How to Sync Non-Steam Games to Your Steam Deck: A Comprehensive Guide

Syncing non-Steam games to your Steam Deck can significantly enhance your gaming experience, allowing you to access your entire library on the go. The key is understanding the process of adding these games and then ensuring your save files are synced across devices. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this, focusing on the use of SyncThing, and addressing crucial aspects of game transfer and save syncing.

Setting up SyncThing for Save File Synchronization

Initial Setup on Your Steam Deck

The primary method for syncing save files for non-Steam games involves using SyncThing, an open-source, continuous file synchronization program. Here’s how to get it set up on your Steam Deck:

1. Enter Desktop Mode: Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck, go down to Power, and select Desktop Mode. This will bring you to the Linux desktop environment.
2. Launch Discover: In Desktop Mode, you will find an application called Discover, which is the Steam Deck’s app store. Open it.
3. Install SyncThing: Search for SyncThing in the Discover app and click Install. Wait for the installation to complete.
4. Launch SyncThing: Once installed, launch SyncThing from the application launcher.
5. Initial Wizard: Follow the on-screen prompts of the setup wizard by clicking Next to complete the initial configuration. This is straightforward and should require no complex input.

Setting up SyncThing on Your PC

You’ll need to install SyncThing on your PC as well. Download the appropriate version for your operating system from the official SyncThing website and install it. The setup process should be similar to that of the Steam Deck, requiring you to click through the setup wizard.

Configuring Shared Folders

Once SyncThing is installed on both your Steam Deck and PC, you need to set up a shared folder for your game saves:

1. Find Save File Locations: This is crucial. You will need to manually determine the location of the save files for the non-Steam games you want to sync. This can vary wildly between games and sometimes requires a bit of searching. Common locations include “My Documents” folders, “AppData” folders, or within the game’s installation folder itself.
2. Add Folder on PC: In the SyncThing web interface on your PC, click Add Folder.
3. Name and Path: Give your folder a descriptive name (e.g., “GameX Saves”). Then, navigate to and select the folder that contains the game’s save files you found in the previous step.
4. Share Folder ID: After adding the folder, SyncThing will generate a unique folder ID. This ID is what you’ll need to share with your Steam Deck.
5. Add Remote Device on Steam Deck: On your Steam Deck’s SyncThing web interface, click Add Remote Device.
6. Enter PC’s Device ID and Share Folder ID: On the PC’s web interface, find the device ID for your Steam Deck. Then, enter that ID, and the folder ID generated earlier, into the “Add Remote Device” window on the Steam Deck.
7. Approve Folder and Device Connection on PC: Return to the PC’s web interface. You will be prompted to accept the connection from your Steam Deck as well as the folder you’re sharing. Accept these prompts.

Note: Ensure both your Steam Deck and PC are connected to the same network for SyncThing to function correctly. The initial sync may take some time depending on the size of your save files.

Adding Non-Steam Games to Your Steam Library

Once you’ve got your save files syncing, you’ll want to easily access these non-Steam games from your Steam Deck in gaming mode. Here’s how you add them:

1. Launch Steam in Desktop Mode: Go to the Steam client within Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck.
2. Add a Non-Steam Game: In the bottom left corner of the Steam window, click “Add a Game”. Select “Add a Non-Steam Game”.
3. Browse for the Game: A list of applications will appear. If you don’t see your game, click Browse and locate the game’s executable file on your Steam Deck’s storage.
4. Add Selected Programs: Click Add Selected Programs. The game will now appear in your Steam library.
5. Return to Gaming Mode: Return to Gaming Mode and you will now see the non-Steam game in your library there as well.
6. Customize the Game Entry: You can customize the game’s artwork, name, and launch options by selecting the game in your library in gaming mode, pressing the options button, selecting properties, and setting all of the options to your desired preferences.

Game Transfers: SSD/SD Card Method

While SyncThing handles save files, transferring large game files is more efficient via physical storage:

1. Detach Storage: Detach the Steam Deck’s SSD or SD card, and connect it to your PC either directly via an SD card reader, or an external SSD enclosure.
2. Transfer Game Files: Copy your game files to the drive.
3. Reattach Storage: Reattach the drive to your Steam Deck.
4. Transfer Files within Desktop Mode: On your Steam Deck, boot into Desktop Mode, and manually transfer the files from the storage to the appropriate locations.

Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Run Apps I Install on the Desktop in Deck Mode?

Yes, absolutely. Any application you install in Desktop Mode, including non-Steam games, can be accessed in Gaming Mode by adding it to your Steam library as outlined above.

2. Why Should I Add Non-Steam Games to My Steam Library?

Adding non-Steam games gives you several benefits. You get to use the Steam Overlay, which can be handy for features like screenshots, friends list, etc. It also neatly integrates all of your games into a single location.

3. What Happens If I Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library?

It creates a shortcut. It does not add the game to your Steam account in a way that would grant cloud saves or automatic updates. It also does not count towards the playtime for your Steam account, although you may be able to see when you’re playing it in your friend’s status updates.

4. How Do I Manually Sync Steam Games?

For Steam games, right-click on the game in your Steam Library, select Properties, and under the General tab, ensure Cloud Synchronization is enabled. This feature handles your saves automatically.

5. Why is Steam Unable to Sync a Game?

The most common reason is that cloud synchronization might be disabled on one of your devices. To solve this, go to Steam > Settings > Cloud and enable “Enable Steam Cloud synchronization.”

6. Can I Transfer Games to My Steam Deck via USB?

Yes, you can transfer games via USB. The steps are similar to using an SD card. However, you can only transfer them in Desktop Mode. Make sure to remove the USB drive once the transfer is complete.

7. Does Game Progress Transfer from PC to Steam Deck?

Yes, if both devices are properly set up and the game supports cloud saves, your progress will transfer. For non-Steam games, you will need to use SyncThing or a similar solution for syncing the save files.

8. Can You Link Epic Games to Steam?

You can link your Epic Games account to your Steam account. The primary purpose of this is to show the games you have in your Epic account. You will still need to download and install the Epic Games launcher and games separately.

9. Can I Get Steam Achievements on a Non-Steam Game?

No, you will not get Steam achievements on a non-Steam game. In-game achievements are dependent on the individual game, not the Steam platform.

10. Does Steam Count Hours for Non-Steam Games?

No, Steam does not track playtime for non-Steam games. However, Steam may recognize when you are playing a non-Steam game and share that information with your friends.

11. Can You Get Banned for Adding Pirated Games to Your Steam Library?

No, you will not get banned for adding a pirated game to your Steam library as a shortcut. Steam is not responsible for games that are not on its platform. However, doing so is a legal violation of copyright law and has a negative impact on developers and the industry.

12. How Do I Add Epic Games to My Steam Deck?

Install the Epic Games Launcher in Desktop Mode via the web browser. Then, add the launcher as a non-Steam game to your library, so you can open it from gaming mode.

13. Can I Play the Same Game on PC and Steam Deck Simultaneously?

No, you cannot play the same game simultaneously on two devices with the same Steam account online.

14. How Long Does a Steam Deck Battery Last?

A Steam Deck battery lasts for about 2 hours on average with default settings. This can be extended to about 8 hours by tweaking power settings and using low power demanding games.

15. Is a Steam Deck Worth It?

If you want a portable gaming experience with access to your Steam library, a Steam Deck can be a great investment. It may not match the graphical power of a high-end PC, but for portability, it’s a strong choice, especially if you can get it at a good price.

By using this comprehensive guide and these FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to add non-Steam games, and sync your game progress, to your Steam Deck. This makes for a versatile gaming experience on the go.