Steam Deck setup and updates

Choose the right launch route

This chapter covers running the Windows release on Steam Deck through Proton. It does not describe a native Linux installation. The game's published Steam Deck notes report community success with the game and Playtesting Updater, including Proton Experimental. That is useful setup guidance rather than a guarantee for every Deck configuration.

Download the 2026 edition from the account that owns it. A Steam library shortcut does not purchase the game or make Steam responsible for updates to a separately downloaded copy.

Add the game to Steam

1. Switch to Desktop Mode. Download and extract the complete Windows release into a folder you intend to keep.
2. In desktop Steam, choose Games → Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library. Browse to the extracted game executable and add it.
3. Open the new library entry's Properties → Compatibility. Enable the option to force a Steam Play compatibility tool and select Proton.
4. Return to Gaming Mode and start that entry.

Steam's own guides explain adding a non-Steam game, Desktop Mode and choosing Proton for a title. Keep the executable beside all of its supplied game files.

Use the updater or keep a working shortcut

You can add the Windows Playtesting Updater as its own non-Steam entry, enable Proton for it and start the game with Play inside the updater after its update check. It manages its own recognised game copy. An older Steam shortcut may point to another installation.

If you already have a working game shortcut, you can instead close the game, back up saves, download the new 2026 ZIP and replace the files in that shortcut's game folder. Avoid creating an extra nested game folder. Check the displayed version when you next launch.

Before changing routes, inspect Properties → Shortcut → Target. Keep the original installation and its compatibility data until the updated game and your career both work. A separate Bottles setup or another Proton environment may use different files and saves. See Saving and storage.

Use the Deck controls

For match play, use a Steam Input layout that supplies the Xbox-style gamepad controls. In the game, open the person's control settings, choose Assign and use the controller input requested by the prompt. Assignment makes the device responsible for the person or team. Changing the button layout is a separate operation.

For pointer-based menus, configure a trackpad as a mouse with a convenient click input. Keep the normal match buttons available. In particular, using the right trigger for an unrelated mouse action can interfere with its normal sprint action.

Read Controls for the default actions, including individual-player commands and the difference between whole-team and single-footballer control. The Deck layout you choose in Steam Input and the game's own remapping both affect which physical button you press. Valve's basic-use guide explains access to a game's controller layout.

Saves, display and common problems

Read Options → Storage folder inside the running copy to find its saves. The Windows build normally uses its Windows Documents location. A newly created compatibility environment can appear to have no career even while the file remains in the old environment. Keep a separate backup before removing compatibility data or changing launchers.

If the game opens but no footballer responds, check the in-game assignment first. If only a mouse action appears when pressing a trigger, check Steam Input and the game's button mappings. If the game is slow, reduce display or graphics demands in Options and choose a manageable world size when starting a career.

If the updater reports that everything is current but the game still shows an old version, compare the shortcut target with the copy launched by the updater. If an update cannot find the game or ownership, check the selected edition and account rather than replacing working save files.

For a support report, state that you are using the Windows release through Proton, name the selected compatibility tool, and explain whether you launch the game directly or through the updater. Classic has different controls and timing, so Classic setup tips should not be assumed to apply to the 2026 match.