VPN on Steam Deck: How to protect your gaming sessions!

Is your Steam Deck often with you, and do you use it to play everywhere? Totally understandable! But have you ever thought about your online security, especially on public Wi-Fi networks? A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is your best friend here. In this article, we'll show you why a VPN on your Steam Deck is a great idea and how to easily set it up.

Why use a VPN on Steam Deck?

Using a VPN on your Steam Deck offers you some cool advantages:

• Protecting your privacy: Especially in public Wi-Fi networks (cafe, hotel, airport), a VPN protects your data from prying eyes and potential attackers.
• Access geo-blocked content: Want to play a game that's not available in your region? With a VPN, you can change your virtual location and access this content.
• Avoiding bandwidth throttling: Some internet providers throttle speeds for data-intensive applications like online gaming. A VPN can prevent this by masking your data traffic.
• Protection against DDoS attacks: In online gaming, you are better protected against DDoS attacks with a VPN, as your real IP address remains hidden.
• Secure browsing: Even if you're just using your Steam Deck to browse the web with your browser, what you're doing is encrypted with a VPN and therefore protected.
  
  

Preparation: What you need

Before we begin, make sure you have the following on hand:

• A VPN provider that provides OpenVPN or WireGuard configuration files (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost).
• The downloaded .ovpn (for OpenVPN) or .conf (for WireGuard) files from your VPN provider.
• Your VPN login details (username and password).
  
  

Step-by-step instructions: Installing a VPN on Steam Deck

There are several ways to set up a VPN on your Steam Deck. We'll show you the most common methods.

Set desktop mode & password

First, you need to switch to desktop mode on your Steam Deck. To do this, press the STEAM button, go to "Power" and select "Switch to Desktop".

It is also recommended to set a "sudo" password if you haven't already. To do this, open the console and enter the command passwd . Follow the instructions to create a password.

Option 1: Manual setup (via system settings)

1. In desktop mode, go to "System Settings" > "Network" > "Connections".
2. Click on the "+" symbol and select "Import VPN Connection...".
3. Select the downloaded .ovpn or .conf file.
4. Enter your login details and save the connection.
5. Optional, but recommended: Go to the "IPv6" tab and set the method to "Disable".

Option 2: TunnelDeck & Decky Loader (easier in gaming mode)

If you want to be able to conveniently turn your VPN on and off even in gaming mode, this method is ideal.

1. Install the Decky Loader .
2. Switch to gaming mode and open the quick menu (button with the three dots).
3. Go to the plugin icon and install "TunnelDeck" from the plugin store.
4. Start TunnelDeck and select "Install OpenVPN".
5. Now you can import and manage your VPN configuration directly in gaming mode.

Alternative: VPN router

If you want to protect your entire home network, you can also set up your VPN directly on your router. This way, your Steam Deck will be automatically protected as soon as it connects to your Wi-Fi.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Do all VPN providers work?

Almost all of them provide OpenVPN or WireGuard configuration files for Linux.

Can I enable/disable the VPN in gaming mode?

Yes, it's very easy with the TunnelDeck plugin for the Decky Loader.

Do I need to repeat the VPN setup after system updates?

Possibly. Major SteamOS updates can sometimes reset customizations made by third-party tools.

Will a VPN affect my game speed?

Yes, a slight decrease in speed and a slightly higher ping are possible. The impact depends on your VPN provider and the server you choose.

Can I permanently change my Steam Store location?

No, that violates Steam's Terms of Service. Only use a VPN temporarily to access games, not for permanently switching stores, to avoid having your account banned.

Conclusion

Using a VPN on your Steam Deck is a smart way to protect your privacy and unlock the full potential of your handheld. Our guide makes setup quick and easy. Whether you choose the manual method or the convenient TunnelDeck option, secure gaming and browsing are just a few clicks away!