PC/Linux/Steam Noob here. I just got a game from GOG and I’m seeing tutorials mention Heroic, Lutris, and Wine via ProtonUp-QT as methods to get non-Steam games installed and running on Deck. Which method would you consider the easiest and most reliable for content from GOG, Ubisoft, Epic, etc…
Generally I add installers using “add non-steam app”, then once they install successfully, remove it and instead add the executable that was created.
Proton can do it correctly just it’s a PITA navigating the folders to make it work.
Lutris can work but some of it’s scipts are outdated or not made with steamdeck in mind
I just use Lutris for everything since it integrates with all the storefronts I care about, but as others have brought up Heroic is also a good option. I’d say try a handful of games on each and see which you prefer.
I use Heroic if the game is from GoG or Epic and Lutris for the rest. I wouldn’t bother with using just Wine since it’s a lot easier to configure compatibility settings for each individual game with Heroic and Lutris. Both can use the same compatibility layers anyway.
What I do is usually:
- Install the game on my desktop PC.
- Copy the files over to the Steam Deck via sftp
- Use Desktop Mode to add it as a non-Steam game to the Steam Library
- If it’s a Windows game, force Proton in the game’s properties in Steam
- Use SteamGridDB (and sgdboop) to set a nice image for it.
