How to install Decky Loader on Steam Deck: Access Epic Games, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, and more game launchers

This open-source plugin launcher makes it easier to access different services and features on the Steam Deck.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

1.Turn on Developer Mode2.Download Decky Loader3.Get NonSteamLaunchers app4.Install other widgets•All game launchers

TheSteam Deckis a pretty awesomegaming handheld, but the fact that it cannot easily access game services out of the box other thanSteamcan make it feel a bit limiting. Thankfully, there’s a helpful homebrew plugin calledDecky Loaderthat widens the gaming handheld’s initial abilities. With it installed, you can easily access your library of games onEpic Games,Ubisoft Connect, and more.

Plus, Decky Loader comes with a bunch of cool widgets and additional settings that you can install as desired. Here’s how to get Decky Loader installed and enable its various features.

1. Turn on Developer Mode

1. Turn on Developer Mode

To start things off, we need to make sure that the Steam Deck has Developer Mode enabled. Here’s how to do that.

2. Download Decky Loader in Desktop mode

2. Download Decky Loader in Desktop mode

With Developer Mode on and the handheld restarted, it’s time to head to the Steam Deck’s Desktop mode for the next stage of the Decky Loader install process.

3. Activate Decky Loader’s NonSteamLaunchers app

At this point, Decky Loader is on Steam Deck, but you haven’t yet made it possible to access various game launchers. Here’s what you need to do to install these.

4. Download any other widgets or plugins you want

Decky Loader offers some really helpful features including the ability to add Discord to Steam Deck, install a video recorder, and add a better screenshot saving process. Here’s what you need to do to install these widgets.

All game launchers that work with Decky Loader

As of the time of writing, these are the game launchers that currently work on Steam Deck via Decky Loader.

Get the Windows Central Newsletter

All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

Just because a game launcher is put on Steam Deck does not mean that it has controller support. You might need to find workarounds to get the Steam Deck controls to work with certain games.

Now you can access a ton of cool features and various game launchers on Steam Deck

With these steps taken, your Steam Deck is now capable of accessing far more features and game launchers than it initially could.

•Best PC headsets•Best Xbox controllers•Best small gaming PCs•Best gaming laptops•Best gaming handhelds

Take some time to explore within Decky Loader to see all of the plugins and widgets it provides you with. You might find you like some of the new settings provided.

Remember that you will still need to log in to whatever game launcher services you access through Decky Loader, so be ready to enter your account information before you can start playing your different game libraries.

Controller support isn’t always guaranteed to work on some of these services. As such, you might need to connect a keyboard and mouse to play certain games or try to find other solutions to play on Steam Deck.

Self-professed gaming geek, Rebecca Spear, is one of Windows Central’s editors and reviewers with a focus on gaming handhelds, PC gaming, and laptops. When she isn’t checking out the latest games on Xbox Game Pass, PC, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck; she can be found digital drawing with a Wacom tablet. She’s written thousands of articles with everything from editorials, reviews, previews, features, previews, and hardware reviews over the last few years. If you need information about anything gaming-related, her articles can help you out. She also loves testing game accessories and any new tech on the market. You can follow her@rrspearon X (formerly Twitter).