If a Humble Choice game installed through Steam will not start on Steam Deck, update and restart the Deck, check that game’s compatibility status, then try a recent Proton version in its Steam settings. If it remains stuck on “Preparing to Launch,” the cause may be corrupted game files or a title-specific launcher, anti-cheat, DRM, or media dependency.
These steps apply to games installed and launched through Steam. The right diagnosis can differ if you installed the game another way or are using a separate launcher.
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1. Update SteamOS and restart the Deck
Start with the system-wide checks in Valve’s Steam Deck troubleshooting guide: install any available software updates, then restart the device. If the game still behaves poorly, exit or disable third-party applications you installed through Desktop Mode and restart again.
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2. Check the game’s Steam Deck compatibility status
Open the game’s Steam Store page and look at its Steam Deck compatibility section. Valve uses four categories:
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- Verified: The game meets Valve’s compatibility criteria for Steam Deck.
- Playable: The game works, but may need manual configuration or have other listed limitations.
- Unsupported: Valve has determined it does not currently work on Deck.
- Unknown: Valve has not tested the game; this status alone does not tell you whether it will launch.
Read the details on the Store page, not just the label: they can identify requirements the game does not meet. Valve says its compatibility review is ongoing, and status can change as games and updates arrive. See Valve’s Steam Deck compatibility information.
3. Try a recent Proton version for this game
SteamOS is based on Linux, while Proton is Valve’s compatibility layer for running Windows games on Linux. A game being Windows-only does not, by itself, show whether it will work on the Deck; compatibility depends on the particular title and its dependencies. Valve’s Proton documentation describes Proton and the compatibility issues developers may need to address.
- Open the game in your Steam Library.
- Open its menu and choose Properties > Compatibility.
- Enable Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.
- Select a recent Proton version, then close Properties and try launching the game again.
Valve’s troubleshooting guide recommends trying the latest Proton version. This setting applies to the selected game and can be changed back. Steam may download the Windows version of a game if only its Linux version was installed.
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A game can fail even when Steam and Proton are configured correctly. Valve identifies launchers, anti-cheat systems, media frameworks, and DRM as potential compatibility obstacles. Anti-cheat support can require configuration by the game’s developer; Valve’s developer guidance says kernel-space anti-cheat is not currently supported. These issues are title-specific, so a different Proton setting may not fix them.
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Check the game’s Steam Deck compatibility notes and its Steam Play discussions for guidance tied to that title. Valve’s developer documentation explains these compatibility considerations at Steamworks: Proton.
5. If it is stuck on “Preparing to Launch”
Steam Support lists corrupted extracted game files as one possible cause of the “Preparing to Launch” symptom. For a Windows game running through Proton, Support recommends checking Steam Play discussions for title-specific suggestions. If the issue continues, contact Steam Support and include the game name and what happens when you launch it.
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- Versatile Controls: With built-in thumbsticks, trackpads, and touchscreen controls, you have full control over your gaming experience.
When general fixes are not enough
The game name, installation method, Proton version, and exact error or launch behavior are useful details for narrowing down the cause. The steps above are for Steam-installed games; they do not establish how a current Humble delivery or separate launcher should be configured.
Quick Recap
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- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
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