Playing Battle.net Games on Steam Deck: A Step-by-Step Guide

Running Battle.net games like World of Warcraft on the Steam Deck can be a bit challenging, but with our guidance, you’ll be embarking on quests and raiding in no time.

Getting Blizzard titles to work seamlessly on Linux may present difficulties. However, many major games, such as Diablo 2 Resurrected, are now compatible and function smoothly on the Steam Deck, even without native Linux versions.

With some adjustments, the Steam Deck transforms into the perfect handheld device for casting spells and defeating enemies in your beloved Blizzard games. While Linux compatibility may lead to some initial hurdles, our tips will help you set up your device for portable play with Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Diablo quickly.

Download and Launch Battle.net

Switch to desktop mode
Open a web browser and visit Battle.net
Select ‘Download Battle.net’
Open Steam
Select ‘Add a game’
Select ‘Add a Non-Steam game’
Add the Battle.net. exe file
Return to Steam
Locate ‘Battle.net’ in your Steam library
Go to ‘Properties’
Scroll to ‘Compatibility’
Toggle on ‘Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool’
Select Proton 7.0.5
Launch Battle.net

To download and launch Battle.net on your Steam Deck, first visit Blizzard’s download page for Battle.net. This will provide the. exe file required to run the launcher through Proton.

After entering desktop mode, go to Battle.net, where you can download the launcher by clicking the ‘Download Battle.net’ option located in the top right corner.

Next, open Steam and click the + sign in the left-hand corner, then select ‘Add non-Steam game’. When the file browser opens, change the ‘Applications’ dropdown to ‘All files’ to locate the. exe file you downloaded and add it.

Find it in your Steam Library, click the gear icon, and go to Properties. In the Compatibility tab, choose your desired version of Proton—version 7.0.5 works well, though it also runs on Experimental.

Screenshot of desktop mode on Steam Deck. — dexerto

Once you press launch, the Battle.net installation process will begin. Allow it to install, but be aware that typing can be tricky with Proton due to minor glitches.

Using a mouse and keyboard is advisable, as the onscreen keyboard may be unresponsive.

After entering your details, select the games you wish to install. Titles like World of Warcraft and Diablo 2 will recognize the Steam Deck’s controls, eliminating any concerns about compatibility.

To integrate a specific game or Battle.net itself into Gaming Mode, you’ll need to create shortcuts for them, as keeping the installer could lead to confusion.

Add Battle.net Games in Gaming Mode

Switch to desktop mode
Find the Battle.net file location
Right-click the preferred game’s launcher
Select ‘Add to Steam’

Repeating the ‘Add non-Steam game’ step allows you to choose All Files to find where Proton has installed your games and Battle.net. Due to emulation of the Windows file system, the installation files may be hidden to prevent user confusion.

If you installed Battle.net directly on your Steam Deck, you will find it in the following directory:

/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/

Remember that the numbers might differ, but sorting by ‘Date modified’ will help identify where you installed it.

For instance, you might find it here:

/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/2426010261/pfx/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/Battle.net

To list a specific game in Steam, ensure you include the relevant launcher for that game.

/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/2426010261/pfx/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/Diablo II Resurrected/Diablo II Resurrected Launcher.exe

If installed on a microSD card, the path would start with:

/run/media/mmcblk0p1/steamapps/compatdata/2426010261/pfx/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/Battle.net

Once back in Gaming Mode, you will find your installed apps in the ‘Non-Steam’ section of your library.

After testing, most functionality works as expected. You may need to use the touchscreen to navigate the Battle.net launcher; however, accessing your games shouldn’t pose difficulty. Newer Battle.net games like Overwatch 2 are now available on Steam, simplifying access to your favorite Blizzard titles on the go. Nevertheless, following the steps outlined above allows you to play any title that remains exclusive to PC.

For additional Steam Deck tips and tricks, we offer a comprehensive starter guide. If you’re looking for more gaming options, check out our curated list of the best Steam Deck games.