How Can I Make the Most of My Steam Deck?

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Hey everyone! I’ve been using my Steam Deck (the fancy OLED version) since last August, but I’m a bit lost on all the features it offers. I mainly enjoy cozy games and recently got into narrative games like Lost Records: Bloom and Rage. I also downloaded Life is Strange. I’m not a hardcore gamer—I used to play Pokémon on my Switch and DS, but now I don’t really play my Switch anymore.

Here’s where I need help: I noticed a lot of you have various games and applications on your Deck’s desktop. I tried following a tutorial to install Sims 4 from my MacBook but couldn’t get all my expansions to transfer. I’ve managed to download Firefox, but that’s about it.

I’d really love to learn how to add more games or applications to my Steam Deck, especially ways to access hidden files for my current games. I remember trying to use the file manager to find some photos from Bloom and Rage, but couldn’t see them even after enabling the option for hidden files.

I genuinely enjoy playing on my Deck, and the graphics do make a difference. Although I try researching, a lot of it goes over my head. Any links to beginner tutorials or tips would be super helpful. Just to give you a bit of my background, I did advance tech stuff like root an iPhone a while back, but after going through a health scare in 2020, my brain doesn’t function quite like before.

Thanks in advance for any help! I hope I’m posting this the right way!

3 Answers

RetroGameFan91 -

I recommend checking out some guides from Retro Game Corps. They have a ton of tips on emulation and how to play classic games. For instance, instead of forcing Sims 4 from your PC, look into older Sims games from platforms like Gamecube or PS2. Plus, if you want to play Sims 4, consider streaming it from your MacBook to your Deck. Just add it as a non-Steam game and you should be good to go!

NostalgiaJunkie88 -

Absolutely! I loved playing the Gamecube version of The Sims back in the day. YouTube is also a goldmine for videos on how to set this stuff up, so check there too!

CuriousCat72 -

If you’re looking to get into emulation, you’ll love playing old games you missed. The guides are really user-friendly!

ChillGamerXx -

Don’t stress about it! You’re definitely a gamer in your own right! Just explore at your own pace with the Steam Deck; the games aren’t going anywhere, and there’s a ton of cool stuff to discover!

SimsMaster42 -

You can actually play Sims 4 for free on Steam! Just buy the add-ons directly through Steam, and they’ll work seamlessly. It’s a super easy option if you’re looking to get all your expansions without the hassle of transferring them from another platform.

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