Installing mods on Steam Deck
Steam Gems
The Steam Deck gaming console offers a galaxy of creative modifications for the games you love to play.
In last month's Linux Magazine, I wrote about exploring the Arch Linux-derived operating system that undergirds the Steam Deck, Valve's hand-held game console. That article mentioned the potential for installing community-authored, rules-bending game modifications – mods, in gamer parlance – as one reason to pop the hood of your Steam Deck and root around in its KDE-based Desktop mode.
This article examines this aspect of Steam Deck Desktop mode in greater detail, demonstrating the various ways you can add mods to your installed games. As with last month's explorations, your comfort and knowledge with Linux give you an advantage when it comes to exploring this hidden but readily available feature of Steam Deck.
Before You Begin
Before exploring the options presented in this article, you should have some basic familiarity with Steam Deck Desktop mode and how it differs from the default Gaming mode. You can follow all of the steps in this article using nothing more than the Steam Deck itself. However, connecting the Steam Deck to an external, full-sized display, as well as a hardware mouse and keyboard, can provide a much more comfortable and navigable experience. For more information on using Desktop mode and connecting desktop peripherals to your Steam Deck, see the article on "Steam Deck Desktop Mode" in Linux Magazine issue 292 [1].
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.