Table of Contents
Who this is for: Steam Deck owners who want to play Minecraft with proper controller support and Gaming Mode integration.
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Getting Minecraft Running on Your Steam Deck
Installing Minecraft on Steam Deck requires a few extra steps since it’s not available directly through Steam. You’ll need to set up a launcher and configure some settings, but the process is straightforward once you know the steps.
Method 1: Using Prism Launcher (Recommended)
Prism Launcher is the most reliable way to get Minecraft working with full controller support:
- Switch to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck
- Open Discover (the app store) and search for “Prism Launcher”
- Install Prism Launcher – it’s free and open-source
- Launch Prism Launcher and sign in with your Microsoft account
- Create a new instance and select your preferred Minecraft version
- Download and launch the game
Adding Minecraft to Steam for Gaming Mode
To play Minecraft seamlessly in Gaming Mode:
- Right-click on Steam in Desktop Mode
- Select “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library”
- Browse and select the Prism Launcher executable
- Rename it to “Minecraft” in your Steam library
- Set the launch options to start directly into your Minecraft instance
Controller Configuration
The Steam Deck’s controls work well with Minecraft once properly configured:
- Use Steam Input to map keyboard and mouse controls to the Steam Deck’s buttons
- Enable the right trackpad as a mouse for inventory management
- Map common actions like jump, crouch, and inventory to face buttons
- Configure the left stick for movement and right stick for camera control
Alternative: MultiMC Launcher
MultiMC offers another solid option with similar functionality to Prism Launcher. The installation process is nearly identical, though some users find Prism Launcher more user-friendly for Steam Deck specifically.
Performance Tips
To get the best Minecraft experience on Steam Deck:
- Start with vanilla Minecraft before adding mods
- Adjust render distance based on your preferred frame rate
- Consider using Optifine or Sodium mods for better performance
- Monitor battery usage – Minecraft can be demanding on the Steam Deck’s battery
Once you’ve got Minecraft set up, you might want to explore other creative building experiences available on the platform.
TL;DR
Install Minecraft on Steam Deck using Prism Launcher from Desktop Mode, then add it to Steam as a non-Steam game for seamless Gaming Mode access with full controller support.
