Can You Launch Unsupported Games on Steam Deck?

Yes, you absolutely can launch unsupported games on the Steam Deck. While Valve’s “Unsupported” label might sound daunting, it doesn’t mean a game is completely unplayable. It simply indicates that the game didn’t meet Valve’s standards for a seamless, out-of-the-box experience during their rigorous testing process. Think of it like a ‘buyer beware’ label; the game might have issues, require some tweaking, or not work perfectly, but it’s not necessarily a dead end. Let’s delve deeper into what this means and how you can potentially get those “unsupported” titles up and running.

Understanding Steam Deck Compatibility

What Does “Unsupported” Actually Mean?

When a game is marked as “Unsupported” on Steam Deck, it signifies that during Valve’s testing, the game exhibited significant problems preventing a fluid and enjoyable experience. These problems could range from:

• Severe performance issues: Unstable frame rates, lagging, or stuttering.
• Incompatibility with the Steam Deck’s controls: Difficulty using the built-in gamepad, needing a keyboard and mouse to navigate menus, or controls not working properly at all.
• Text or UI scaling issues: Text too small to read comfortably, elements of the game interface cut off.
• Technical glitches or crashes: The game failing to start, experiencing frequent crashes, or general instability.
• Lack of proper anti-cheat compatibility: Some online games with anti-cheat software may not function correctly on the Steam Deck.

Importantly, “Unsupported” doesn’t mean the game won’t launch or run at all. It just means that Valve doesn’t officially recommend it on their platform, and there’s a high chance you’ll run into problems.

Playable vs. Verified: A Quick Recap

It’s helpful to understand where “Unsupported” falls in relation to “Playable” and “Verified” titles:

• Verified: These games run flawlessly on the Steam Deck right out of the box. No tweaks needed, controls are perfect, text is readable, and performance is smooth. This is the gold standard.
• Playable: These games function on the Steam Deck but may require some minor adjustments. This could involve manually changing controller settings, dealing with occasional small text, or tolerating minor performance quirks.
• Unsupported: As we’ve discussed, these games have known issues and are not guaranteed to provide a good experience.

Desktop Mode vs. Gaming Mode

A common misconception is that launching an unsupported game from Desktop Mode will somehow magically fix its issues. This is not the case. Desktop mode is essentially a complete Linux desktop environment, but switching modes won’t inherently improve a game’s functionality. You can launch games directly from desktop mode, but if the issues are baked into the game itself and its compatibility with the hardware or software, they will still be present. In fact, some settings might be more accessible in Gaming Mode.

The Power of Community and Tinkering

Many “Unsupported” games can become “Playable” with some effort. The amazing Steam Deck community has a culture of figuring things out, sharing solutions online, and developing workarounds. Tools like ProtonTricks allow users to modify game compatibility layers and install missing Windows runtime libraries, which are often the root cause of some issues.

Launching Non-Steam Games

The Steam Deck isn’t limited to only Steam games. You can add non-Steam games to your library, including games you bought on disc or from other digital stores. Here’s how:

1. Enter Desktop Mode: You’ll need to switch from Gaming Mode to the full Linux desktop.
2. Launch Steam: Open the Steam client in desktop mode.
3. Add Non-Steam Game: Click the “Games” menu, and choose “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library”.
4. Locate the Executable: Browse for the game’s executable file on your computer.
5. Add Selected Programs: Click the “Add Selected Programs” button.
6. Switch Back to Gaming Mode: The game will now appear in your Steam Library on the gaming mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I run any Steam game on the Steam Deck?

Technically, yes. The Steam Deck has the potential to run any game in your Steam library, but whether they run well is the key consideration. Some games will have issues that would make them “Unsupported”, while others are perfectly fine.

2. Can I play PS5 games on my Steam Deck?

Yes, you can, via Remote Play. You’ll need to install a third-party program called Chiaki4Deck, which is optimized for remote PlayStation gaming.

3. Does launching a game from desktop mode improve performance?

No, launching a game from Desktop Mode will not in itself improve the experience or solve compatibility problems. You might access more files for the game in this mode.

4. How do I check if a Steam game will run well on Steam Deck?

While Valve’s verification system is the primary resource, Steam has a “checksysreqs” tool you can use to get an idea of a game’s performance. However, this tool doesn’t factor in the specific nuances of the Steam Deck or it’s OS.

5. How can I tweak an unsupported game to run better?

You can explore community forums, try changing graphics settings, use ProtonTricks to modify the game’s compatibility layer, or even use SteamTinkerLaunch to modify the way the game is launched.

6. How do I launch a non-Steam game without the Steam overlay?

Right click the game in the Steam games list, choose Properties, then General. Uncheck “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game”.

7. How do I add launch options to a non-Steam game?

You can typically modify the launch options through the game’s executable file’s properties in your file manager. Or via the Steam interface for non-steam games you have added to the library.

8. Can the Steam Deck read Windows files?

Yes, you can access your Windows files if they are on a network attached storage (NAS) device. This way you can copy your files to a network drive from your PC and then access them on your Steam Deck.

9. Can Steam detect pirated games on my device?

No. Steam is a game platform and not anti-piracy software. It only looks for installed and verified games in the Steam directory.

10. Does Steam check games for viruses?

Yes, Steam scans all games and software with antivirus software before releasing them to Steam.

11. How do I check if my Steam game files are corrupted?

In the Steam library, right-click on the game, select properties, then local files. Click on “Verify integrity of game files”. Steam will verify and download any corrupted files.

12. How long does the Steam Deck battery last?

The average battery life is around 2 hours with default settings. But you can get up to 8 hours if you adjust graphics settings or are playing less demanding games.

13. Can the Steam Deck run newer, demanding games?

The Steam Deck is capable of running games up to 2022 and can even emulate new console titles. It is not as powerful as a PS5, but its portability and flexibility makes up for it.

14. Will Steam verify more games for Steam Deck?

Yes, Valve’s review team continues to test more games for Steam Deck compatibility.

15. Where can I find more information about Steam Deck verified games?

You can learn more about the Steam Deck compatibility testing process by visiting the official Steam Deck website: https://www.steamdeck.com/verified.

Conclusion

While Valve’s “Unsupported” label indicates that a game might not offer an ideal experience, it doesn’t lock you out from playing it. With a little patience, a bit of community research, and a willingness to tinker with settings, many “Unsupported” games become very playable, enriching your gaming experience on the Steam Deck. Remember to experiment, and don’t be afraid to delve into the online community for support!