Fortnite: How to Play on Steam Deck

Fortnite, with its massive global player base, is a favorite among gamers, but playing it on the Steam Deck presents a unique challenge as the device does not officially support Epic Games through its native SteamOS. However, enthusiasts eager to enjoy Fortnite on Valve’s portable gaming console have viable alternatives. In this article, we explore two methods to get Fortnite up and running on the Steam Deck. While the experience might differ slightly from playing on traditional platforms, these solutions allow you to still enjoy the excitement of Fortnite on this powerful handheld device.

How to Play Fortnite on Steam Deck

To enjoy Fortnite on the Steam Deck, there are two primary methods available: Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now. Both services provide real-time game streaming, allowing you to play Fortnite directly from the cloud. It’s crucial to ensure you have a reliable and fast internet connection to take full advantage of these streaming platforms, as they require stable connectivity to deliver a smooth gaming experience. These options allow you to bypass the compatibility issues with SteamOS, bringing Fortnite to your Steam Deck with minimal hassle.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

To play Fortnite via Xbox Cloud Gaming on your Steam Deck, you’ll need to set up Microsoft Edge and have an active Xbox Game Pass subscription. Here’s a streamlined guide to getting everything up and running:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode: Start by pressing the Steam button on your Steam Deck and navigating to Desktop mode from the Power tab.
2. Install Microsoft Edge:
• Open the Discover Software Center on the Steam Deck.
• In the sidebar, click on “Applications” and search for “Microsoft Edge Beta.”
• Install the Microsoft Edge browser.
3. Add Microsoft Edge to Steam:
• After installation, go to the desktop, right-click on the Microsoft Edge icon, and select “Add to Steam.”
• In Steam, go to your Library, click “Add a Game,” and include Microsoft Edge in your list.
4. Configure System Permissions:
• Open the Applications menu and launch the Konsole terminal.
• Enter the command: flatpak --user override --filesystem=/run/udev:ro com.microsoft.Edge
5. Setup Microsoft Edge for Xbox Cloud Gaming:
• Right-click on the Microsoft Edge icon in Steam, select “Properties.”
• In the target field, enter: --window-size=1024,640 --force-device-scale-factor=1.25 --device-scale-factor=1.25 --kiosk “https://www.xbox.com/play"
• Adjust the properties to allow for external controllers.
6. Access Xbox Cloud Gaming:
• Launch Microsoft Edge from Steam, navigate to the Xbox website, and log in with your Microsoft account.
• Once logged in, you can launch Fortnite and start playing directly on your Steam Deck.

This setup process ensures that you can enjoy a seamless Fortnite gaming experience through Xbox Cloud Gaming on your Steam Deck, leveraging the power of cloud streaming.

NVIDIA GeForce Now

To enjoy Fortnite on your Steam Deck using NVIDIA GeForce Now, follow the initial setup for Microsoft Edge as described for Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, you'll need a slight adjustment in the Microsoft Edge settings to tailor it for GeForce Now:

1. Configure Microsoft Edge for GeForce Now:
  - When setting up Microsoft Edge in Steam, under Properties, modify the target field to optimize for GeForce Now by entering:

   --window-size=1024,640 --force-device-scale-factor=1.25 --device-scale-factor=1.25 --kiosk “https://www.play.geforcenow.com”


2. Access NVIDIA GeForce Now:
  - Launch Microsoft Edge from your Steam Deck.
  - Navigate to `https://www.play.geforcenow.com` and log into your NVIDIA account.
  - From here, you can launch Fortnite directly through GeForce Now and start playing on your Steam Deck.

This setup ensures that Fortnite runs smoothly on your Steam Deck via NVIDIA GeForce Now, providing a great gaming experience through cloud streaming technology.

Conclusion

Playing Fortnite on the Steam Deck is perfectly achievable despite the platform’s lack of official support for the game through SteamOS. By utilizing Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce Now, you can stream and play Fortnite effectively on your Steam Deck. This guide has walked you through the necessary steps to set up Microsoft Edge and configure it for both gaming services, ensuring you can access Fortnite and enjoy your gameplay experience. Whether you opt for Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce Now, each method provides a viable solution to enjoy Fortnite on this versatile handheld device, making your gaming sessions enjoyable and seamless wherever you go.