Get Discord Up and Running on Your Steam Deck or Steam Machine

If you’re diving into gaming on a Steam Deck or a Steam Machine, you might be wondering how to keep your Discord chats alive while you play. Good news: both devices are essentially mini PCs running Linux, which means you can easily integrate Discord just like on your regular gaming rig!

Here’s a straightforward guide to getting Discord installed on your Steam devices, whether you’re chilling on the couch with the Steam Machine or gaming on the go with the Steam Deck. Follow these steps to get connected:

1. Open the Steam menu by pressing the Steam button on your controller.
2. Select “Power” and then switch to Desktop Mode.
3. Find the Discover app (the blue icon) and open it.
4. Search for “Discord” and hit install.
5. While still in Desktop Mode, go back to Steam.
6. Click on “Add Game” at the bottom left corner of the window.
7. Select “Add a Non-Steam Game” from the options.
8. Choose Discord from the list and click “Add Selected Programs.”
9. Return to Gaming Mode, and you’re all set!

Now, while the installation process is pretty smooth, you may encounter some hiccups with the controller layout. If you want to optimize Discord for your gaming experience, follow these extra steps:

1. Go to your Library and find Discord.
2. Before launching Discord, click on its controller settings (you’ll see a controller icon on the right).
3. Adjust the layout to something you’re comfortable with. If you’re using a Steam controller, I recommend the “Mouse Only” option. This lets you use the right trackpad as a mouse and the right trigger for left clicks, mimicking a desktop experience.

By following these steps, you’ll have Discord up and running on your Steam device, letting you chat with friends while you game. You can easily switch between your game and Discord when you want to jump into a voice chat or just check messages. Plus, Discord stays open when your Steam Machine or Steam Deck goes to sleep, but keep in mind that it will close completely if you shut down the device. Enjoy your gaming and chatting!