Minecraft on the Steam Deck

So you want to play Minecraft on your Steam Deck? We wanted that too - and we figured out how to do it for you.


To install Minecraft on your Steam Deck, you will first need to switch to desktop mode. ( Here's how to switch to desktop mode ) From there, you can search the "Discover" store for an app called " Prism Launcher ". This is your client for running and playing Minecraft.
Once the Prism Launcher is installed, set the language, choose a suitable Java installation (just try the top one) and open the launcher - then add a new instance.

Select the version of Minecraft you want and decide whether you want to use Mod Launcher. After clicking "OK" you can select the newly created instance and then create your Microsoft account. (For a normal Minecraft game we recommend that you click on "Custom" and then on the latest Minecraft version.)

In the Prism Launcher settings, under "Accounts" you can add your Microsoft account by selecting "Add Microsoft account". After logging in, you can start playing - but stay tuned, we'll explain how to integrate it into your gaming mode.

Minecraft on the Steam Deck - with the Prism Launcher

Here again step by step:

⁃ Go to desktop mode
⁃ Open the Discover Store
⁃ Search for the app “ Prism Launcher ”
- Make settings such as language or Java installation
⁃ Add a new instance in Prism Launcher
⁃ Select the version of Minecraft you want and decide if you want to use the mod launcher (We recommend going to "Custom" for a normal Minecraft game and then to the latest Minecraft version.)
⁃ Add your Minecraft account and follow the instructions in the Microsoft Account Manager.
- After that you can start your game as usual

Configuration in gaming mode

To start and play your game properly, proceed as follows:

Before you start your actual game, click on the "Settings" in Prism Launcher . Navigate to "Minecraft" and make sure the "Start Minecraft maximized" option is checked. This will make the game start in full screen mode.

Then return to the Prism Launcher main screen and click "Create Shortcut". Place the shortcut on your desktop so you can easily access it.

Right-click on the shortcut and select "Add to Steam".

However, the game will only show up in Steam as the version you have installed, which isn't exactly helpful. So, take a moment to rename the game name to "Minecraft" in Steam's properties.
Once you've done that, we're almost ready to get started. Simply switch your Steam Deck back to Gaming Mode and you're ready to start your adventure in the world of Minecraft on your Steam Deck.

Here step by step:

- Open the "Settings" in Prism Launcher .
- Navigate to "Minecraft" and enable the "Start Minecraft maximized" option to start the game in full screen mode.
- Return to the Prism Launcher main screen.
- Click "Create Shortcut" and place the shortcut on your desktop for easy access.
- Right-click on the shortcut and select "Add to Steam".
- Rename the game to "Minecraft" in Steam properties.
- Switch your Steam Deck back to gaming mode.
- Play!

Controller settings

Now that you've successfully installed Minecraft on your Steam Deck, it's time to tweak your controller settings.

After entering Gaming Mode, open your library and go to the "Steam Foreign" tab. There you will find the Minecraft shortcut you created earlier. Select it to see your game's main page.
Once the main page is open, select the controller icon to enable Steam Input. Select your current layout and open the Layout Finder. Under the "Community Layouts" tab, you will find a good layout for the Steam Deck called: "Minecraft (SDHQ Recommended)." Download and apply this layout to save yourself the bulky settings.

Step by step:

- Open the library and navigate to the "Steam Foreign" tab
- Select Minecraft shortcut to view the main page
- Open Steam Input by clicking on the controller icon
- Go to your current layout
- Open the Layout Finder and go to the "Community Layouts" tab
- Download the layout for the Steam Deck: "Minecraft (SDHQ Recommended)"
- Apply the layout



With these simple steps, you are now ready to enjoy Minecraft on your Steam Deck to the fullest. The optimized controller setup ensures a seamless gaming experience that allows you to easily navigate the world of Minecraft and experience your adventures. So grab your Steam Deck and dive into the amazing world of Minecraft!