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Here's how to run Diablo 4 on Steam Deck

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Diablo 4 is currently in Beta and due to launch soon, so here's how to get it working on Steam Deck. The same steps can be used to get it working on Linux desktop too. Update: You can also use the NonSteamLaunchers script I covered here that does a lot of the work for you.

You can see the video here, with the text guide below it:

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Text Guide

  • Go into Desktop Mode (Steam button - Power - Switch to Desktop).
  • Download the Battle.net launcher in your web browser (Chrome / Firefox etc).
  • Download ProtonUp-Qt from the Discover app.
  • Inside ProtonUp-Qt, download the new "GE-Proton7-51-diablo_4_beta". Once done, close ProtonUp-Qt.
  • Inside Steam: hit Add A Game in the bottom left, select Add a non-Steam Game and hit Browse.
  • Go into your Downloads folder in the file browser, select All Files from the bottom and then select the "Battle.net-Setup.exe" file.
  • Once added, search for the Battle.Net installer shortcut in Steam. Right click -> Properties -> Compatibility -> Tick the box and select GE-Proton7-51-diablo_4_beta.
  • Now run it and install it. Once installed, close it, do not login.
  • Right click on the shortcut again, go to Properties, hit Browse and update the shortcut to point to the "Battle.net Launcher.exe". It's location will depend on where you installed it.
    • SD Card: /run/media/mmcblk0p1/Battle.net/
    • SSD: /home/deck/.steam/root/steamapps/compatdata/ (then find the most recently created id) /pfx/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/Battle.net/

Now you will have Battle.Net set up and you can launch it in Gaming Mode, in the Non-Steam section of your Steam Library. You may need to manually bring up the on-screen keyboard with STEAM + X, and you can use a mouse cursor by holding the STEAM button and using the Right Trackpad with Right Trigger as a mouse button.

The Battle.Net UI is cut off, but if you click about along the top of it, the app will flicker into focus giving you the install buttons at the bottom.

After that, you're free to install and run Diablo 4. If you get a GPU error message, just hit OK and it will run.


This is just one possible way to do it. You could also use Lutris to install Battle.Net but I personally prefer on Steam Deck specifically to keep everything inside Steam if I can.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
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22 comments
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StalePopcorn Mar 20, 2023
Is there feedback on actually running the Open Beta on Linux?
Soulprayer Mar 20, 2023
I like to know this as well.

I've just took all the environment variables from the lutris script and put them on the blizzard battle.net app altogether with the diablo4 wine version - I hope this is okay.

I do want to test it on Open Beta, so if we're lucky Blizzard will have reserved enough power for the game if they have learnt the lesson with WoW start more than a decade ago.
mark348 Mar 20, 2023
It works for now but will it in future?
Purple Library Guy Mar 20, 2023
Quoting: mark348It works for now but will it in future?
For different values of "future", I can confidently say both "yes" and "no".
elmapul Mar 20, 2023
inst that the game where you have to spend 500.000 millions in lootbox in order to maximize one single character, or spend 10.000 years grinding your character (if they dont relase any update patch in this meantime) ?

i will pass.
even if its not, i dont trust blizard to not screw it in an update.
Mountain Man Mar 21, 2023
Quoting: elmapulinst that the game where you have to spend 500.000 millions in lootbox in order to maximize one single character, or spend 10.000 years grinding your character (if they dont relase any update patch in this meantime) ?

i will pass.
even if its not, i dont trust blizard to not screw it in an update.
You're thinking of Diablo Immortal, which is your typical exploitive "free to play" mobile game ("Do you guys not have phones?"). Diablo IV is a proper PC game. They're going to offer cosmetic items, but there's not going to be any "pay to win" nonsense.
Theodis Mar 21, 2023
Quoting: Mountain ManYou're thinking of Diablo Immortal, which is your typical exploitive "free to play" mobile game ("Do you guys not have phones?"). Diablo IV is a proper PC game. They're going to offer cosmetic items, but there's not going to be any "pay to win" nonsense.

Once more extreme lines are crossed the previous lines don't seem so bad by comparison, but even cosmetic items used to not be tolerated in proper PC games, that was also for those free to play games. I have no doubt they'll keep pushing the line of what is acceptable and go further.
elmapul Mar 21, 2023
Quoting: Mountain ManThey're going to offer cosmetic items, but there's not going to be any "pay to win" nonsense.


they said the same about the mobile game.
twinsonian Mar 21, 2023
Quoting: Theodis
Quoting: Mountain ManYou're thinking of Diablo Immortal, which is your typical exploitive "free to play" mobile game ("Do you guys not have phones?"). Diablo IV is a proper PC game. They're going to offer cosmetic items, but there's not going to be any "pay to win" nonsense.

Once more extreme lines are crossed the previous lines don't seem so bad by comparison, but even cosmetic items used to not be tolerated in proper PC games, that was also for those free to play games. I have no doubt they'll keep pushing the line of what is acceptable and go further.

Correct

Replay-ability is complimented really well with cosmetics that are found/earned in game. Gives the player incentive to find more or try more challenging content. Finding a rare skin or item in the game drives retention for the player that earned it and others that see it and want it too. Buying cheap content without earning it through play is just a peer pressure technique for others to do the same or feel left out. Its a dirty business practice and is ultimately unfulfilling. Core Blizzard doesnt exist anymore, just nostalgia and a highly recognizable brand. Expecting or even hoping for the same magic that used to be is just folly.

Those that enjoy D4, more power to you. I got off the activision/bliz train awhile ago.
TheRiddick Mar 21, 2023
Don't be surprised if Blizzard starts banning Linux/SD users...
They really don't like any work arounds what so ever with their games.
They'll of cause probably wait until final release to start pissing people off with bans.

I won't ever buy another Blizzard game after experiencing this terrible customer service myself with Diablo-3. Why pay for a game when they can just stop your copy from working whenever they want.

FYI, I was banned because I changed my language files of game which apparently your not allowed to do. No functionality to change language. lmao

Also why is a mostly single player game always online?


Last edited by TheRiddick on 21 March 2023 at 10:36 pm UTC
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