How Do I Download Battle.net on Steam Deck?

How Do I Download Battle.net on Steam Deck?

Want to play Diablo IV, Overwatch 2, or other Battle.net games on your Steam Deck? This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how do I download Battle.net on Steam Deck to unleash your favorite Blizzard titles on the go.

Introduction: Battle.net on Steam Deck – A Gamer’s Dream

The Steam Deck has revolutionized handheld gaming, granting access to vast libraries of titles previously confined to PCs and consoles. While Steam offers an impressive selection, many gamers also enjoy titles exclusively available on the Battle.net launcher, such as Diablo, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft. Fortunately, installing Battle.net on your Steam Deck is achievable, albeit through a workaround involving Proton and desktop mode. This guide will walk you through the process, enabling you to enjoy your favorite Blizzard games on the go.

Why Install Battle.net on Your Steam Deck?

Integrating Battle.net into your Steam Deck setup unlocks a plethora of gaming possibilities:

• Access to Exclusive Titles: Play Blizzard Entertainment’s flagship games, which are not available on Steam.
• Expanded Game Library: Augment your Steam library with Battle.net’s diverse catalog.
• Portability: Enjoy your favorite Blizzard games wherever you go.
• Centralized Game Management: Keep your Blizzard games updated and managed through the Battle.net launcher, just like on a PC.

The Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Battle.net

Installing Battle.net on your Steam Deck requires utilizing Proton compatibility layer and accessing desktop mode. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode: Press the Steam button, navigate to Power, and select “Switch to Desktop.”
2. Open Discover App Store: Locate and launch the Discover App Store on the desktop.
3. Install ProtonUp-Qt: Search for “ProtonUp-Qt” in the Discover store and install it. This tool helps manage Proton versions for non-Steam games.
4. Launch ProtonUp-Qt: Open ProtonUp-Qt.
5. Add Proton GE: In ProtonUp-Qt, select “Add version.” Choose a recent version of Proton-GE (Glorious Eggroll). Click Install. This custom Proton version often provides better compatibility for games outside of Steam.
6. Download Battle.net Installer: Open a web browser (like Firefox, which you may need to install from the Discover Store if you haven’t already). Go to the official Battle.net website and download the Windows installer.
7. Add Battle.net Installer as a Non-Steam Game: In Steam Desktop Mode, click “Add a Game” in the bottom left corner and select “Add a Non-Steam Game.”
8. Browse and Select the Battle.net Installer: Navigate to your Downloads folder and select the Battle.net installer you just downloaded.
9. Force Compatibility with Proton GE: Right-click the added Battle.net installer in your Steam library. Select “Properties.” Go to the “Compatibility” tab. Check the box labeled “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.” Choose the Proton-GE version you installed earlier.
10. Run the Battle.net Installer: Double-click the Battle.net installer in your Steam library to run it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Battle.net launcher.
11. Add the Battle.net Launcher (Not the Installer) as a Non-Steam Game: Once Battle.net is installed, you need to add the actual launcher to Steam. Repeat steps 7 and 8, but this time browse to where Battle.net was installed (usually home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/<a large number>/pfx/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/Battle.net/Battle.net.exe) and select the Battle.net.exe. Finding this directory can be tricky. Use the Dolphin file manager and enable “Show Hidden Files” (Ctrl+H) to easily locate the “.local” directory.
12. Force Compatibility with Proton GE (Again): Repeat step 9 for the Battle.net launcher that you just added.
13. Launch Battle.net: Double-click the Battle.net launcher in your Steam library to launch the launcher.
14. Download and Install Games: Log in to your Battle.net account and download your desired games. Note that some games may require specific compatibility tweaks to run optimally.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Even with careful execution, some issues might arise:

• Incorrect Proton Version: Using an outdated or incompatible Proton version can lead to installation failures or game crashes. Ensure you’re using a recent Proton-GE version, as it’s regularly updated for better compatibility.
• Forgetting to Add the Launcher, Not the Installer: A frequent error is adding the installer to Steam instead of the actual Battle.net executable. Make sure you add Battle.net.exe, not the installation .exe.
• Performance Issues: Some games might experience performance hiccups. Experiment with different graphics settings within the game and different Proton versions.
• Missing Dependencies: Certain games might require additional dependencies (like DirectX or Visual C++ runtimes). These can often be installed using protontricks, a command-line tool. ProtonUp-QT can help with this process.

Optimizing Battle.net Games on Steam Deck

• Experiment with Proton Versions: Different Proton versions may yield varying results. Try switching to a different version if you encounter issues.
• Adjust Graphics Settings: Lowering graphics settings can improve performance on the Steam Deck’s hardware.
• Use FSR or RIS: AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) or Radeon Image Sharpening (RIS) can help improve image quality without significant performance impacts.
• Install Games on Internal Storage: If possible, install your games on the Steam Deck’s internal storage for faster loading times.

Battle.net Games Compatibility on Steam Deck

While many Battle.net games run well on the Steam Deck, compatibility can vary:

Game	Compatibility	Notes
Diablo IV	Mostly Good	Some users report occasional crashes; requires tinkering.
Overwatch 2	Good	Generally runs smoothly; minor graphical glitches may occur.
World of Warcraft	Good	Runs well with optimized settings.
Hearthstone	Excellent	Plays seamlessly; perfect for handheld gaming.
Diablo II: Resurrected	Good	Can be finicky, requiring specific Proton versions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Add a Non-Steam Game to Steam?

To add a non-Steam game, launch Steam in Desktop Mode, click “Add a Game” at the bottom left, and select “Add a Non-Steam Game.” Browse to the executable file of the program you want to add and select it. This allows you to launch the program through Steam and utilize Steam Input for controller support.

What is Proton and Why Do I Need It?

Proton is a compatibility layer that allows Windows-based games to run on Linux-based operating systems like the Steam Deck. You need it because Battle.net and its games are designed for Windows. Proton translates Windows system calls into Linux system calls, making it possible to run the games.

What is Proton-GE?

Proton-GE (Glorious Eggroll) is a community-maintained version of Proton that often includes the latest fixes and improvements for game compatibility. It’s frequently more up-to-date than the official Proton versions released by Valve and is often the key to getting tricky games to run smoothly.

Why is Desktop Mode Required to Install Battle.net?

Desktop Mode provides full access to the Steam Deck’s operating system, enabling you to install programs outside of the Steam store. The standard Gaming Mode is restricted for security and stability, preventing the installation of external launchers like Battle.net without additional steps.

How Do I Navigate the File System in Desktop Mode?

Use the Dolphin file manager. It is located in the application launcher in Desktop Mode. Be sure to enable “Show Hidden Files” (usually Ctrl+H) to view files and folders that begin with a dot (.), which are often important configuration files.

My Game Isn’t Launching. What Should I Do?

First, double-check that you’re using the correct Proton version (try Proton-GE). Second, verify the game files through the Battle.net launcher. Third, search online forums for specific troubleshooting tips related to the game and Steam Deck compatibility.

How Can I Optimize Performance in Battle.net Games?

Start by lowering the graphics settings in the game menu. Consider using AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) if the game supports it. Close any unnecessary background applications on the Steam Deck. Experiment with different Proton versions.

Will Installing Battle.net Affect My Steam Games?

No, installing Battle.net should not directly affect your Steam games. Battle.net and Steam operate independently. However, running resource-intensive games from both platforms simultaneously might strain the Steam Deck’s hardware.

How Much Storage Space Do I Need for Battle.net and Games?

This depends on the games you plan to install. Diablo IV, for example, requires around 75 GB of storage. Ensure you have sufficient free space on your Steam Deck’s internal storage or an SD card before installing Battle.net and your games.

Can I Use a Controller with Battle.net Games on Steam Deck?

Yes, the Steam Deck’s built-in controller should work with most Battle.net games. Steam Input allows you to configure the controller for specific games if needed. Games with native controller support will generally work out of the box.

How Do I Update Battle.net and My Games?

Battle.net will automatically check for updates and download them when you launch the launcher. You can also manually check for updates within the Battle.net launcher settings.

Is Installing Battle.net on Steam Deck Against Terms of Service?

No, installing Battle.net on your Steam Deck does not violate any terms of service for either Steam or Battle.net. You are simply using the Steam Deck’s operating system to run a Windows application through a compatibility layer. You need to own a legitimate copy of the games you install through Battle.net.