No, you cannot natively play Wizard101 on the Steam Deck because the game does not support SteamOS or Linux. However, you can use workarounds like Proton, Windows installation, or cloud gaming services such as GeForce Now to enjoy Wizard101 on your Steam Deck.
How to Play Wizard101 on Steam Deck: 3 Workarounds
Although Wizard101 wasn’t built for Steam Deck, several workarounds allow you to get it running smoothly. Below are the top three methods to make it happen.
Using Proton to Play Wizard101 on Steam Deck
Proton, developed by Valve, allows many Windows games to run on Linux-based systems like the Steam Deck. Here’s how you can try playing Wizard101 using Proton:
- Enable Proton: Go to Steam Settings > Steam Play, then enable Proton for all games.
- Download the Wizard101 Launcher: Use the Steam Deck’s browser to download the Wizard101 launcher (.exe).
- Add Wizard101 as a Non-Steam Game: In Steam, click Add a Non-Steam Game, select the downloaded Wizard101 installer, and add it to your library.
- Run the Game via Proton: Launch Wizard101 from your library using Proton.
Does it Work?: Proton’s compatibility varies from game to game, and while this method can work, it may not deliver the best performance or stability for all users. Experimenting with different Proton versions can sometimes improve compatibility.
Installing Windows on Steam Deck to Play Wizard101
For full compatibility, you can install Windows on your Steam Deck. It’s more complex than using Proton but provides a native Windows environment for playing Wizard101.
- Create a Bootable Windows USB: Download a Windows ISO and create a bootable USB using a tool like Rufus on a PC.
- Install Windows on Steam Deck: Plug in the USB and boot your Steam Deck from the drive. Follow the installation instructions.
- Install Wizard101: After Windows is installed, visit the Wizard101 website, download the game, and install it like you would on a standard Windows PC.
Pro Tip: This method gives you access to other Windows-based games and apps, but you will lose access to SteamOS unless you dual-boot.
Using GeForce Now to Play Wizard101 on Steam Deck
If you don’t want to deal with complex installations, GeForce Now is a cloud gaming service that streams games directly to your Steam Deck.
- Create a GeForce Now Account: Sign up for GeForce Now, either for the free or premium tier.
- Search for Wizard101: Use the GeForce Now browser to search for Wizard101 and add it to your library.
- Stream Wizard101: Open GeForce Now on your Steam Deck’s browser and play Wizard101 directly from the cloud.
Why GeForce Now?: This method doesn’t require installation or significant setup. However, since it’s cloud-based, your experience depends heavily on your internet connection speed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Playing Wizard101 on Steam Deck
Can you install Wizard101 on Steam Deck?
No, you can’t install Wizard101 natively on Steam Deck due to incompatibility with SteamOS. However, you can install it by using Proton, installing Windows, or streaming the game via cloud gaming services like GeForce Now.
Is Steam Deck powerful enough to run Wizard101 with Proton?
Yes, the Steam Deck has sufficient power to run Wizard101, but performance through Proton might not be perfect. Depending on the version of Proton used, you may experience minor performance issues.
What’s the easiest method to play Wizard101 on Steam Deck?
Using GeForce Now is the easiest method because it requires no installation or heavy technical setup. Simply stream Wizard101 to your Steam Deck over the cloud.
Wrapping Up
By following one of these workarounds, you’ll be able to enjoy Wizard101 on your Steam Deck. Whether you go with Proton, Windows installation, or cloud gaming, each option has its pros and cons depending on your setup preferences.
Have you tried any of these methods? Share your experience with us in the comments below!