How to Install Plugins on Steam Deck Using Decky Loader

The gaming world has been abuzz with excitement ever since the announcement of the Steam Deck. Valve’s handheld gaming device promises to deliver a high-quality gaming experience on the go, bridging the gap between PC gaming and portability. One of the key factors that has contributed to the popularity of the Steam Deck is its openness to customization. Gamers can take their experience to the next level by installing plugins that enhance gameplay, improve performance, and add new features. In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of Steam Deck plugins and walk you through the process of installing them using the powerful tool known as Decky Loader.

Understanding Steam Deck Plugins

Before we delve into the installation process, let’s take a moment to understand what plugins are in the context of the Steam Deck. In the gaming world, plugins refer to additional software components that can be integrated into games or gaming platforms to enhance specific features or functionalities. In the case of the Steam Deck, plugins can range from user interface (UI) enhancements and visual mods to gameplay tweaks and performance optimizations.

These plugins play a vital role in customizing the gaming experience according to individual preferences. Are you a fan of immersive UI designs? There’s likely a plugin that can transform the Steam Deck’s interface into something truly unique. Looking to boost your gaming performance? You can find plugins that fine-tune settings to squeeze out every bit of power from the device.

Introducing Decky Loader

At the heart of the process of installing plugins on the Steam Deck lies Decky Loader. Decky Loader is a third-party utility designed to facilitate the management and installation of plugins on the Steam Deck. This powerful tool has gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface, wide compatibility, and strong community support.

Decky Loader essentially acts as a bridge between your computer and the Steam Deck. It allows you to easily browse, select, and install plugins without the need for complex technical knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned mod enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of plugins, Decky Loader makes the installation process straightforward and hassle-free.

Prerequisites

Before embarking on the journey of installing plugins using Decky Loader, there are a few prerequisites you need to ensure are in place. First and foremost, you need to have a Steam Deck device. Additionally, make sure you have a USB cable for connecting the Steam Deck to your computer. A working Steam account is essential, as well as a library of supported games that you intend to enhance with plugins.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Download and Install Decky Loader: To get started, you’ll need to download and install Decky Loader. You can find the latest version of Decky Loader on its official website or from reputable sources within the modding community. Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions to set up Decky Loader on your computer.
2. Connecting Steam Deck to PC: With Decky Loader installed, it’s time to connect your Steam Deck to your computer. Use a USB cable to establish a physical connection between the two devices. This connection will enable the transfer of plugins from your computer to the Steam Deck.
3. Enabling Developer Mode: Before you can install plugins, you need to enable developer mode on your Steam Deck. This is a crucial step that unlocks the ability to sideload applications and software components onto the device. To enable developer mode, navigate to the settings on your Steam Deck and follow the instructions provided by Valve.
4. Launching Decky Loader: Launch Decky Loader on your computer. Once opened, you should see an intuitive and user-friendly interface that allows you to manage your plugins effectively.
5. Browsing and Installing Plugins: Within Decky Loader, you’ll find a selection of available plugins categorized based on their functionalities. Browse through the categories and read descriptions to find plugins that align with your interests. When you’ve found a plugin you want to install, simply select it and proceed with the installation process.
6. Transferring Plugins to Steam Deck: With the plugins selected, it’s time to transfer them to your Steam Deck. Decky Loader will guide you through the process of transferring the plugin files from your computer to the appropriate directories on the Steam Deck. This step ensures that the installed plugins are accessible and functional within the device’s operating system.

How to Install Decky Loader on Steam Deck

Decky Loader installation on Steam Deck is simple, however you must first enable Developer Mode on your Steam Deck.

Enable Developer Mode on Steam Deck

1. Press the Steam button and scroll down to the Settings menu and select it.
2. Once you’re in the settings menu, go to system settings.
3. You’ll see an “Enable Developer Mode” option that you can turn on.
4. Scroll down the Settings menu to find the new Developer Menu option.
5. In the developer menu, enable the setting for CEF Remote Debugging.
6. Once you select this, Steam Deck will automatically prompt you to restart the console to make the changes.

After the reboot, you will need to switch to Desktop mode.

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Scroll to the Power option.
3. Navigate to the Switch to Desktop option and click on it.

Download and Install Decky Loader on Steam Deck

1. Now that you are in desktop mode open any browser like Chrome or Firefox.
2. Go to the Decky Loader website by following the URL: https://deckbrew.xyz/
3. Find the download button in the upper right corner of the website or just scroll down to find it. Then click on the button to download the installation file.
4. Once the file is downloaded, go to your downloads folder using Dolphin file manager and locate the “decky_installer.desktop” file.
5. Double-click or double-tap the file and select Run and then Continue.
6. Decky Loader will ask you if you want to create a temporary password. Select Yes.
7. On this screen, select the release version of the application and click OK.
8. When the installation is complete, you can select OK to close the window.
9. Once the installation is complete, navigate to the desktop and tap or double-click the Return to Game Mode icon. This will return you to the regular Steam deck interface.
10. Now go to the quick access menu by pressing the button with the three dots under the right trackpad. You should see a new menu icon that looks like a plug.

If all goes as planned, you should see the Decky menu. You have successfully loaded Decky Loader on your Steam Deck, even if it is currently empty.

Install Plugins on Steam Deck Using Decky Loader

Your Steam Deck experience will be lot more fun now that you know how to install numerous plugins on Steam Deck using Decky Loader. Using plugins to change specific settings or the theme of the Steam Deck interface completely revitalizes the overall look of using SteamOS on Steam Deck.

You can experiment with several plugins to determine which ones you prefer. You can ask questions or make recommendations about Steam Deck in the comments section below.

Managing Installed Plugins

Once you’ve successfully installed plugins on your Steam Deck, Decky Loader continues to be a valuable tool for managing these plugins. The interface allows you to view the list of installed plugins, enabling you to update, enable, disable, or uninstall them as needed. This flexibility ensures that you have full control over the plugins you choose to incorporate into your gaming experience.

Best Practices for Plugin Selection

While the availability of plugins offers exciting possibilities, it’s important to approach the selection process thoughtfully. Here are some best practices to consider when choosing plugins:

1. Read User Reviews: Before installing a plugin, take the time to read user reviews and feedback. This will give you insights into the functionality, reliability, and potential issues associated with a particular plugin.
2. Check Compatibility: Ensure that the plugins you choose are compatible with both the Steam Deck hardware and the games you intend to play. Incompatibility could lead to performance issues or crashes.
3. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: It might be tempting to install numerous plugins, but it’s best to prioritize quality over quantity. Installing too many plugins can impact system stability and performance.
4. Backup Your Data: Before installing any plugins, consider creating a backup of your Steam Deck data. This precautionary measure ensures that you can revert to a previous state if anything goes wrong during the installation process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the process of installing plugins using Decky Loader is generally straightforward, there might be instances where you encounter challenges. Here are some common issues you might face and their potential solutions:

1. Connection Issues: If your Steam Deck isn’t connecting to Decky Loader, ensure that you’re using a compatible USB cable and that both devices are powered on.
2. Installation Errors: If a plugin fails to install, double-check the installation instructions provided by the plugin developer. It’s also worth verifying that the plugin is compatible with the current version of Decky Loader.
3. Performance Problems: If you notice a drop in performance after installing a plugin, consider disabling the plugin to see if the issue resolves. Some plugins might have unintended effects on system resources.

Conclusion

The Steam Deck’s promise of handheld gaming excellence is further enriched by the world of plugins made accessible through tools like Decky Loader. This guide has walked you through the steps of installing and managing plugins on your Steam Deck, allowing you to tailor your gaming experience to your unique preferences. With Decky Loader, you can enhance your user interface, tweak gameplay mechanics, and optimize performance with ease.

As you explore the vast landscape of available plugins, remember to choose wisely and consider the impact each plugin might have on your gaming system. By following the best practices outlined in this guide, you can create a customized gaming environment that truly reflects your personal style.

The Steam Deck is more than just a gaming device; it’s a canvas for creativity and innovation. With Decky Loader as your ally, you have the power to transform your Steam Deck into a personalized gaming haven that showcases your individuality as a gamer. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of plugins, unleash your imagination, and embark on a gaming journey like no other. Your Steam Deck is ready to be your playground of endless possibilities.