For those of you eager to dive into the action-packed world of Helldivers 2 on your Steam Deck but are uncertain about compatibility, we have all the info for you.
While Helldivers 1 has found its place within the Steam Deck's playable roster, the sequel introduces online multiplayer features and robust anti-cheat mechanisms. These new elements present a complex challenge for Valve's SteamOS-driven handheld device, potentially complicating direct support.
So, is Helldivers 2 too much for your Steam Deck? In this detailed guide, we'll dissect the compatibility landscape of Helldivers 2 on the Steam Deck.
Can you play Helldivers 2 on Steam Deck?
Helldivers 2 is not compatible with the Steam Deck due to the operating system of the device, SteamOS, lacking support for the nProtect GameGuard anti-cheat system employed by the game.
The incompatibility issue has been verified by a Reddit user, who reported the Helldivers 2 fails to launch on the Steam Deck, showing only a loading Steam logo, even after experimenting with multiple Proton compatibility configurations.
According to Steam Deck HQ, you can get the game running in Desktop mode using Proton GE 7-49, but there are very constant stutters that make the game borderline unplayable with a connection error.
The developers have not provided any updates regarding Steam Deck compatibility for Helldivers 2 as well. Therefore, if you purchased the game to play it exclusively on the Steam Deck, we recommend you refund it at the earliest opportunity.
How to play Helldivers 2 on Steam Deck
You can use Moonlight/Sunshine to stream Helldivers 2 from your PC to your Steam Deck over WiFi, allowing you to play your PC game library comfortably from your bed, toilet seat, or anywhere within your home network's range.
Installing Windows on your Steam Deck presents an alternative method to play Helldivers 2 or other titles that may face compatibility issues with SteamOS, particularly those involving specific anti-cheat systems like nProtect GameGuard.
That covers everything about the compatibility of Helldivers 2 with the Steam Deck. Before you head off, check out our guides on common issues in Helldivers 2 on PC and PS5, including multiplayer not working and matchmaking not working.