How to play League of Legends on Steam Deck

What is Steam Deck?

In 2022, Valve introduced the Steam Deck, a Linux-based handheld gaming system. Notably, the Steam Deck stands out for its openness, a characteristic highlighted by Valve's official teardown video showcasing the hardware. This open nature allows users to explore various possibilities with the device.
One interesting aspect is the potential to run League of Legends on the Steam Deck, despite the native controls not being ideally suited for a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game. This showcases the versatility of the Steam Deck and the opportunities it provides for gaming beyond its initial design.

A Note on Disabling Read-Only

To install League of Legends on the Steam Deck using the Pacman package manager, it's crucial to disable read-only mode, as the Flatpak version of Lutris isn't compatible. Please note that this step is recommended for advanced users by Valve.
Keep in mind that Valve cautions users that future SteamOS updates may overwrite or remove Pacman-installed packages. Consequently, you may need to reapply the installation steps following a system update.

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How to Play League of Legends on Steam Deck

#1. Boot into Desktop Mode:

• Open a terminal.

#2. Disable Read-Only Mode:

• Execute the command: sudo steamos-readonly disable.

#3. Install Drivers for Arch Linux on AMD:

• Follow the steps on the Lutris wiki page for Installing Drivers for Arch Linux on AMD.
• Enable multilib by uncommenting the [multilib] section in /etc/pacman.conf.
• Run a package update and reboot if necessary: sudo pacman -Syu.
• Install Vulkan support: sudo pacman -S --needed lib32-mesa vulkan-radeon lib32-vulkan-radeon vulkan-icd-loader lib32-vulkan-icd-loader.
• Install additional Vulkan packages: sudo pacman -S vulkan-mesa-layers lib32-vulkan-mesa-layers vkd3d lib32-vkd3d.

#4. Wine Dependencies on Arch Linux:

• Follow the steps on the Lutris wiki page for Wine Dependencies on Arch Linux.
• Download necessary Wine dependencies: sudo pacman -S --needed wine-staging giflib lib32-giflib libpng lib32-libpng libldap lib32-libldap gnutls lib32-gnutls ... (continue the list).

#5. Install Lutris:

• Use Pacman, not Flatpak or Discover: sudo pacman -S lutris.

#6. Install League of Legends:

• Open the main League of Legends Lutris page in a browser.
• Click "Install" on the launcher titled "Standard version for your region."
• Follow the launcher popups' instructions.
• Wait for both downloads to finish (client and game).
• Do not log in or click play; quit the launcher after downloads finish.

#7. Finish Installation in Lutris:

• Disable the Lutris runtime.
• Select League of Legends in Lutris.
• Choose "Configure."
• Go to "System options."
• Enable "Disable Lutris runtime," then save.

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LoL Gameplay experience on Steam Deck

With a legacy spanning over a decade, League of Legends continues to captivate players in the ever-evolving realm of multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) gaming. The Steam Deck, Valve's portable gaming device, offers a unique avenue to indulge in the League of Legends universe, combining the familiarity of PC gameplay with the added allure of on-the-go versatility.
Navigating through the game on the Steam Deck is a seamless affair, thanks to its intuitive and responsive controls. The touch screen functionality simplifies champion selection and item management, providing players with an accessible and efficient means of interaction. Complemented by well-designed thumbsticks and buttons, the Steam Deck ensures precise control over movement and combat actions.
A standout feature of playing League of Legends on the Steam Deck is its ability to deliver a smooth and immersive gaming experience. The device's robust hardware effortlessly handles the game's intricate graphics and animations, eliminating any concerns of lag or disruptions. This reliability ensures that players can fully immerse themselves in the game, free from performance-related interruptions.
Beyond its portable nature, the Steam Deck adds another layer of versatility by seamlessly connecting to larger screens. Whether it's docking the device to a TV or monitor, players can effortlessly transition to a more expansive display, enhancing the overall gaming experience. This flexibility is a boon, catering to those who prefer a grander visual canvas or those eager to share the gaming session with friends.
In summary, the Steam Deck elevates the League of Legends experience. Its portability, responsive controls, and powerful hardware collectively contribute to an outstanding gaming journey, whether you're on the move or stationed at home.

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Conclusion

The Steam Deck effortlessly translates the familiar PC gaming experience onto a compact, handheld device, offering players the freedom to enjoy League of Legends anytime, anywhere. The intuitive controls, responsive touch screen, and well-designed buttons enhance the gameplay, ensuring a seamless transition for both seasoned and new players.
What sets the Steam Deck apart is its ability to deliver not just portability but a robust and lag-free gaming experience. The device's powerful hardware effortlessly tackles the intricate graphics and animations of League of Legends, ensuring that every gaming session is immersive and interruption-free.
Moreover, the Steam Deck's adaptability shines through as it effortlessly connects to larger screens, allowing players to switch from handheld to a more expansive visual canvas with ease. This flexibility caters to diverse preferences, offering a personalized gaming experience tailored to individual tastes.
In conclusion, the Steam Deck brings League of Legends to new heights, offering a portable yet powerful platform that caters to the dynamic needs of today's gamers. Whether you're conquering battles on the go or immersing yourself in the grandeur of a larger screen, the Steam Deck proves to be a versatile companion for League of Legends enthusiasts, redefining the boundaries of where and how we experience this beloved game.