Steam Deck: Our ultimate guide to playing Minecraft on this portable gaming PC

Tuesday, 09 May 2023 at 01:22

The Steam Deck is one if not the best handheld gaming PC currently. This small gaming PC lets you bring your entire Steam library on the go. Now, most Steam games are compatible with the Steam Deck out of the box but there are some exceptions. And one of those exceptions is Minecraft.

Why is this the case, you may ask? Well, the Steam Deck comes with a Linux-based operating system developed by Valve. Therefore, games designed exclusively for Windows may not operate flawlessly on the device. So, is Minecraft playable on this handheld gaming PC?

The short answer to this question is yes, but you’ll have to play around with a couple of settings. Despite not being available on Steam, Minecraft can still be played on a Linux operating system, which is what the handheld gaming PC runs on. However, to download and play the game, some additional steps are required.

In this article, we will walk you through the process of playing Minecraft on the Deck and provide some tips to ensure that the game runs smoothly.

How to play Minecraft on Steam Deck

Here are the steps you need to follow in order to play Minecraft on this portable gaming PC.

Step 1: Install a Linux-compatible version of Minecraft

The first step in playing Minecraft on the Steam Deck is to install a version of the game that is compatible with Linux. While Minecraft is not available on Steam, you can download Linux-compatible versions of the game from the official Minecraft website. Make sure to choose the version that is appropriate for your Linux distribution.

Step 2: Install a Steam Deck launcher

To run Minecraft on Linux, you will need a launcher. A popular launcher available the handheld gaming PC is PolyMC or the Prism Launcher, which also lets you download and manage mods. Once you have downloaded the launcher, install it on your Steam Deck.

Step 3: Install the required dependencies

To ensure that Minecraft runs smoothly on your handheld gaming PC, you will need to install a few dependencies. These dependencies can be installed using your Linux distribution's package manager. Make sure to install all the necessary dependencies to avoid any issues while playing Minecraft.

Step 4: Launch Minecraft

Once you have installed the required components, you can launch Minecraft using the launcher you downloaded in step 2. Make sure to select the appropriate version of the game and set up your profile before launching it. You should now be able to play Minecraft on your Steam Deck.

A helpful video tutorial on how to install Minecraft on this portable gaming PC can be found on the YouTube channel, Gaming On Linux.

Tips for a smooth gaming experience

To ensure that you have the best possible gaming experience while playing Minecraft on your handheld gaming PC, here are a few tips:

Make sure to have a stable internet connection to avoid any lag or connection issues.
Adjust the game settings to match the capabilities of your handheld gaming PC. Lowering the graphics settings can improve performance.
Keep your Steam Deck updated with the latest firmware updates to ensure that the device is running smoothly.

It’s worth noting that it’s possible to install Minecraft on Steam Deck through Windows. But you’d have to install Windows on your Steam Deck first. However, this approach is not perfect. This is because Valve is yet to develop sound drivers, meaning if you install Windows on your Steam Deck, the speakers won’t work.

Steam Deck: Conclusion

While Minecraft is not available on Steam, it is still possible to play the game on the Steam Deck with a few simple steps. By following the steps outlined in this article and following the tips for a smooth gaming experience, you can enjoy playing Minecraft on your handheld gaming PC. Happy gaming!