How to Play GOG Games on Steam Deck: A Journey Through Digital Realms and Unrelated Musings

How to Play GOG Games on Steam Deck: A Journey Through Digital Realms and Unrelated Musings

The Steam Deck, Valve’s handheld gaming device, has revolutionized the way we play games on the go. With its powerful hardware and versatile software, it’s no wonder that gamers are eager to explore its capabilities beyond the Steam ecosystem. One such exploration involves playing GOG games on the Steam Deck, a task that, while not straightforward, is entirely achievable with a bit of technical know-how. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to ponder the philosophical implications of playing GOG games on a Steam Deck—does it represent a merging of digital realms, or is it merely a technical curiosity?

Understanding the Basics

To begin, it’s essential to understand what GOG and Steam represent. GOG (Good Old Games) is a digital distribution platform known for its DRM-free games, while Steam is Valve’s digital storefront, which often includes DRM in its titles. The Steam Deck, designed primarily for Steam games, runs on a custom Linux-based operating system called SteamOS. This distinction is crucial because GOG games are typically designed for Windows, which means they don’t natively run on Linux without some form of compatibility layer.

Setting Up the Steam Deck for GOG Games

Step 1: Installing a Compatibility Layer

The first step in playing GOG games on the Steam Deck is to install a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux. The most popular choice for this is Proton, a tool developed by Valve specifically for running Windows games on Linux. Proton is integrated into Steam, making it relatively easy to use.

To enable Proton on your Steam Deck:

  1. Open the Steam client on your Steam Deck.
  2. Go to Settings > Steam Play.
  3. Enable Enable Steam Play for supported titles and Enable Steam Play for all other titles.
  4. Select the latest version of Proton from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Adding GOG Games to Steam

Once Proton is enabled, the next step is to add your GOG games to the Steam library. This process involves downloading the GOG game installer on your PC, transferring it to the Steam Deck, and then adding it as a non-Steam game.

  1. Download the GOG Installer: On your PC, download the GOG game installer from the GOG website.
  2. Transfer the Installer to the Steam Deck: Use a USB drive or a cloud service to transfer the installer to your Steam Deck.
  3. Add the Installer to Steam:
    • Open the Steam client on your Steam Deck.
    • Click on Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.
    • Browse to the location where you transferred the GOG installer and select it.
    • Click Add Selected Programs.

Step 3: Installing and Running the GOG Game

With the GOG installer added to Steam, you can now install and run the game using Proton.

  1. Install the Game:

    • Select the GOG installer in your Steam library and click Play.
    • Follow the installation prompts as you would on a Windows PC.
    • Once the installation is complete, you can delete the installer from your Steam library.

  2. Run the Game:

    • After installation, the game should appear in your Steam library.
    • Select the game and click Play to run it using Proton.

Optimizing Performance

While Proton is a powerful tool, not all games will run perfectly out of the box. Here are some tips to optimize performance:

  • ProtonDB: Check ProtonDB for user reports on how well specific GOG games run on Proton. This can give you an idea of any potential issues and suggested fixes.
  • Tweaking Settings: Some games may require specific Proton versions or additional tweaks to run smoothly. Experiment with different Proton versions and launch options to find the best configuration.
  • Community Support: The Steam Deck community is incredibly active. Forums like Reddit’s r/SteamDeck and Discord servers can be invaluable resources for troubleshooting and advice.

Exploring Alternative Methods

While using Proton is the most straightforward method, there are alternative ways to play GOG games on the Steam Deck:

Using Lutris

Lutris is an open-source gaming platform that simplifies the installation and management of games from various sources, including GOG. It supports a wide range of compatibility layers, including Wine and Proton.

  1. Install Lutris:

    • Enable Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck.
    • Open the Discover Software Center and search for Lutris.
    • Install Lutris.

  2. Add GOG Games:

    • Open Lutris and click on the + button to add a new game.
    • Select Install a Windows game from GOG.
    • Follow the prompts to log in to your GOG account and install the game.

Dual-Booting Windows

For those who prefer a more direct approach, dual-booting Windows on the Steam Deck is an option. This allows you to run GOG games natively without the need for compatibility layers.

  1. Create a Windows Installation Media: Use a USB drive to create a Windows installation media.
  2. Partition the Steam Deck: Allocate space for Windows on your Steam Deck’s storage.
  3. Install Windows: Boot from the USB drive and follow the Windows installation process.
  4. Install GOG Games: Once Windows is installed, you can download and install GOG games directly.

Conclusion

Playing GOG games on the Steam Deck is a testament to the device’s versatility and the ingenuity of the gaming community. Whether you choose to use Proton, Lutris, or dual-boot Windows, the possibilities are vast. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with handheld gaming, one can’t help but wonder—what other digital realms will we merge next?

Q: Can I play all GOG games on the Steam Deck? A: While many GOG games can be played on the Steam Deck using Proton or other compatibility layers, not all games will run perfectly. Some may require additional tweaks or may not be compatible at all.

Q: Is it legal to play GOG games on the Steam Deck? A: Yes, it is legal to play GOG games on the Steam Deck as long as you own the games legally. GOG’s DRM-free policy allows you to install and play your games on any device you own.

Q: Will playing GOG games on the Steam Deck void my warranty? A: No, playing GOG games on the Steam Deck using compatibility layers like Proton or Lutris will not void your warranty. However, dual-booting Windows or making hardware modifications could potentially void the warranty, so proceed with caution.

Q: Can I use cloud saves between my PC and Steam Deck for GOG games? A: It depends on the game. Some GOG games support cloud saves, allowing you to sync your progress between devices. However, not all games have this feature, so you may need to manually transfer save files.

Q: Are there any performance differences between running GOG games on Steam Deck versus a PC? A: Performance can vary depending on the game and the compatibility layer used. Some games may run just as well on the Steam Deck as they do on a PC, while others may experience reduced performance or require adjustments to run smoothly.