If you just bought a Steam Deck and are an avid online gamer, then you might want to install Battle.net as soon as you get it.
However, the process to install Battle.net on the Steam Deck is not as simple as it is on a regular PC.
This post includes an easy tutorial on how to install Battle.net on the Steam Deck as well as some additional tips.
Quick Summary
In this post, we will shed light upon
- How to download and install Battle.net on the Steam Deck
- How to add Battle.net games to Steam Deck
- Some frequently asked questions (FAQs)
So without further ado, let’s get started.
How to Download and Install Battle.net on the Steam Deck?
This section is a simple guide on how to install Battle.net onto your Steam Deck.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First off, head to Blizzard’s website and download the Battle.net launcher. This will give you the .exe file, which you will use to embed into Proton to get it functioning.
- Once you have the launcher downloaded, go into Desktop mode. To go to Desktop mode, you must press the Steam button, then choose ‘Power’ and ‘Desktop mode’.
- This will allow you to access the Steam Deck’s file explorer.
- Next, open Steam, and in the left-hand corner, hit the + symbol and then ‘Add non-Steam game’.
- You will be greeted by a file browser, and you’ll need to change the settings to show all files.
- Under the “Applications” section, choose the dropdown list and select ‘All files’.
- Then navigate to where you saved the .exe file and add it.
- After it’s added, locate it in your Steam Library, and then press the gear symbol.
- On the window that pops up, select Properties.
- Navigate to ‘Compatibility’. This will give you the choice of what version of Proton you want to use.
We recommend using version 7.0.5, but it should also work with the Experimental version.
- Press launch, and you’ll be greeted by the Battle.net installation process.
- Go through the motions of installing Battle.net as you normally would. Once the installation process is complete, you’ll be able to run it like you would on a PC.
How to Add Games to Battle.net on the Steam Deck?
To add Battle.net games to Steam Deck, you will need to follow a few simple steps.
Repeat the process of adding non-Steam games by going to the Steam library and selecting the option to “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library”.
When prompted, choose the option to “Add All Files” instead of browsing for specific files. This is because you will need to locate the folder where Proton has installed your Battle.net games.
This folder is typically located here:
.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/
Please note that the exact location may vary depending on your Steam settings.
One way to find the folder is to look for the file that was last modified, as this is likely the folder where the game was installed.
Once you have located the folder, you will need to navigate to the subfolder that corresponds to the specific game you want to add.
For example, if you want to add Diablo II, you will need to find the folder that contains the Diablo II Launcher.exe file. This will ensure that the game remains updated and that you can verify your login to Battle.net.
If your Battle.net games are installed on a microSD card, the location of the folder will start with “/run/media/mmcblk0p1/“. In this case, you will need to navigate to the appropriate subfolder to find the launcher file for the specific game you want to add.
Once you have added the games to Steam Deck, you will see them in the “Non-Steam” section of your Steam library.
Please note that you may need to use the touch screen to navigate to the game launcher and launch the game from within the Battle.net client.
Overall, adding Battle.net games to Steam Deck is a simple process that will allow you to enjoy your favorite games on a handheld device.
Looking for recommendations on the best accessories to use with your Steam Deck? Our articles showcase the most useful add-ons and peripherals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I install Battle.net games on the Steam Deck?
Yes, you can install Battle.net games on the Steam Deck by following the steps above.
You’ll have to run the Battle.net installer through Steam and then, you can add Battle.net games by using the “Add a Non-Steam Game” feature.
What is Proton and why do I need it to install Battle.net games on the Steam Deck?
Proton is a compatibility layer for running Windows programs on Linux.
Since SteamOS is a Linux-based OS, you’ll need Proton to run Battle.net on the Steam Deck.
How do I locate the folder where Proton has installed my Battle.net games?
The folder where Proton has installed your Battle.net games is typically located in the .local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/ directory. However, it can vary depending on your particular Steam Deck and its settings.
One way to find the folder is to look for the file that was last modified after you install the game. This will most likely be inside the folder where the installed game is.
Can I install Battle.net games on a microSD card to run them on my Steam Deck?
Yes, you can install Battle.net games on a microSD card.
In this case, the location of the folder will start with “/run/media/mmcblk0p1/“.
Simply insert the microSD card into the Steam Deck and then, follow the same process for adding the game as described above.
Yes, you will likely need to use the touch screen to navigate to the game launcher and launch the game from within the Battle.net client.
Please note that the on-screen keyboard within Proton is fairly glitchy and does not work well with the Steam Deck. If you have a spare keyboard and mouse, we recommend that you use that during the entire installation process.
Is it easy to install Battle.net games on Steam Deck?
Yes.
The whole process may seem intimidating when you do it for the first time. However, once you do it a few times, it’ll be muscle memory to install any Battle.net game onto your Steam Deck.
If you’re curious about how to connect your Steam Deck to a TV or monitor for big-screen gaming, our tutorial has you covered.
Wrapping Things Up…
That’s how you install Battle.net and its games onto your Steam Deck.
It’s a bummer that we have to come up with these ways to install certain games onto the Steam Deck. It happens every time a new tech device rolls around. However, since Valve is constantly updating the Steam Deck, we might eventually get to a point where this method isn’t needed.
Do you have any questions about the Steam Deck? Let us know in the comments section below.
Check out our website for additional information and resources on the topic.
