Where Are Games Installed on Steam Deck? A Comprehensive Guide
The Steam Deck, Valve’s powerful handheld gaming PC, offers a versatile experience, blending the convenience of console gaming with the flexibility of a PC. One common question that arises for new users is: where exactly are my games installed? Understanding the file system structure of the Steam Deck is key to managing your library effectively. This article will answer that question, and delve into the specifics of game installation, management, and other related aspects of the Steam Deck ecosystem.
The core answer is: Steam Deck games are primarily installed in the directory located at /home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/common/ or in a location specified in your Steam library folders. This is the standard location for games installed via the Steam client. However, the system is nuanced, so let’s unpack it further.
Understanding Storage Locations on Steam Deck
Steam Deck uses a Linux-based operating system called SteamOS. Unlike Windows, Linux file paths are structured differently, using forward slashes (/) instead of backslashes (). The home/deck directory is where user-specific data resides, similar to the user profile folder on Windows. Within that, you’ll find the .local/share/Steam/steamapps/common folder, which acts as the main default location for your game files.
It’s important to realize that, in addition to the default location, games can be installed to multiple locations, including a microSD card. This is crucial for managing storage on your Steam Deck, since the internal storage may not be sufficient for all your games. You can view and change these storage locations through Steam’s settings menu.
Proton and Compatdata
One very important element of how SteamOS manages Windows games is the use of Proton. Proton is a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux. It creates what is called a “Prefix Folder”, and the game saves are actually located within these prefix folders. These prefix folders are located in /home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/. While the main game files reside in the /common/ folder, game saves are kept in a separate area to better handle the differences between Windows and Linux file systems.
How to View Your Game Storage Locations
The easiest way to manage your library folders and see where games are installed is to use the Steam client.
- Launch Steam in Desktop mode.
- Go to Steam > Settings.
- Navigate to Downloads > Steam Library Folders.
- Here, you will see a list of all storage locations being used by Steam.
- This is also the place where you can add new storage locations, like a microSD card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about game installation and management on the Steam Deck:
1. How Do I Choose Where Steam Deck Installs Games?
You can choose where your Steam Deck installs games directly within the Steam client:
- Go to Steam > Settings > Storage.
- You’ll see your default installation drive.
- Click the “+” button to add a new path (like a microSD card).
- Once you’ve added a new path, you can set it as the default for future installations.
2. Can I Store Steam Deck Games on an SD Card?
Absolutely! The Steam Deck has a microSD card slot, enabling you to expand your storage and install games on the SD card. This is essential if your internal storage is limited.
3. Where Does Steam Install Games on Linux?
As described earlier, the default location for Steam game installations on Linux is:
/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/common/
4. How Do I Find Where My Steam Games Are Installed?
To find where your Steam Games are installed:
- Launch Steam and navigate to Steam > Settings > Downloads.
- Click Steam Library Folders.
- This opens the Storage Manager, displaying your game installations and their locations.
5. How Do I Add Non-Steam Games to Steam on Steam Deck?
To add non-Steam games to your library:
- Press the bottom left button on the Steam Deck to access your library.
- Click on “Add a Game” and then “Add a Non-Steam Game”.
- Click “Browse”.
- Select the game’s executable file (.exe) and click “Open”.
- Finally, add the game to your library.
6. How Do I Change My Download Region on Steam Deck?
To change your download region:
- Start Steam.
- Go to Steam > Settings.
- Under Download Region, choose the region closest to you for optimal download speeds.
7. Can I Play My Saved Games on Steam Deck?
Yes! Steam offers cloud saving. When cloud saving is enabled, your game saves sync across devices. This ensures your progress transfers seamlessly between your desktop and Steam Deck, and vice versa. Local game saves also reside in the ‘Prefix’ folder mentioned earlier.
8. How Do I Transfer Game Data to Steam Deck from a PC?
To transfer files:
- Use an application like Warpinator, available on both Steam Deck and PC.
- On your PC, select your Steam Deck as the receiving device.
- Select files to send.
- Approve the transfer on your Steam Deck.
9. Can I Play the Same Game on PC and Steam Deck Simultaneously?
No. Your Steam account cannot play the same Steam-purchased game simultaneously on multiple devices while online. The Steam Deck is treated as a PC in this regard.
10. Do I Have to Leave Steam Deck On to Download Games?
Yes, you need to be online to download games. However, once downloaded, you can play most games offline, unless they require an internet connection. Also note that if the sleep setting for downloading games is enabled, the Steam Deck will remain awake to download and then go to sleep immediately after.
11. Is It Safe to Leave the Steam Deck Plugged In While Downloading?
While it’s generally considered safe to leave your Steam Deck plugged in overnight, it is not advised as a consistent practice. The Steam Deck will stop charging when it reaches 100%, and then will discharge slowly to remain around 90%. This process may not be beneficial for long term battery life.
12. What Happens if I Change My Steam Store Region?
Changing your Steam region can affect game availability and pricing. Some games might not be accessible due to geo-restrictions, and prices might vary. However, changing your region to buy cheaper games can violate Steam’s Terms of Service. It should be done carefully and with the knowledge of possible repercussions.
13. Are Hidden Games Visible on Steam?
Yes, you can view hidden games by clicking “View” in the menu bar, then “Hidden Games”.
14. Do All Steam Games Run on Linux?
Not every game runs perfectly on Linux out of the box. Using ProtonDB, a community-driven database, you can check game compatibility and find the expected performance on Linux through Proton. A large percentage of Steam’s titles are playable on Linux.
15. What is the Point of an SD Card in the Steam Deck?
The SD card acts as secondary storage, allowing you to store and play a bigger library of games. This expands your Steam Deck’s storage capacity beyond the internal drive, giving you greater flexibility with your game library.
Conclusion
Understanding how the Steam Deck manages and installs game files, including the use of Proton for Windows games, empowers you to effectively manage your growing library. The information presented in this guide should help you locate your game files, add non-Steam games, and manage your storage effectively, making your experience on the Steam Deck smooth and enjoyable. By navigating through the Steam client settings, especially the Storage manager, you can better control where your games are stored, which is key for a seamless and personalized gaming experience on your Steam Deck.