Alright, here we go. So, I gotta tell you, the Steam Deck — yeah, that chunky little handheld that practically screams “I’m a tiny computer, love me!” — it, uh, shook things up when it dropped. I mean, it was like that scene in a movie where the new kid struts into a classroom and everyone’s heads turn. Yet somehow, everyone assumes you can only play Steam games on it. But hey, not true!
You’re not stuck. Nope. Turns out, with a bit of elbow grease, you can get your hands on way more games. Heroic Games Launcher is the magic trick here — think of it as a key to your Amazon, Epic, and GoG treasure chests. We’ve all claimed those free games, right? Downloaded them in a fit of FOMO and then promptly forgot. No judgment.
But — oh, here’s the fun part — you gotta do a little dance with the tech. First, hit that Steam button and switch over to Desktop mode. It’s like diving into the Deck’s basement. Weirdly exhilarating. And then, and I might have gotten sidetracked here, you wander over to the Discover app. Honestly, can we agree it sounds more like a TV show for wannabe archaeologists than an app store? Anyway, find Heroic, hit install, and once it’s done fussing about, open it up.
Now, here’s a confession. Epic Gaming pops up, and suddenly I’m back in my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles phase. Remember that? Good times. Anyway — uh, where was I going with this? Oh yeah, setting games up. Just select a game, toy around with the Wine settings (Proton Experimental, if you’re asking), and launch your game already! I tested Cyberpunk 2077 — dragged on like a lazy afternoon, but worth it when finally up and running.
For those really into aesthetics — the folks who’d rather have their chocolate cake without bits broken off — you can make this Heroic thing look spiffy in your Steam library. I bet someone made a database (yep, steamgriddb) just for art. I get it though — who doesn’t love a saucy game cover?
Lastly, don’t forget when you next power up your Deck, it’ll have your Heroic Games right there, waiting like an overeager puppy. Games. All the games. Pretty much in your pocket. So yeah, tinkering around was totally worth it.
