With the arrival of the Steam Deck, we’ve got ourselves a brand-new chapter in the world of portable gaming. As gamers, we’re no strangers to the allure of playing our favorite titles anywhere and everywhere, and the Steam Deck, with its beefy hardware and compatibility with a wide range of games, has got us all fired up.
Now, picture this: You, a die-hard League of Legends aficionado, have always dreamt of bringing the Rift with you on your adventures—whether that’s in a coffee shop, on a plane, or huddled up in your favorite blanket fort. Well, my fellow summoners, it’s time to celebrate because your wish has just been granted!
In this guide, we’re going to take you on a journey, not down a lane but through the steps of installing and setting up League of Legends on Steam Deck. Whether you’re a seasoned League player who knows the game like the back of your hand or a newbie just starting to explore the vast world of the Rift, the idea of having the iconic League of Legends in the palm of your hands is enough to send shivers down your spine and ignite that gaming passion within.
I am going to show you how to optimize your settings, how to get League up and running, and, most importantly, how to experience the heart-pounding thrill of League of Legends in a whole new way. It’s time to jump into the extraordinary world of League of Legends on the Steam Deck and finally turn those portable gaming dreams into reality.
Let’s get into it!
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How to install League of Legends on Steam Deck
To install League of Legends on your Steam Deck, follow these simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to dive into the action on your favorite portable gaming device.
Step 1: Install Bottles
1. Access the Steam Deck Discover Store:
- To begin, power up your Steam Deck and make sure it’s connected to the internet. Navigate to the Steam Deck’s Discover Store. You can do this by clicking on the Steam icon, which is typically located in the main menu.
2. Install “Bottles”:
- In the Discover Store, use the search feature to find an application called “Bottles” and Install it. This application is crucial for running Windows-compatible software on your Steam Deck, including League of Legends.
3. Navigate to Preferences/Lutris:
- After Bottles is installed, open the application. You might find Bottles in your Steam Deck’s apps menu or listed under your installed software.
4. Download “lutris-ge-lol-8.7.1”:
- Within Bottles, go to “Preferences” and then “Lutris.” Lutris is a game manager that can help you install and run various games, including League of Legends.
- In the Lutris application, search for “lutris-ge-lol-8.7.1” in the available game runners or installers.
5. Install Lutris-ge-lol-8.7.1:
- When you locate “lutris-ge-lol-8.7.1” in the Lutris application, click on it to initiate the installation. Lutris will handle the download and setup for you, making it easier for you to run League of Legends.
“lutris-ge-lol-8.7.1” allows you to run Windows-based games smoothly, so you can experience the thrill of the Rift wherever you take your Steam Deck. Get ready to unleash your gaming skills and conquer the virtual battlegrounds!
Can you use Lutris instead of Bottles for playing League of Legends on Steam Deck?
Yes, you can also use Lutris but I won’t recommend it because it is more complicated and sometimes it crashes and the scripts won’t work properly and also found that some users got banned from League of Legends while using Lutris. Basically, you have to do more manual work in Lutris. So it’s your choice but I would still say you should use Bottles.
Step 2: Setup the Bottle
1. Create a New Bottle:
- First, click on the plus button located in the top left corner of the Bottles application. This action will allow you to create a new Bottle – a contained environment where you can install and run Windows-compatible applications.
2. Choose “Gaming” from the List:
- When prompted, select “Gaming” from the list of available Bottle categories. This choice will help ensure that your Bottle is optimized for gaming. You can get creative and name your Bottle anything you prefer.
3. Access Bottle Settings:
- After your Bottle has been created, click on the settings button to access its settings and preferences.
4. Select the Runner We Downloaded:
- Within the Bottle settings, navigate to the “Components” tab. Here, you should see a list of components and runners. Choose the runner we downloaded earlier, specifically “lutris-ge-lol-8.7.1.” This runner is specifically tailored for running League of Legends smoothly.
5. Optimize Performance:
- Now, head over to the “Performance” tab within your Bottle settings. This is where you can fine-tune the gaming experience.
6. Activate the Feral Game Mod:
- In the “Performance” tab, locate the option for the “Feral Game Mod” and make sure it’s turned on. This mod is designed to enhance the performance of games, including League of Legends.
7. Adjust Synchronization to Fsync:
- Also, within the “Performance” tab, look for the synchronization settings. Change it to “Fsync” for optimal game performance. Fsync helps to reduce input lag and deliver a smoother gaming experience.
Step 3: Download and set League of Legends
Now, as you have successfully configured your Bottle and optimized your Steam Deck for League of Legends, it’s time to get your copy of the game and complete the installation process:
1. Obtain the League of Legends Installer for Your Region:
- Make sure you download a copy of League of Legends that corresponds to your region. This is crucial to ensure you’re connecting to the appropriate game servers for the best gaming experience.
2. Launch the Bottles App and Run Your Created Bottle:
- Open the Bottles application on your Steam Deck. Locate the Bottle you created earlier, which is optimized for running League of Legends. Click on it to run the Bottle.
3. Execute the Game Installer:
- In the Bottle, you’ll find an option to run executables. Click on this option to launch the League of Legends installer that you downloaded earlier.
4. Follow the Installation Process:
- The League of Legends installer will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. This typically involves specifying installation directories, agreeing to the terms and conditions, and selecting additional components or features.
5. Wait for the Installation to Complete:
- The installer will begin downloading and installing the necessary game files. This process may take some time, so be patient and let it run to completion.
6. Log In or Create a League of Legends Account:
- After the installation is finished, the game launcher will appear. You’ll have the option to log in with your existing League of Legends account or create a new one if you don’t have an account yet.
7. Update the Game:
- Ensure that you allow any necessary updates to download and install to keep your game client up to date.
With these steps, you’ll have successfully installed League of Legends on your Steam Deck using the Bottles application. Now, you’re all set to enter the League of Legends universe and embark on exciting adventures on the Rift. Best of luck, and may you achieve victory and glory in the world of League of Legends!
Step 4: Now install League of Legends
After completing the steps outlined above, you should see the Riot Games launcher appear on your screen. This is the gateway to installing and launching League of Legends on your Steam Deck. Here’s what you need to do next:
1. Launcher Initialization and Game Download:
- The Riot Games launcher will initiate the download and installation process for League of Legends. It will fetch the necessary game files from the servers, and this might take some time depending on your internet connection speed.
2. Adjust the Client Settings:
- While the installation is in progress, it’s a good idea to customize a crucial setting to ensure a smoother experience. Look for the “Close the client during game” or similar setting within the client.
3. Activate “Close the Client During Game”:
- Activate the “Close the client during the game” setting. This option will automatically close the Riot Games launcher once you launch League of Legends. Enabling this setting helps to free up system resources and avoids potential conflicts while you’re in-game.
By configuring this setting, you’re optimizing your setup for a seamless League of Legends experience on your Steam Deck. Once the installation is complete and the “Close the client during game” setting is enabled, you’re ready to dive into the world of League of Legends with the best performance possible. Enjoy your gaming journey on the go!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this guide has illuminated the path to bring League of Legends to your Steam Deck, transforming it into a versatile portal to the world of competitive gaming. We’ve carefully tailored your Steam Deck to host this iconic MOBA game, from obtaining the installer to optimizing your settings. With this setup, you can take your League of Legends adventures wherever your journey leads.
The arrival of the Steam Deck has redefined portable gaming, and now you’re poised to claim the Nexus, achieve epic victories, and bask in the excitement of League of Legends on the go. Your Steam Deck is your gateway to the League of Legends universe, ensuring that the thrill and strategy of this legendary game are always within your reach. Embrace the action and may your gaming escapades be filled with memorable triumphs and endless enjoyment. Game on, summoner!