How to install Minecraft on the Steam Deck

If you have a Steam Deck or are looking to pick one up, you probably already know that it's not just a portable game console, but technically a mini-computer. It runs on SteamOS, which is based on Arch Linux, and Valve hasn't locked down access to that system. This means you can do whatever you want with it, just like a traditional PC, and that includes installing your own software or even the operating system of your choice.

So, not only can you play games from Steam and multitask, but you can even play games from other platforms. That includes emulators, too, through EmuDeck, or, in this case, Minecraft. It's not too hard to get Minecraft up and running on your Steam Deck, and you're able to play the full Java edition without any issues. You can also play the Bedrock edition if you'd like.

Minecraft on the Steam Deck: What you need

• An internet connection: To download and use Minecraft, you'll need a stable internet connection.
• A digital copy of Minecraft: You need to own a digital license to play Minecraft, as the launcher we'll be using still requires you to own a legal copy of the game.
• A keyboard (optional): You don't need a keyboard, but it makes the sign-up process a lot easier. It also makes it easier to type messages in-game, though you can get away without it.

Step 1: Switch to Desktop Mode

Dive into Linux

The first thing you'll need to do to install Minecraft on your Steam Deck is to switch to desktop mode.

1. Press the Steam button to bring up the menu.

2. Scroll down to Power and select it.

Alternatively, press and hold the power button to bring up the power menu.

3. Choose Switch to Desktop Mode.

Once you do this, you'll see the interface below, which looks more like a typical PC.

Step 2: Launch Discover and search for Prism Launcher

Prism lets you connect with your Microsoft account

You'll need to launch the Discover app on the bottom left of your screen (it has a shopping bag icon). If it's not in your taskbar already, then take the following steps to find it.

1. Go to the app menu at the bottom left.
2. Select the Utility folder.
3. Launch Discover.

You can then search for Prism Launcher using the search bar in the top left, or go to the Games tab and scroll down until you find the app.

Step 3: Set up Prism Launcher

You're halfway there

You can start Prism Launcher and allow it to install Java if it asks; otherwise, continue. You'll need to log in to your Minecraft account and then do the following:

1. Click Accounts in the top right and select Manage accounts.
   
2. Click Add Microsoft.
3. Follow the instructions that appear.

To link your account, you'll need to go to Microsoft's website and type the code that Prism Launcher shows you. You also don't need to type your password into it. As well, make sure to update Prism Launcher through Discover every once in a while.

Step 4: Add a Minecraft instance

Minecraft is getting closer

Adding an instance is pretty easy once your account is linked.

1. Click Add instance in the top left.
2. Select your Minecraft version. At the time of writing, the latest version is v1.21.
3. Launch the instance.
   

This will now download the assets that the game needs to launch.

Step 5: Add Minecraft as a non-Steam game

You'll be able to launch it from SteamOS later

You now need to add Prism Launcher as a non-Steam game. Make sure you're still in desktop mode.

1. Launch the Steam app on your desktop.
2. Click Games at the top and select Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.
   
3. Scroll down and select Prism Launcher.
   
4. (Optional) Once you've done this, you can also set it so that you can launch directly into your chosen Minecraft version from this shortcut. Right-click Prism Launcher in your Steam library, select Properties, and in launch options, add this to the end: "-l 1.21". Make sure the Minecraft version matches the instance name.
   

You can now boot back into gaming mode.

Step 6: Add your controls and play!

It's finally time to have fun with it

As an extra step to play on the Steam Deck without a mouse and keyboard, you'll need to configure controls. This is pretty easy to do.

1. Go to Prism Launcher in the non-Steam game category in your library (while in gaming mode) and select the controller icon on the far right of the game's landing page.
   
2. Select Community layouts, which are configurations that will work on the Steam Deck, and choose one that looks comfortable for you to play.
   

You will now be able to play the latest version of Java Minecraft without the need for mods. Community layouts are available for any game, so if you play any other games that have annoying controller layouts, maybe check out the community layouts for that game as well.

If you prefer to use one of the controller mods because of their versatility, we recommend Controlify from Modrinth.

1. Launch Prism Launcher from desktop mode.
2. Right-click on the instance of Minecraft you installed earlier and select Edit, then select Install Loader.
   
3. Select Fabric from the Mod Loader menu.
   
4. Select Mods on the left panel, select Download Mods.
   
5. Then select Modrinth on the left, search for Controlify, and install the mod.
   

The best part about this mod is that the developers say it will support the Steam Deck's gyro function in the future. It also has a quicker update cadence than other controller mods, but it won't work on versions earlier than 1.19.4.

Once Minecraft is installed on the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck can play Java Minecraft well, but if you find it slowing down once you add more demanding mods, you might benefit from the tweaks in CryoUtilities. This will actually help with any of the best Steam Deck games, to make your time with the portable gaming console more enjoyable. And to protect your Steam Deck from hostile mobs, you could consider picking up a case to avoid damage. Alternatively, give the Bedrock edition a try to see if it gives better performance.