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Does Steam Deck Have Discord? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, the Steam Deck definitely has Discord! It offers multiple ways to connect to the platform, ensuring you’re always in touch with your community, no matter where you are. Let’s dive into the details.

How to Get Discord on Your Steam Deck

The Steam Deck, running on a modified version of Linux called SteamOS, offers a versatile experience when it comes to accessing Discord. You’re not limited to a single method; instead, you have a few choices that cater to different preferences and needs.

Method 1: Using the Desktop Mode

The most straightforward way to get Discord on your Steam Deck is through its Desktop Mode. Think of it as turning your handheld gaming device into a mini-PC. Here’s how:

Switch to Desktop Mode: Press the Steam button, navigate to “Power,” and select “Switch to Desktop.”
Open Discover App Store: In Desktop Mode, you’ll find an icon resembling a blue shopping bag – this is the Discover app store.
Search for Discord: Use the search bar to locate the Discord application.
Install Discord: Click the “Install” button. The app will download and install just like any other program on a Linux-based system.
Launch Discord: Once installed, you can launch Discord from the application launcher or by searching for it.

This method installs the full Discord application, giving you access to all its features, including voice chat, text channels, screen sharing, and even Discord bots.

Method 2: Using the Web Browser (Steam Overlay)

Another option, particularly useful if you want a lightweight solution, is using Discord through a web browser within the Steam Overlay.

Open Steam in Desktop Mode: If you’re not already in Desktop Mode, follow the steps mentioned earlier to switch.
Add Discord to Steam: Click “Add a Game” at the bottom left of the Steam window, then choose “Add a Non-Steam Game.”
Select a Browser: Select a browser like Firefox or Chrome.
Launch the Browser from Gaming Mode: Switch back to Gaming Mode. Launch the browser you added as a non-Steam game.
Navigate to Discord: In the browser, go to discord.com and log in.

Using the web browser means Discord runs within the browser environment, giving you access to its functionalities through your browser. You can also use the Steam Overlay to manage volume and access quick settings.

Method 3: Using a Flatpak Package

For Linux enthusiasts who prefer a specific package manager, you can install Discord using Flatpak.

Ensure Flatpak is installed: If Flatpak isn’t already installed on your Steam Deck (it usually is by default), you can install it via the Konsole (terminal) by typing: sudo pacman -S flatpak.
Install Discord: Open the Konsole and enter the following command: flatpak install com.discordapp.Discord
Run Discord: You can then launch Discord from the application launcher.

Flatpak provides a sandboxed environment, which can sometimes offer enhanced security and compatibility.

Discord on Steam Deck: Performance and Considerations

While Discord works perfectly well on the Steam Deck, it’s important to consider its impact on performance. Discord, especially when voice chat and screen sharing are active, can consume system resources. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Battery Life: Using Discord, particularly with voice chat enabled, will reduce battery life. Expect a noticeable decrease, especially during intensive gaming sessions.
Game Performance: Discord’s resource usage can sometimes impact game performance, especially in demanding titles. Experiment to see if disabling features like hardware acceleration in Discord settings improves your game’s frame rate.
Audio Management: Setting up your audio inputs and outputs correctly is vital for clear communication. Ensure that your microphone and headphones are correctly configured in both SteamOS and Discord settings.
Background Usage: Remember that even when minimized, Discord continues to run in the background. Close Discord entirely if you’re not actively using it to maximize battery life and performance.

Making the Most of Discord on Your Steam Deck

Here are a few tips to optimize your Discord experience on the Steam Deck:

Use a Headset: A headset with a built-in microphone provides the best audio quality and minimizes background noise.
Adjust Audio Settings: Experiment with Discord’s audio settings to find the optimal configuration for your headphones and microphone. Reduce microphone sensitivity if others are hearing background noise.
Disable Hardware Acceleration: If you experience performance issues, try disabling hardware acceleration in Discord’s Advanced settings.
Keep Discord Updated: Ensure you are using the latest version of Discord to benefit from bug fixes and performance improvements.
Consider an External Battery: If you plan on using Discord for extended periods, consider an external battery pack to extend your Steam Deck’s battery life.

Discord on Steam Deck: The Verdict

Discord is an excellent addition to the Steam Deck, allowing you to stay connected with your friends and gaming communities on the go. By understanding the different installation methods, performance considerations, and optimization tips, you can seamlessly integrate Discord into your Steam Deck experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Discord on Steam Deck

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the use of Discord on your Steam Deck:

1. Can I use Discord voice chat while playing games on the Steam Deck?

Absolutely! Discord voice chat works perfectly well while gaming on the Steam Deck. Just make sure your microphone and audio outputs are correctly configured.

2. Does Discord affect the Steam Deck’s battery life?

Yes, Discord can affect battery life. Voice chat and screen sharing consume additional power, so be mindful of this during longer gaming sessions.

3. Can I screen share on Discord through my Steam Deck?

Yes, screen sharing is available on the Steam Deck through the Discord app, installed in Desktop Mode. This allows you to share your gameplay with friends.

4. How do I switch between game mode and desktop mode on the Steam Deck?

Press the Steam button, navigate to “Power,” and select either “Switch to Desktop” to enter desktop mode or “Return to Gaming Mode” to go back to the gaming interface.

5. Is there a Discord app available directly in the SteamOS gaming mode?

No, there isn’t a native Discord app accessible directly from the SteamOS gaming mode. You must either use the desktop application, or a web browser running through Steam as a non-Steam game to access it while in gaming mode.

6. How do I adjust the microphone volume in Discord on the Steam Deck?

You can adjust the microphone volume in Discord’s settings. Open Discord, go to “User Settings,” then “Voice & Video,” and adjust the input volume slider.

7. Can I use Discord bots on my Steam Deck?

Yes, you can use Discord bots on your Steam Deck just as you would on any other device running the Discord app.

8. How do I install Discord using Flatpak on the Steam Deck?

First, open the Konsole (terminal) and type flatpak install com.discordapp.Discord then press enter. This command will install Discord from the Flatpak repository.

9. What if my microphone isn’t working in Discord on the Steam Deck?

Ensure your microphone is selected as the default input device in both SteamOS and Discord settings. Also, check if the microphone is muted or disabled in either system.

10. Can I use Discord while connected to a dock on the Steam Deck?

Yes, you can use Discord while your Steam Deck is docked. This allows you to connect to a larger screen, keyboard, and mouse for a more traditional desktop experience.

11. How do I keep Discord updated on my Steam Deck?

If you installed Discord through the Discover store, it should update automatically. For Flatpak, you can update using the command flatpak update.

12. Is Discord free to use on the Steam Deck?

Yes, Discord is free to use on the Steam Deck, just like on any other platform. However, Discord Nitro, which offers additional features, is a paid subscription.