How to Install League of Legends on Steam Deck

The Steam Deck, Valve’s Linux-based handheld gaming system, has been a game-changer for PC gaming enthusiasts. As a versatile and open-source platform, the Deck offers a wide range of gaming possibilities, including the ability to run popular titles like League of Legends. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the steps to how to install league of legends on Steam Deck.

Understanding the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is an impressive device that has gained popularity among gamers. It combines portability, performance, and customization for on-the-go PC gaming.

It runs on SteamOS, a Linux-based system that enhances the gaming experience. With its powerful AMD Zen 2 CPU and custom RDNA 2 GPU, the Deck delivers smooth gameplay and great graphics. Its adaptable controls, featuring touch and gyroscopic inputs, accommodate various game types.

The open-source aspect of the Steam Deck adds to its attractiveness. Valve’s commitment to open-source software allows users to modify their gaming setup according to their preferences. This approach has fostered a vibrant community of developers and fans, enriching the Deck’s ecosystem and making it more appealing for gamers.

Preparing for Installation

Before we dive into the installation process, it’s essential to ensure that your Steam Deck is properly configured and ready for the task at hand.

Disabling Read-Only Mode

The Steam Deck’s system image is set to read-only by default, which can pose a challenge when installing certain applications, including the Lutris game launcher required for League of Legends. To proceed with the installation, you’ll need to disable the read-only mode.

• Boot into desktop mode and open a terminal.
• Run the command sudo steamos-readonly disable to disable the read-only mode.
• Be aware that this step is recommended only for advanced users, as Valve notes that future SteamOS updates may erase or overwrite any packages installed via Pacman.

Ensuring System Compatibility

To ensure a seamless installation process, you’ll need to set up your Steam Deck’s system to support the necessary components for running League of Legends. This includes enabling 32-bit support, installing Vulkan API support, and downloading the required Wine dependencies.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Now that your Steam Deck is prepared, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of installing League of Legends.

1. Boot into Desktop Mode and Open Terminal

• Start your system and log into desktop mode.
• Open a terminal window to execute the necessary commands.

2. Disable Read-Only Mode

sudo steamos-readonly disable

3. Configure Pacman for Multilib (32-bit Support)

• Open the Pacman configuration file:
  bash
  
  sudo nano /etc/pacman.conf
• Uncomment the [multilib] section by removing the # symbols:
  javascript
  
  [multilib] Include = /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist
• Save and exit the editor.

4. Update System Packages

sudo pacman -Syu

• Note: Reboot your system if prompted.

5. Install Vulkan API Support

sudo pacman -S –needed lib32-mesa vulkan-radeon lib32-vulkan-radeon vulkan-icd-loader lib32-vulkan-icd-loader

6. Install Additional Vulkan Packages

sudo pacman -S vulkan-mesa-layers lib32-vulkan-mesa-layers vkd3d lib32-vkd3d

7. Install Wine Dependencies for Lutris

Execute the following command to install all necessary Wine dependencies:

sudo pacman -S –needed wine-staging giflib lib32-giflib libpng lib32-libpng libldap lib32-libldap \ gnutls lib32-gnutls mpg123 lib32-mpg123 openal lib32-openal v4l-utils lib32-v4l-utils libpulse \ lib32-libpulse libgpg-error lib32-libgpg-error alsa-plugins lib32-alsa-plugins alsa-lib \ lib32-alsa-lib libjpeg-turbo lib32-libjpeg-turbo sqlite lib32-sqlite libxcomposite \ lib32-libxcomposite libxinerama lib32-libxinerama libgcrypt lib32-libxinerama ncurses \ lib32-ncurses ocl-icd lib32-ocl-icd libxslt lib32-libxslt libva lib32-libva gtk3 \ lib32-gtk3 gst-plugins-base-libs lib32-gst-plugins-base-libs vulkan-icd-loader \ lib32-vulkan-icd-loader

8. Install Lutris via Pacman

sudo pacman -S lutris

• Note: Do not install Lutris using Flatpak or Discover.

9. Install League of Legends via Lutris

• Open your web browser and navigate to the League of Legends Lutris page.
• Click the Install button for the launcher that corresponds to your region (e.g., Standard version).
• In the launcher pop-ups:
  • Wait for both downloads to complete:
    1. Client download
    2. Game download
  • Important: Do not enter your login details or click play. Instead, quit the launcher after both downloads finish.

10. Complete Installation Through Lutris

• Follow any additional instructions provided by Lutris pop-ups to finalize the installation.

11. Disable the Lutris Runtime

• Open Lutris and select League of Legends from your game library.
• Click on Configure.
• Navigate to the System Options tab.
• Toggle Disable Lutris runtime.
• Click Save to apply the changes.

Conclusion

The Steam Deck’s open-source nature and versatility make it an excellent platform for running a wide range of games, including the popular League of Legends. By disabling the read-only mode, ensuring system compatibility, and following the step-by-step installation guide, you can seamlessly install and play League of Legends on your Steam Deck. This guide has provided you with the necessary information and instructions to get started, empowering you to fully unleash the gaming potential of your Steam Deck.

FAQ

Can I install League of Legends on the Steam Deck without disabling the read-only mode?

No, disabling the read-only mode is necessary for the Lutris installation process to work correctly. Valve recommends this step only for advanced users, as future SteamOS updates may overwrite any custom packages installed.

Will I need to repeat the installation process after a SteamOS update?

Yes, according to Valve’s documentation, you may need to repeat the installation steps after a SteamOS update, as the system updates may erase or overwrite the packages installed via Pacman.

Is the Flatpak version of Lutris compatible with League of Legends?

No, the Flatpak version of Lutris is not compatible with League of Legends. You’ll need to install Lutris via Pacman, as mentioned in the installation guide.

Can I use the Steam Deck’s built-in controls to play League of Legends?

The Steam Deck’s native controls may not be the most suitable for a MOBA game like League of Legends. You may need to use a compatible controller or adjust the control settings to have a more enjoyable gaming experience.

Will I experience any performance issues when running League of Legends on the Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck’s hardware specifications, including the AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, are generally capable of running League of Legends without major performance issues. However, your mileage may vary depending on the game settings and your individual usage patterns.