Can You Play GOG Games on Steam Deck? And Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?

blog 2025-01-15 0Browse 0
Can You Play GOG Games on Steam Deck? And Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?

The Steam Deck, Valve’s handheld gaming device, has taken the gaming world by storm since its release. With its powerful hardware and versatile software, it promises to bring PC gaming to the palm of your hand. But one question that often arises is: Can you play GOG games on Steam Deck? The answer is a resounding yes, but the process isn’t as straightforward as playing games from Steam. Let’s dive into the details and explore the various methods to get your GOG library running on the Steam Deck, while also pondering why cats always seem to land on their feet.

Understanding the Steam Deck and GOG

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s essential to understand what the Steam Deck and GOG are.

  • Steam Deck: A handheld gaming console developed by Valve, running on a custom Linux-based operating system called SteamOS. It’s designed to play games from the Steam library but is versatile enough to run other PC games and even emulate older consoles.

  • GOG (Good Old Games): A digital distribution platform for video games and films, operated by CD Projekt. GOG is known for its DRM-free policy, meaning games purchased from GOG don’t have digital rights management restrictions, making them more flexible to use across different devices.

Why Play GOG Games on Steam Deck?

While the Steam Deck is optimized for Steam games, there are several reasons why you might want to play GOG games on it:

  1. DRM-Free Freedom: GOG games are DRM-free, meaning you can play them without needing to be online or tied to a specific platform. This makes them ideal for a portable device like the Steam Deck.

  2. Game Library: If you have a substantial library of games on GOG, you might want to access them on the go without repurchasing them on Steam.

  3. Exclusive Titles: Some games are exclusive to GOG or have better versions available on GOG compared to Steam.

  4. Customization: GOG games often come with additional content like soundtracks, wallpapers, and manuals, which can enhance your gaming experience.

Methods to Play GOG Games on Steam Deck

There are several ways to play GOG games on the Steam Deck, each with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s explore them in detail.

1. Using Heroic Games Launcher

The Heroic Games Launcher is a popular open-source application that allows you to install and play games from GOG and the Epic Games Store on Linux-based systems, including the Steam Deck.

Steps:

  1. Install Heroic Games Launcher:

    • Switch to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck.
    • Open the Discover Software Center.
    • Search for “Heroic Games Launcher” and install it.
  2. Log in to GOG:

    • Open Heroic Games Launcher.
    • Log in with your GOG credentials.
  3. Install Games:

    • Browse your GOG library.
    • Select the game you want to install and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Add to Steam:

    • Once the game is installed, you can add it to your Steam library for easier access in Gaming Mode.

Pros:

  • Easy to use.
  • Supports both GOG and Epic Games Store.
  • Regularly updated with new features.

Cons:

  • Some games may require additional tweaks to run smoothly.
  • Performance may vary depending on the game.

2. Using Lutris

Lutris is another powerful tool that simplifies the installation and management of games on Linux. It supports a wide range of platforms, including GOG.

Steps:

  1. Install Lutris:

    • Switch to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck.
    • Open the Discover Software Center.
    • Search for “Lutris” and install it.
  2. Add GOG Integration:

    • Open Lutris.
    • Go to the “Sources” section and add your GOG account.
  3. Install Games:

    • Browse your GOG library within Lutris.
    • Select the game you want to install and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Add to Steam:

    • After installation, you can add the game to your Steam library for easier access in Gaming Mode.

Pros:

  • Highly customizable.
  • Supports a wide range of platforms.
  • Active community and extensive documentation.

Cons:

  • Can be overwhelming for beginners.
  • Some games may require manual configuration.

3. Manual Installation

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, you can manually install GOG games on the Steam Deck.

Steps:

  1. Download the Game:

    • On your PC, log in to your GOG account and download the game installer.
  2. Transfer to Steam Deck:

    • Use a USB drive or cloud storage to transfer the installer to your Steam Deck.
  3. Install the Game:

    • Switch to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck.
    • Locate the installer and run it.
    • Follow the installation instructions.
  4. Add to Steam:

    • After installation, add the game to your Steam library for easier access in Gaming Mode.

Pros:

  • Full control over the installation process.
  • No need for additional software.

Cons:

  • Time-consuming.
  • Requires technical knowledge.
  • Some games may not run without additional tweaks.

4. Using Wine/Proton

Wine and Proton are compatibility layers that allow Windows games to run on Linux. While Proton is integrated into Steam, you can use Wine to run GOG games directly.

Steps:

  1. Install Wine:

    • Switch to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck.
    • Open the Discover Software Center.
    • Search for “Wine” and install it.
  2. Run the GOG Installer:

    • Locate the GOG game installer.
    • Right-click and select “Open With Wine Windows Program Loader.”
  3. Install the Game:

    • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the game.
  4. Add to Steam:

    • After installation, add the game to your Steam library for easier access in Gaming Mode.

Pros:

  • Directly runs Windows executables.
  • No need for additional launchers.

Cons:

  • Can be complex to set up.
  • Performance may vary depending on the game.

Optimizing Performance

Once you’ve installed your GOG games on the Steam Deck, you might want to optimize their performance. Here are some tips:

  1. Use Proton-GE: Proton-GE is a community-enhanced version of Proton that includes additional fixes and improvements. You can install it via ProtonUp-Qt from the Discover Software Center.

  2. Adjust Graphics Settings: Lowering the resolution and graphics settings can significantly improve performance on the Steam Deck.

  3. Enable FSR: FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is an upscaling technology that can improve performance without sacrificing too much visual quality. You can enable it in the Steam Deck’s performance settings.

  4. Use CryoUtilities: CryoUtilities is a set of tools that can optimize the Steam Deck’s performance by tweaking system settings. It’s available on GitHub and can be installed via the Discover Software Center.

Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?

While we’re on the topic of things that seem to defy logic, let’s take a moment to ponder why cats always land on their feet. This phenomenon, known as the “righting reflex,” is a result of a cat’s highly flexible spine and lack of a functional collarbone. When a cat falls, it can twist its body mid-air to orient itself feet-first. This reflex is so effective that cats can often survive falls from great heights, although it’s always best to keep your feline friends safe and sound.

Conclusion

Playing GOG games on the Steam Deck is not only possible but also relatively straightforward with the right tools and knowledge. Whether you choose to use the Heroic Games Launcher, Lutris, manual installation, or Wine/Proton, you can enjoy your GOG library on the go. And while you’re at it, take a moment to marvel at the wonders of nature, like how cats always manage to land on their feet. Happy gaming!

Q1: Can I play GOG games on Steam Deck without using third-party tools?

A1: While it’s possible to manually install GOG games on the Steam Deck, using third-party tools like Heroic Games Launcher or Lutris simplifies the process and often provides better compatibility.

Q2: Do all GOG games work on Steam Deck?

A2: Most GOG games should work on the Steam Deck, but some may require additional tweaks or compatibility layers like Proton. It’s always a good idea to check community forums or databases like ProtonDB for specific game compatibility.

Q3: Can I use cloud saves with GOG games on Steam Deck?

A3: Yes, many GOG games support cloud saves, but you may need to configure them manually. Tools like Heroic Games Launcher often have built-in support for cloud saves.

Q4: Is it legal to play GOG games on Steam Deck?

A4: Yes, it’s perfectly legal to play GOG games on the Steam Deck as long as you own the games. GOG’s DRM-free policy allows you to install and play your games on any device you own.

Q5: Can I play GOG games offline on Steam Deck?

A5: Absolutely! One of the advantages of GOG’s DRM-free policy is that you can play your games offline without any issues. Just make sure to install the games and any necessary updates before going offline.

Q6: Why do cats always land on their feet?

A6: Cats have a remarkable ability called the “righting reflex,” which allows them to twist their bodies mid-air to land on their feet. This is due to their flexible spine and lack of a functional collarbone, enabling them to orient themselves quickly during a fall.

TAGS