Can You Play Minecraft On Steam Deck?

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Ever since Valve announced the Steam Deck, a handheld PC that lets you play PC games on the go, there’s been a burning question in the minds of many gamers: can it handle Minecraft? The good news is, that you can play Minecraft on the Steam Deck.

But there’s a bit more to it than just downloading it from the Steam store (because Minecraft Java Edition isn’t available there).

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get Minecraft up and running on your Steam Deck, from installation to controller configuration.

Can You Play Minecraft On Steam Deck?

Minecraft, a game that needs no introduction, boasts over 238 million copies sold worldwide and a whopping 126 million active monthly players [refer to Minecraft sales statistics and monthly active player statistics].

With its emphasis on creativity and exploration, it’s natural for gamers to wonder if they can experience Minecraft on the new Steam Deck.

The Steam Deck is a portable gaming PC that lets you play your Steam library on the go. While Minecraft isn’t officially supported on SteamOS (the Steam Deck’s operating system), there are absolutely ways to get it working.

Getting Minecraft Running on Your Steam Deck.

Minecraft comes in two flavours: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Here’s how to tackle installing Minecraft on your Steam Deck for each version:

Java Edition: This is the original version of Minecraft, known for its extensive modding capabilities. Installing Java Edition requires a little more tinkering, but it’s doable. You’ll need to install a custom launcher like Prism to get Java Edition up and running smoothly on your Steam Deck.
Bedrock Edition: This is the version you’ll find on the Microsoft Store and mobile devices. While Bedrock Edition isn’t available on the Steam Deck through the usual storefront, there are ways to install it through alternate stores like the Humble Bundle store. This method also involves adding the Heroic Games Launcher to your Steam Deck.

Conclusion.

Once you’ve got Minecraft installed, you’ll need to configure the controls for a smooth gameplay experience.

The Steam Deck community has created some great controller layouts specifically designed for Minecraft, making it easy to pick up and play.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

Battery Life: Expect Minecraft’s battery drain on the Steam Deck to vary depending on the version you’re playing and the world’s complexity. Java Edition tends to be a bit more demanding than Bedrock Edition.
Mods: If you’re a big Minecraft modder, Java Edition on the Steam Deck is the way to go. However, keep in mind that some mods might require additional tweaking for optimal performance.

So, can you play Minecraft on the Steam Deck? Absolutely! With a little effort, you can be crafting, exploring, and battling creepers from the comfort of your favourite armchair or on the go.