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Nine games are currently supported, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Skyrim
For those navigating the world of modding on the Steam Deck with SteamOS, the journey can often feel more intricate than on a traditional Windows PC, particularly when it involves Nexus Mods. However, a community-driven solution has emerged to simplify this process: the Decky-Nexus plugin. Developed by the user known as RedRanger14, this unofficial beta plugin allows Steam Deck users to seamlessly browse, download, install, and manage supported Nexus Mods directly from Gaming Mode.
Currently, Decky-Nexus supports nine popular titles: Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Fallout 4, Fallout: New Vegas, Resident Evil 4, Skyrim Special Edition, Slay the Spire 2, Stardew Valley, and The Witcher 3. Future updates promise to expand this list with the addition of games such as Fallout 3, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, and Palworld.
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What sets Decky-Nexus apart is its game-specific support, which alleviates the uncertainty often associated with mod installations. Instead of merely downloading a mod and hoping for the best, this plugin manages essential aspects such as mod folders, Proton prefixes, mod loader profiles, and other prerequisites. Some games even require additional setup steps, which the plugin can handle with ease. Users can install mod collections, navigate FOMOD installers through a user-friendly interface, enable or disable mods, and revert a game to its original state if needed.
The plugin also features a Health section that reviews the game’s logs, providing insights into any issues that arise from mod usage. Users can conveniently view installed mods, check for updates, and monitor current downloads—all without exiting Gaming Mode.
To utilize Decky-Nexus, users must meet certain requirements. The plugin necessitates the installation of Decky Loader and a Nexus Mods Premium account to access content via the Nexus API. Additionally, the supported game must be installed through Steam. Currently, installation of Decky-Nexus itself requires switching to Desktop Mode for manual setup, as automatic installation and updates are not yet available.
Transparency is a key principle in the development of this project. As it is not an official Nexus Mods product, RedRanger14 has labeled it as an unofficial beta. The plugin has been rigorously tested on real hardware with the supported games, although users should remain cautious of potential rough edges and are advised to back up important save files. Ongoing development will introduce features such as manual load-order editing, Vortex profile support, and compatibility with mods requiring separate Windows-based tools.
