The Diablo 4 Steam Deck Needs Windows 10 is a portable gaming powerhouse equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen display, a Ryzen 7 4800U processor, and 16GB of RAM. Running on SteamOS 3.0, it provides access to an extensive collection of games from the Steam library. However, for titles like Diablo IV, playing directly on the Steam Deck isn’t an option. Why? Because Diablo IV is exclusive to the Battle.net launcher and unlikely to make its way to platforms like Steam or the Epic Games Store.
So, what can you do if you own a Steam Deck and are eager to dive into Diablo IV? Fortunately, there’s a workaround to enjoy non-Steam games on this versatile device. Keep reading to discover how to make it happen!
Diablo 4 Steam Deck Needs Windows 10 – The easy way
At launch, the only way to play Diablo 4 on PC or the Steam Deck was via Blizzard’s Battle.net client. While this is possible on the Steam Deck, as of October 17, 2023, Diablo 4 will be available on Steam and officially Deck Verified.
For new players, this is fantastic news—just purchase it on Steam, and it’ll run seamlessly on the Steam Deck without any extra setup.
Existing players, however, will need to purchase a new copy on Steam to take advantage of this, as there’s currently no option to transfer licenses between platforms. Personally, I wouldn’t suggest buying the same game twice on the same platform just for a different store experience—but hey, it’s your call.
If you already own Diablo 4 through Battle.net, it’s better to set it up on your Steam Deck instead. I recommend using the Lutris method outlined below.
How To Play Diablo IV On Your Steam Deck
Can You Play Diablo IV on Steam Deck?
While Diablo IV isn’t officially available on Steam, there’s good news for Steam Deck owners. You can use a simple, effective method to play not just Diablo IV but also other non-Steam games on your Steam Deck. Read on to learn how to get started.
Using Lutris to Play Diablo IV on Steam Deck
Steam Deck runs on SteamOS, which doesn’t natively support launchers other than Steam. Thankfully, Lutris—a versatile program designed for Linux systems—enables you to run games made for Windows, including Diablo IV. Let’s explore how to set up Lutris and enjoy your favorite game on your Steam Deck.
Step 1: Download and Install Lutris
What is Lutris?
Lutris is a free, open-source gaming platform tailored for Linux operating systems. It allows users to play games from various sources, including those not available on Steam.
How to Install Lutris on Steam Deck:
- Visit the official Lutris website and download the latest version compatible with your Steam Deck.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Lutris.
- Once installed, you’re ready to move on to configuring Lutris for Diablo IV.
Step 2: Configure Lutris for Diablo IV
Now that Lutris is installed, follow these steps to set it up and launch Diablo IV:
- Open Lutris:
Launch the Lutris app on your Steam Deck. - Add Battle.net to Lutris:
- Click the Sources tab in Lutris, located on the left-hand side.
- Tap the + icon to add a new source and select Battle.net.
- Install Battle.net:
- Once added, install Battle.net through Lutris.
- Launch Battle.net and log in using your Battle.net credentials.
- Download Diablo IV:
- If you’ve already purchased Diablo IV, navigate to the game in the Battle.net app.
- Download and install it just as you would on a Windows PC.
- Play the Game:
- Once installed, launch Diablo IV through Lutris and enjoy seamless gameplay on your Steam Deck!
Why Use Lutris for Steam Deck Gaming?
- Versatility: Play a variety of non-Steam games.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive setup for Linux-based systems.
- Community Support: A thriving user base and extensive documentation.
How to install Battle.net with Lutris
How to Play Diablo 4 on Steam Deck Using Lutris
If you’re looking to enjoy Diablo 4 on your Steam Deck, whether for the handheld convenience or the immersive gameplay, the key lies in running the Blizzard Battle.net client. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to do this is by using Lutris, a powerful game manager that simplifies the installation process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Why Use Lutris?
Lutris makes it straightforward to install the Battle.net client, which is essential for playing Diablo 4 on your Steam Deck. It also provides flexibility for managing non-Steam games like titles from GOG and Epic Games.
Step 1: Installing Lutris on Your Steam Deck
Before you begin, having a keyboard and mouse on hand can make the process smoother, as you’ll be navigating the Steam Deck’s desktop mode.
- Switch to Desktop Mode
- Press the Steam button > Select Power > Choose Switch to Desktop Mode.
- Open Discover App
- Locate the Discover icon on the taskbar (or find it under All Apps if it’s not pinned).
- Search and Install Lutris
- Type Lutris in the search bar.
- Click Install to add Lutris to your system.
Step 2: Setting Up Battle.net Using Lutris
With Lutris installed, you can now install and configure the Battle.net client.
- Launch Lutris
- Open the Lutris app from the desktop.
- Add Battle.net
- Click the + (plus) icon in the top-left corner to add a new game.
- Search for Battle.net and select it.
- Install Battle.net
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Lutris will handle most of the setup, including downloading any necessary dependencies.
- Log In and Install Diablo 4
- Once Battle.net is set up, log in to your account and install Diablo 4 just as you would on a Windows PC.
Step 3: Accessing Lutris from the Steam Deck UI
To make launching Diablo 4 easier, add Lutris as a Non-Steam Game to your library:
- Open Steam Desktop App
- While in desktop mode, open the Steam application.
- Add Lutris to Steam
- Navigate to the Games tab in the top menu.
- Select Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.
- From the list of installed software, choose Lutris and add it.
- Launch via Steam Deck UI
- Switch back to the handheld UI and open Lutris from your game library to access Battle.net and Diablo 4.
Additional Tips and Tweaks
Proton Compatibility
Valve has optimized Proton Experimental, making Diablo 4 run seamlessly. For further customization, Lutris allows you to switch to WineGE versions, which are tailored for non-Steam applications.
Check for Updates
Visit the Diablo 4 page on the Lutris website for any tweaks or settings that improve gameplay performance.
Advanced Installation
If you’re tech-savvy, you can skip Lutris and install the Battle.net client directly. However, this method is more complex and not recommended for beginners.
Bonus: Expanding Lutris Usage
Beyond Battle.net, Lutris supports other game libraries, such as GOG and Epic Games, making it a versatile tool for managing non-Steam titles on your Steam Deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install Windows 10 to play Diablo 4 on the Steam Deck?
Yes, installing Windows 10 on your Steam Deck is necessary if you want to play Diablo 4 natively without relying on workarounds like Proton or Lutris. The Blizzard Battle.net client, which is required to run Diablo 4, works seamlessly on Windows.
How do I install Windows 10 on the Steam Deck?
You’ll need a bootable Windows 10 USB and a keyboard and mouse for easier navigation. Enter the BIOS by pressing the Volume Down + Power button, boot from the USB, and install Windows. Make sure to download the appropriate drivers from Valve’s website after installation.
Can I dual-boot Windows 10 and SteamOS on my Steam Deck?
Yes, dual-booting is possible, but it requires setting up a partition on your Steam Deck’s internal storage or using an external SSD. Valve plans to release an official dual-boot utility, but you can also use third-party tools to manage the setup.
Does Diablo 4 run well on Windows 10 installed on the Steam Deck?
Yes, with the right settings, Diablo 4 runs smoothly on the Steam Deck under Windows 10. Adjust the graphics settings to low or medium to optimize performance, as the Steam Deck’s hardware is designed for portability rather than high-end gaming.
What are the drawbacks of using Windows 10 on the Steam Deck?
Some potential drawbacks include:
- Losing the streamlined SteamOS interface for handheld gaming.
- Increased power consumption, which may slightly reduce battery life.
- The need to manually update and manage drivers.
- However, for many, the ability to run games like Diablo 4 makes these trade-offs worth it.
conclusion
Playing Diablo 4 on the Steam Deck with Windows 10 opens up new possibilities for enjoying Blizzard’s latest title on the go. While the process requires installing Windows and making a few adjustments, it allows you to bypass compatibility issues and access the full capabilities of the Battle.net client.
By following the proper steps—installing Windows 10, optimizing the settings, and ensuring the correct drivers are installed—you can transform your Steam Deck into a portable gaming powerhouse for Diablo 4. While there are some trade-offs, such as losing the default SteamOS interface and managing Windows updates, the benefits of playing this iconic game anywhere are well worth the effort for many players.