Imagine a world where you can play your favorite MOBA, League of Legends, on a handheld device while lounging on your couch or during a long commute. Sounds dreamy, right?
But there’s a catch. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of playing LoL on the Steam Deck.
TL;DR:
- League of Legends isn’t officially supported on Steam Deck…yet.
- Steam Deck’s Linux-based OS has had compatibility issues with LoL.
- There’s a rising trend of gamers wanting to play PC games on handhelds.
- With some tech magic, you can play LoL on Steam Deck.
- Riot Games holds the key to smooth gameplay on the platform.
The Steam Deck and LoL: A Match Made in Heaven or Tech Limbo?
League of Legends, the world-renowned MOBA, has been the apple of many gamers’ eyes. Its technical accessibility means even basic PCs can run it. But what about the Steam Deck, Valve’s handheld gaming device released in February 2022? Well, it’s complicated.
LoL’s Linux Dilemma
Fact check: The Steam Deck runs on a Linux-based operating system. Historically, League of Legends and Linux have been like oil and water – they just don’t mix. But with the gaming community’s undying spirit, there’s always a workaround.
Expert Insights: Is There Hope?
James Rivington from TechRadar weighs in: “The Steam Deck’s compatibility with a wide range of PC games could potentially open up opportunities for popular titles like League of Legends to be enjoyed on the handheld device, but it would ultimately be up to Riot Games to ensure the game runs smoothly on the platform.”
Handheld Gaming: The New Trend
With the release of the Steam Deck, a new trend has emerged. Gamers are itching to play their beloved PC games, including LoL, on the go. And why not? The convenience of handheld gaming is undeniable.
So, Can You Play LoL on Steam Deck?
Technically, yes! Thanks to YouTuber TheWereCat, there’s a guide on how to install League of Legends on Steam Deck. It involves a series of steps, from installing ‘Bottles’ and ‘ProtonUp-QT’ to tweaking settings for optimal gameplay. It’s not a walk in the park, but for die-hard fans, it’s a journey worth taking.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install and play League of Legends (LoL) on the Steam Deck:
How to Install League of Legends on Steam Deck
- Discover Menu: On the Steam Deck’s main screen, click on the “Discover” option at the bottom.
- Search for Bottles: In the Discover search bar, type in “Bottles” and search.
- Install Bottles: Click on the Bottles application and install it.
- Search for ProtonUp-QT: Once Bottles is installed, go back to the Discover search bar and type in “ProtonUp-QT”.
- Install ProtonUp-QT: Click on the ProtonUp-QT application and install it.
- Launch ProtonUp-QT: After the installation is complete, open ProtonUp-QT.
- Add Version: In the ProtonUp-QT menu, click on “Add Version”.
- Install GE-Proton-7-29: From the available versions, select “GE-Proton-7-29” and install it.
- Setup Bottles: Once GE-Proton-7-29 is installed, open Bottles and set it up.
- Download LoL: Open a web browser on your Steam Deck and navigate to the official League of Legends download page: https://signup.leagueoflegends.com/en-us/signup/redownload. Click on “Download for Windows”.
- Create a New Bottle in Bottles: Go back to Bottles, click on “Create a New Bottle”. Under the Environment section, select “Gaming” and name the bottle “LoL”.
- Install LoL: Return to the main dashboard of Bottles, click on the “LoL” bottle you just created. Click on “Run Executable” and select the League of Legends installer you downloaded earlier. Follow the installation prompts.
- Download Custom Wine Version: In your browser, navigate to https://github.com/GloriousEggroll/wine-ge-custom/releases/tag/7.14-GE-1-LoL. Under “Assets”, download wine-lutris-ge-lol-7.14-1-x86_64.tar.xz.
- Extract and Setup Custom Wine Version: Extract the downloaded file and follow the instructions provided to set up this custom version of Wine for LoL on your Steam Deck.
- Launch LoL: Once everything is set up, you can launch League of Legends from the Bottles application or directly from your Steam Deck’s game library.
Remember, while this guide provides a way to get LoL running on the Steam Deck, the game isn’t officially supported on the platform. Performance and stability may vary, and there might be some issues or bugs. Always ensure you’re following any updates or patches provided by the community or Riot Games to enhance the gameplay experience on the Steam Deck.
FAQs
Is League of Legends officially supported on Steam Deck?
No, as of now, it’s not officially supported.
Why does LoL have issues on the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck runs on a Linux-based OS, and historically, LoL has had compatibility issues with Linux.
Can I still play LoL on the Steam Deck?
Yes, with some tweaks and adjustments, as shown by YouTuber TheWereCat.
Will Riot Games offer official support for the Steam Deck?
It’s uncertain, but the decision lies with Riot Games.
Is handheld gaming becoming a trend?
Yes, with devices like the Steam Deck, there’s a growing interest in playing PC games on handheld devices.
How is the performance of LoL on the Steam Deck?
While it’s playable, the performance may vary based on settings and updates. It’s recommended to optimize settings for a smoother experience.
Are there any risks involved in installing LoL on the Steam Deck?
As with any unofficial workaround, there might be risks of software conflicts or potential bans. Always proceed with caution and stay informed.
Can I play other PC games on the Steam Deck?
Yes, the Steam Deck is designed to play a wide range of PC games from the Steam library, though compatibility varies.
How long does the installation process take?
The installation process for LoL on the Steam Deck, including all tweaks, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on your familiarity with the steps.
Do I need an active internet connection to play LoL on the Steam Deck?
Yes, just like the PC version, you’ll need an active internet connection to play League of Legends on the Steam Deck.
Conclusion
The allure of handheld gaming has always been undeniable. With the introduction of the Steam Deck, that allure has only grown stronger, especially for die-hard fans of titles like League of Legends. The idea of diving into the Summoner’s Rift or engaging in intense team battles, all while lounging on a couch or during a commute, is tantalizing. However, the journey to achieving this dream isn’t straightforward.
League of Legends, with its rich graphics and intricate gameplay, demands a lot from any platform. The Steam Deck, while powerful, runs on a Linux-based OS, which has historically not been the best friend of LoL. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. The gaming community, known for its resilience and innovative spirit, has already found workarounds. Yet, these solutions come with their own set of challenges and require a certain level of technical expertise.
As technology advances and the boundaries between PC and handheld gaming continue to blur, there’s hope that Riot Games and other developers will recognize the potential and work towards official support. For now, the dream is very much alive, but like all dreams, it requires effort, patience, and a touch of magic. So, to all the gaming enthusiasts out there, gear up, stay informed, and game on!
