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While there are workarounds, playingFortniteon theSteam Deckcan be troublesome. There are complex lines of code to change in Desktop Mode, it’s easy to make a mistake, and manually updating Proton can make it tricky. Thankfully, with theDecky Loaderprogram and theNonSteamLaunchersapp created by GitHub user Moraroy, users can addFortniteto their Gaming Library via the xCloud service.
The NonSteamLaunchers app does all the hard work for you by installing the latest versions ofProton on the Steam Deckvia updates - so the controls work out of the box - and adds non-Steam launchers to your Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode alongside your official games and apps. Here’s a rundown on how to install Decky Loader, access its Testing Mode, and addFortniteto your Steam Deck games library.
Updated June 20, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:As Decky Loader is required for this guide to work, this article is updated to include the steps for setting up a Sudo Password. For admin privileges, a password is now required before initiating the installation of Decky Loader. After creating a Sudo Password, you’re able to reuse the same one for other third-party programs.
How To Install Decky Loader On The Steam Deck
Decky Loader is an incredible program that allows Steam Deck users to install useful apps and tools. If you want more control over your power and fan settings, there are apps for it. One of the most powerful apps on Decky Loader is the NonSteamLauncher, which allows you to install games and services that aren’t native to Steam. Follow these steps toinstall the Decky Loaderand access the Testing store:
You can use different browsers later.
How To Access Decky Loader’s Testing Store
The Testing Store is where you can find programs still in their experimental phase. While NonSteamLaunchers is in the Testing Store, it’s one of the most reliable in the Decky Store. Use the following steps to switch to Testing Mode:
How To Fix Missing NonSteamLaunchers From Decky Store
NonSteamLaunchers has been removed from the Decky Loader store without explanation. If this issue remains unresolved by the developers, follow these steps to download the NonSteamLaunchers Decky Loader injector:
How To Install Fortnite On The Steam Deck
With the NonSteamLaunchers installed via the Decky Loader, you can now customize the Steam Deck to accessFortnitefrom the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode.
Before installing theFortnitelauncher, you should create an Xbox account to access the xCloud service.
How To Locate Fortnite On The Steam Deck
You can add the newFortnitetab to your favorites on the Steam Deck Library. To do so, highlight the game under non-steam games, press the options button, and selectAdd to Favorites.
How To Recover Decky Loader After The Steam Deck Update
Major Steam Deck updates can cause compatibility issues with third-party programs like Decky Loader. Thankfully, it only removes the app from your Quick Access Menu; your settings and plugins are still there and can be recovered with the following steps.
Set Up A Sudo Password
The Decky Loader program and other third-party apps will require yoursudo password.To set this up, use the following steps:
That’s what’s required to playFortniteon the Steam Deck using theFortnitexCloud service. Thanks to the pre-installed settings built into the NonSteamLauncher, you can play the game without needing to reconfigure your controls or screen settings.
