Top 10 Must-Have Apps for Your Steam Deck

The Steam Deck has become a game-changer for portable PC gaming, bringing the power of a full-fledged PC to your hands. However, to truly unlock its potential, adding a few well-chosen apps is key. From gaming optimizers to productivity boosters, here’s a roundup of the best apps to elevate your Steam Deck experience.

1. ProtonDB

Purpose: Game compatibility checker
Why You Need It: The Steam Deck relies on Proton, a compatibility layer to run Windows games on Linux. With ProtonDB, you can check the compatibility ratings of games across the community, ensuring smooth gameplay. This app helps you know in advance if your favorite titles are likely to run without a hitch or need some tweaks.

2. Discord

Purpose: Communication and community
Why You Need It: Join the vibrant gaming community right from your Steam Deck with Discord. Stay connected with friends, join gaming servers, and coordinate multiplayer sessions on the go. The app runs smoothly on the Deck, especially if you disable overlay features to keep performance steady.

3. Moonlight

Purpose: Game streaming from PC
Why You Need It: For those games that are still more comfortable on a full desktop, Moonlight lets you stream from your main PC to the Steam Deck. This app is ideal if you want to leverage the power of a gaming rig but still enjoy it on the Steam Deck’s portable screen.

4. EmuDeck

Purpose: Emulation for retro gaming
Why You Need It: EmuDeck brings the world of retro gaming to your Steam Deck, allowing you to run emulators for consoles like NES, PlayStation, and GameCube. It organizes everything within your Steam Library for a seamless experience and is a dream come true for anyone who enjoys classic titles.

5. Bottles

Purpose: Run Windows apps on Linux
Why You Need It: Bottles provides a containerized environment to run Windows applications on Linux, essential for software that isn’t natively supported on Steam OS. If you need specific tools or older games that aren’t on Steam, Bottles gives you flexibility and access.

6. Decky Loader

Purpose: Plugin management for customization
Why You Need It: Decky Loader brings various customization plugins to your Steam Deck. From changing system themes to adding performance overlays, this app lets you fine-tune your device’s appearance and function, providing an easy way to add additional features and shortcuts.

7. Spotify

Purpose: Music and podcast streaming
Why You Need It: What’s better than gaming? Gaming with your favorite tunes in the background. Spotify’s Linux desktop app runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, allowing you to enjoy playlists or podcasts while playing games without skipping a beat.

8. ChimeraOS

Purpose: Game-centric Linux OS
Why You Need It: If you want to turn your Steam Deck into a true gaming console, ChimeraOS might be worth considering. This Linux-based operating system boots directly into Steam Big Picture Mode and supports other game launchers like Epic Games and GOG, providing a more console-like experience.

9. MangoHUD

Purpose: Performance monitoring
Why You Need It: MangoHUD is a great overlay tool for tracking your Steam Deck’s performance stats. It provides FPS, GPU, and CPU usage in real-time, helping you adjust settings to optimize gameplay and avoid overheating. It’s an essential tool if you like tweaking performance for the best experience.

10. OBS Studio

Purpose: Screen recording and streaming
Why You Need It: Whether you’re recording gameplay for your YouTube channel or live-streaming on Twitch, OBS Studio is the best option. This software runs efficiently on the Steam Deck, especially if you scale down recording settings. It’s a fantastic way to capture content on the go.

Honorable Mentions

• Lutris: For a multi-platform library that integrates all your game clients (like Steam, GOG, Epic Games).
• KDE Connect: Sync your phone with your Steam Deck for easy file transfers and notifications.
• Brave Browser: For secure, low-resource web browsing.
• Telegram: A lightweight messaging app that’s great for connecting with friends and gaming communities.

The Steam Deck can be more than a portable gaming device; it’s a full-fledged, customizable computer in your hands. From running retro games to improving system performance, these apps will make your Deck more functional, versatile, and enjoyable.