Video summary

How to install Quacked games on the Steam Deck

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Summary of Tech Concepts & Tutorial Steps: Installing “Quacked”/Repacked Windows Games on a Steam Deck

Prerequisites / Repackers

  • The speaker recommends using a repacker/installer link (mentioned as being in the description).
  • They note one repacker works well only on Windows, while another option is better for Linux—with:
    • Faster installs
    • Lower failure rate

Copying the Installer to the Steam Deck

  • It’s better to copy the installer to the Deck first rather than running it directly from a hard drive / external SSD.
  • Installing from external storage can be:
    • Very slow
    • Risky for battery life (it may run down the battery before completion)
  • Using a USB hub for charging during installation is not recommended, due to:
    • Potential hardware risk
    • Slower performance even if charging works

Tip: Prefer internal/microSD installation workflows instead of external storage for speed and reliability.

Desktop Mode Installation Workflow

  1. Switch to Desktop Mode.
  2. Copy the installer / game setup (example used: Resident Evil Village).

Add and Run a Windows Installer via Proton

  1. In Steam, add the installer as a Non-Steam Game:
    • Games → Add a non-Steam game → Browse
    • Select setup.exe
  2. Set Proton compatibility to Proton Experimental:
    • Properties → Compatibility → Proton Experimental
  3. Run the installer from Steam afterward.

Optional: Installing to microSD

If installing to microSD, the guide adds an extra launch option:

Add the mount path

  • In the file manager:
    • Go to Removable Devices
    • Copy the mount path (used for Steam launch args)
  • Then open:
    • Steam → Properties → Launch Options
  • Add:
    • steam compat-mounts=<copied_mount> %command%

Input/navigation considerations

  • Installer navigation may require the D-pad “up”.
  • If controls aren’t responsive, attach a keyboard and press the up arrow.

Configure installation destination

  • Set Install location to the microSD drive letter (example: D:).
  • Create or use a folder named “Games” under the install target (if needed).
  • Ensure the Deck won’t sleep during installation (the guide includes a sleep-prevention check).

Cleanup After Install

  • Remove the installer entry from Steam once finished:
    • Right-click setup.exe → Manage → Remove

Add the Actual Game Executable to Steam (Non-Steam)

  1. Add another Non-Steam entry by browsing to the installed location on microSD.
  2. Select the game executable (example: rea.exe or the specific .exe inside the installed folder).
  3. Set compatibility to Proton Experimental again.

Copying Additional Fixes

  • The video notes the game may require additional fix files (extra patch/fix content).
  • Instructions depend on install location:
    • They reference a different approach for finding the installed game when installed on SSD vs microSD, since paths differ.

Make the Entry Look Correct in Steam

After adding the game, the guide improves how it appears in the Steam Library by:

  • Changing the name
  • Setting an icon
  • Adding custom artwork
  • Example artwork sources:
    • Downloaded icon from the internet
    • Poster/artwork from steamreaddb.com
  • Done via Steam Properties → set custom artwork

Final Launch and Confirmation

  1. Switch back to Gaming Mode.
  2. Run the game from the Non-Steam tab.
  3. Confirm Proton Experimental compatibility is still set.
  4. The guide claims it’s “a success,” with an important caveat (below).

Important Limitation / Disclaimer

  • This method doesn’t guarantee every repacked game will work.
  • There can still be Steam Deck compatibility problems.

Main Speaker / Source

  • JD Ross

Original video