How to Download and Play Non-Steam Games on Steam Deck

Learn how to install and play non-Steam games on your Steam Deck using Desktop Mode and compatibility tools.

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Yes, you can download and play non-Steam games on Steam Deck. To do this, you'll need to enter Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck and then install other game stores or standalone games from the internet. However, it's important to ensure that the games you download are compatible with SteamOS or that you have the necessary compatibility layers or emulators installed for those that aren’t natively supported.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Can I install Epic Games or GOG games on my Steam Deck? Yes, by switching to Desktop Mode on the Steam Deck, you can install other game stores like Epic Games Launcher or GOG Galaxy to download their games, provided the games are compatible or you have the necessary compatibility tools.
  2. What is Steam Deck Desktop Mode and how does it help with non-Steam games? Steam Deck Desktop Mode is a Linux desktop environment that allows you to install and run software outside of the Steam interface, enabling installation of non-Steam games through other stores or standalone installers.
  3. Do I need special software to run non-Steam games on Steam Deck? Some non-Steam games may require compatibility layers like Proton or emulators to run properly on Steam Deck's SteamOS, especially if they are designed for Windows.