’s Compatibility

Before diving into the specifics of playing unsupported games, it’s essential to understand what “unsupported” means in the context of the Steam Deck. Valve has categorized games on Steam into three main groups based on their compatibility with the Steam Deck:

  1. Verified: These games have been tested by Valve and are fully compatible with the Steam Deck. They offer a seamless gaming experience with optimized controls, performance, and display settings.

  2. Playable: These games are functional on the Steam Deck but may require some manual adjustments, such as tweaking control settings or adjusting graphics options. They might not offer the same level of polish as Verified games but are still playable.

  3. Unsupported: These games are not officially supported by Valve on the Steam Deck. They may not run at all, or if they do, they might have significant issues such as poor performance, control problems, or display glitches.

Why Are Some Games Unsupported?

There are several reasons why a game might be labeled as unsupported on the Steam Deck:

  • Hardware Limitations: Some games may require more powerful hardware than what the Steam Deck offers, leading to poor performance or inability to run.

  • Software Incompatibility: Certain games may rely on specific software libraries or APIs that are not supported on the Steam Deck’s Linux-based operating system.

  • Control Schemes: Games that rely heavily on mouse and keyboard inputs or have complex control schemes might not translate well to the Steam Deck’s controller layout.

  • Anti-Cheat Software: Some multiplayer games use anti-cheat software that is not compatible with the Steam Deck’s Proton compatibility layer, preventing them from running.

Can You Play Unsupported Games on Steam Deck?

The short answer is: Yes, but with caveats. While Valve does not officially support these games, the Steam Deck’s open nature allows for various workarounds that can enable you to play unsupported titles. Here are some methods you can try:

1. Using Proton GE (GloriousEggroll)

Proton is a compatibility layer developed by Valve that allows Windows games to run on Linux-based systems like the Steam Deck. Proton GE is a community-maintained version of Proton that includes additional patches and fixes for games that may not work with the official Proton release.

Steps to Use Proton GE:

  1. Install Proton GE: You can download Proton GE from the GloriousEggroll GitHub page and install it on your Steam Deck.

  2. Force Compatibility: In your Steam Library, right-click on the unsupported game, select “Properties,” and then go to the “Compatibility” tab. Check the box that says “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool” and select the Proton GE version you installed.

  3. Launch the Game: Try launching the game. If it works, you’re good to go. If not, you may need to tweak settings or try a different version of Proton GE.

2. Installing Windows on Steam Deck

Another option is to install Windows on your Steam Deck. Since many unsupported games are designed for Windows, running them natively on a Windows installation can often resolve compatibility issues.

Steps to Install Windows:

  1. Create a Windows Installation USB: Download a Windows ISO from Microsoft’s website and create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus.

  2. Boot from USB: Insert the USB drive into your Steam Deck and boot from it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows.

  3. Install Steam and Games: Once Windows is installed, download and install Steam, then install your games as you would on a regular PC.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: Full compatibility with Windows games, access to other gaming platforms like Epic Games Store and Xbox Game Pass.

  • Cons: Windows may not be as optimized for the Steam Deck’s hardware, leading to potential performance issues. You also lose access to SteamOS features like quick resume and optimized controls.

3. Using Remote Play or Cloud Gaming

If you have a powerful gaming PC or access to cloud gaming services, you can stream unsupported games to your Steam Deck.

Remote Play:

  1. Set Up Remote Play on Your PC: Ensure your gaming PC is on and has Steam running. Enable Remote Play in the Steam settings.

  2. Connect to Your PC: On your Steam Deck, go to the “Remote Play” section in the Steam menu and connect to your PC.

  3. Play the Game: Once connected, you can stream and play games from your PC on your Steam Deck.

Cloud Gaming:

  1. Subscribe to a Cloud Gaming Service: Services like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or Google Stadia allow you to stream games directly to your device.

  2. Install the App: Some cloud gaming services have apps that you can install on your Steam Deck. Alternatively, you can use a web browser to access the service.

  3. Play the Game: Stream the game from the cloud service to your Steam Deck.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: Access to a wide range of games without worrying about compatibility. High-quality graphics and performance if you have a good internet connection.

  • Cons: Requires a stable and fast internet connection. May have input lag depending on your connection quality.

4. Community Workarounds and Mods

The Steam Deck community is incredibly active, and many users have found creative ways to get unsupported games running. Forums like Reddit, Discord, and Steam Community are great places to find guides, mods, and workarounds for specific games.

Examples:

  • Control Scheme Tweaks: Some games may require custom control schemes to work well on the Steam Deck. Community members often share their configurations, which you can import and use.

  • Performance Mods: Mods that reduce graphical fidelity or optimize performance can make some unsupported games playable on the Steam Deck.

  • Third-Party Tools: Tools like Lutris or PlayOnLinux can help you install and run games that are not available on Steam.

Challenges and Considerations

While it’s possible to play unsupported games on the Steam Deck, there are several challenges and considerations to keep in mind:

  • Performance Issues: Unsupported games may not run as smoothly as supported ones, leading to lower frame rates, stuttering, or crashes.

  • Battery Life: Running unsupported games, especially those that are more demanding, can drain the Steam Deck’s battery faster.

  • User Experience: Unsupported games may not offer the same level of polish and optimization as supported ones, leading to a less enjoyable gaming experience.

  • Risk of Bricking: Installing custom software or operating systems like Windows carries a risk of bricking your device if not done correctly.

Conclusion

The Steam Deck is a powerful and versatile gaming device that offers a wide range of possibilities for playing games, both supported and unsupported. While Valve does not officially support all games on the platform, the open nature of the Steam Deck allows for various workarounds that can enable you to play unsupported titles. Whether you choose to use Proton GE, install Windows, stream games, or rely on community workarounds, there are plenty of options to explore.

However, it’s essential to be aware of the challenges and risks involved in playing unsupported games. Performance issues, battery life, and the potential for a less-than-ideal user experience are all factors to consider. Ultimately, the decision to play unsupported games on the Steam Deck comes down to your willingness to experiment and your tolerance for potential hiccups along the way.

Q: Can I play any Windows game on Steam Deck using Proton?

A: While Proton allows many Windows games to run on the Steam Deck, not all games are compatible. Some games may require additional tweaks or may not work at all due to hardware or software limitations.

Q: Is it safe to install Windows on Steam Deck?

A: Installing Windows on the Steam Deck is generally safe if done correctly, but it carries some risks, such as potential hardware issues or voiding your warranty. Make sure to follow a reliable guide and back up your data before proceeding.

Q: Can I use external controllers with unsupported games on Steam Deck?

A: Yes, you can connect external controllers to the Steam Deck and use them with unsupported games. However, you may need to configure the controls manually, depending on the game.

Q: Will playing unsupported games affect my Steam Deck’s warranty?

A: Playing unsupported games should not affect your warranty, but modifying the device’s software or hardware (e.g., installing Windows) might. Always check Valve’s warranty terms before making significant changes to your device.

Q: Are there any legal issues with playing unsupported games on Steam Deck?

A: As long as you own a legitimate copy of the game, there are no legal issues with trying to play it on the Steam Deck. However, using pirated or unauthorized copies of games is illegal and against Steam’s terms of service.