Minecraft Bedrock Edition, while not natively supported on the Steam Deck’s Linux-based SteamOS, can still be enjoyed through a third-party launcher. The Prism Launcher serves as a bridge, allowing players to manage and launch multiple versions of the game seamlessly on this handheld device.
Guide to playing Minecraft Bedrock on the Steam Deck
To embark on this gaming journey, first, switch your Steam Deck from Gaming Mode to Desktop Mode. This transition is simple: press the Steam button, navigate to the Power menu, and select “Switch to Desktop Mode.” Once in Desktop Mode, open the Discover Software Center from the taskbar and search for “Prism Launcher.” This versatile application supports both Java and Bedrock editions of Minecraft. Install it by selecting the appropriate option.
After the installation is complete, launch Prism Launcher. You will need to log in using your Microsoft account credentials. Enter your details and choose the specific game version you wish to play. While the launcher supports Java Edition natively, it can also accommodate Bedrock Edition, provided you have the necessary files. For an optimal experience on the Steam Deck, consider adjusting settings within Prism Launcher, such as resolution and performance optimizations, to align with your preferences and the device’s capabilities.
Once Prism Launcher is set up, the next step is to integrate it with Steam. While still in Desktop Mode, open the Steam client. At the bottom-left corner of the Steam window, click on “Add a Game” and select “Add a Non-Steam Game.” Browse through your installed applications to find Prism Launcher, select it, and add it to your Steam Library as a non-Steam game. This integration simplifies the process of launching the game directly from the Gaming Mode interface.
To return to Gaming Mode, press the Steam button again, navigate to Power, and select Switch to Gaming Mode. Open your Steam Library, locate Prism Launcher, and launch it. From this point, you can select the Minecraft version and configuration you previously set up and dive into the blocky world of Minecraft.
In summary
- Switch to Desktop Mode by pressing the Steam button, selecting “Power,” and choosing “Switch to Desktop Mode.”
- Install Prism Launcher from the Discover Software Center in Desktop Mode.
- Launch Prism Launcher, log in with your Microsoft account credentials, and configure the settings for the desired game version.
- Optimize the game’s resolution and performance settings for the Steam Deck.
- Open the Steam client in Desktop Mode, add Prism Launcher as a non-Steam game, and return to Gaming Mode to launch and play the blocky game.
Prism Launcher not only facilitates the management of multiple Minecraft installations on the Steam Deck but also enhances the overall gaming experience. By integrating the launcher into Steam, players can conveniently access Minecraft through the Gaming Mode interface. This method is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy advanced configurations or wish to switch between versions with ease. Just ensure that both your Steam Deck and Prism Launcher are kept updated for optimal compatibility.
