How to play Diablo 4 on Steam Deck?

Are you a fan of Diablo 4? And have you ever wondered if it’s possible to play this thrilling game on the go with a Steam Deck? Well, you’re not alone! Many gamers are curious about how Diablo 4 performs on this portable device.

In the following chapters, we will dive deep into this topic. You’ll find out if Diablo 4 is available on Steam, and how it performs on a Steam Deck. We’ll explore both the challenges and the benefits. By the end, you’ll know if it’s worth your time and effort.

So, are you ready to learn all about playing Diablo 4 on a Steam Deck? Let’s get started!

Understanding the Compatibility of Diablo 4 with Steam Deck

First off, it’s crucial to know that Diablo 4 can be played on a Steam Deck. However, it’s not as simple as downloading the game from the Valve storefront. This is because Diablo 4 is not natively supported on the Steam Deck. It’s not available directly from the Valve store either. So, it requires some adjustments and workarounds to run.

Why is this the case? Well, the main reason is that Diablo 4 is exclusively available on Battle.net, not on Steam. This means it’s not designed to be played on the Steam Deck right out of the box. But don’t worry, with a little effort and experience, you can make it work effectively.

So, yes, Diablo 4 can indeed be enjoyed on a Steam Deck. However, it’s important to be prepared for some initial setup and adjustments. Stick with us as we delve into the details in the upcoming chapters.

Installing Diablo 4 on Your Steam Deck: A Step-by-step Guide

Now, let’s look into how to install Diablo 4 on your Steam Deck. Don’t worry, we will guide you through each step to make it as easy as possible. The process is not as straightforward as downloading a game directly from Steam, but with some patience, you will be able to enjoy Diablo 4 on your handheld device.

Switching to Desktop Mode and Installing Battle.net

First, you’ll need to switch your Steam Deck to desktop mode. Just press the physical Steam button on your device. Once you’re in desktop mode, check if you have a web browser installed. If not, download one from the Discover tab. You’ll need a browser to download the Battle.net game launcher.

Open the web browser and search for Battle.net. Click on the first link that appears in the search results to download the game launcher. Once the download is complete, open Dolphin, the file explorer on your Steam Deck. Navigate to the downloads folder, find the Battle.net-Setup.exe file, right-click it, and select Add to Steam.

Installing Diablo 4 on Battle.net

If Steam asks you to add a non-Steam game, just navigate to the Battle.net-Setup.exe file in the downloads folder and select it. Now, go back to Steam on the desktop, find the Battle.net installer file in the Library view, and click on the gear-shaped Manage icon. This will take you to Properties.

Under Compatibility, check the box that says Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool. In the dropdown menu, select Proton Experimental. Then, run the installer and follow the steps as if you were installing Battle.net on a regular PC.

After you’ve installed Battle.net, log in and follow the prompts to install Diablo 4. Now you’re ready to enjoy your game! After completing all these steps, you can launch the game from the Steam Deck’s gaming mode by logging into Battle.net and clicking Play.

Alternative: Use App Lutris

Performance of Diablo 4 on Steam Deck

Now that Diablo 4 is installed on your Steam Deck, let’s talk about its performance. Keep in mind that Diablo 4 is a big game. It needs a lot of storage space. If you have a 64GB model of the Steam Deck, you might want to get a high-capacity microSD card.

Diablo 4 runs quite well on the Steam Deck. However, you may need to adjust some settings to get the best performance. Even though the game runs smoothly most of the time, you might notice occasional frame rate drops or stuttering. Don’t worry, these are common and do not significantly impact the gaming experience.

There is one thing you should know about suspend mode. It can sometimes cause you to disconnect from the Diablo 4 servers. If that happens, you will need to exit the game and then reconnect. Despite this minor inconvenience, the game runs effectively on the Steam Deck.

To make your Diablo 4 icon look cooler on your Steam Deck, you can add fan-made art. You can find a lot of options on the Steam Grid database. These small tweaks can make your gaming experience more enjoyable and personalized.

Playing Other Blizzard Games on Your Steam Deck

You now know how to play Diablo 4 on your Steam Deck. But what about other Blizzard games? The good news is, once you have Battle.net installed, you can also play games like World of Warcraft and Overwatch 2 on your Steam Deck.

Adding these games to your portable Steam library is just as easy as adding Diablo 4. Start by going to Battle.net. Find the game you want to play. Then, add it to your Steam library. Simple as that!

Once the game is added, you can launch it just like you launch Diablo 4. So, your Steam Deck isn’t just for Steam games. With a little bit of effort, it can run some of your favorite Blizzard games too.

Optimal Settings and Troubleshooting for Diablo 4 on Steam Deck

Playing Diablo 4 on your Steam Deck can be a lot of fun. But there are a few things to remember for the best experience. First, Diablo 4 needs a constant internet connection. So, you’ll need Wi-Fi or a hotspot for playing on the go.

Second, to get the best performance on both your Deck and PC, check out a guide for optimal Diablo 4 settings. This can help you avoid slow load times and make the game more enjoyable. Plus, it’s easy to find these guides online.

Third, keep a list of Diablo 4 error codes close by. This can help you fix technical issues quickly. That way, you can get back to playing the game in no time.

Lastly, for a deeper understanding of Diablo 4, check out a review or a breakdown of the classes and best builds. These resources can help you master the game and have more fun while playing.

Conclusion

Let’s wrap up what we’ve learned. Playing Diablo 4 on the Steam Deck is possible, but it needs a bit of work. Remember, you have to switch to desktop mode and download Battle.net first.

Once you’ve done that, you can install Diablo 4 and other Blizzard games. But be aware of the game’s large size. You might need a high-capacity microSD card, especially for 64GB models of the Steam Deck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Diablo 4 playable on Steam Deck?

Yes, Diablo 4 can be played on Steam Deck. However, it requires some adjustments and workarounds due to compatibility issues. It’s not directly available for download from the Valve storefront, and it’s not natively supported on the Steam Deck as it’s exclusively available on Battle.net, not Steam. But with some effort and experience with the Deck’s desktop mode, the game can be run effectively.

How well does Diablo 4 run on Steam Deck?

Diablo 4 runs relatively well on the Steam Deck, but settings need to be adjusted for optimal performance. The Steam Deck handles Diablo 4 despite some occasional framerate dips and stuttering. However, suspend mode can cause disconnects from Diablo 4 servers that necessitate exiting the game to reconnect. Therefore, adjusting settings and staying connected is crucial.

Does Diablo 4 work on Steam Deck?

According to multiple reddit users, Diablo 4 does work on the Steam Deck. However, it requires certain workarounds as the game is not natively supported on the device. For the best results, it’s advisable to follow a detailed guide to install and run the game.