How to play Minecraft on Steam Deck: Prism Launcher guide for Java v1.19

It’s super easy to get Minecraft Java running on Steam Deck.

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Minecraft is one of the most popular video games of all time, and Microsoft acquired the brand in 2014. Since then, the game has spawned multiple ports, including the Bedrock Edition for Xbox consoles. However, the original Java Edition remains a favorite, partly thanks to its open nature towards the modding community and the rise of self-hosted servers.

It never made its way to the official Steam store, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play Minecraft on yourSteam Deck. It’s super simple and doesn’t take long to set up the official launcher, but you’ll be logged out of the game every time you close it. Boo. Not to worry; I’ve compiled this step-by-step guide on playingMinecraftwith the community-led Prism Launcher, with helpful images and straightforward instructions.

How to install Minecraft with Prism Launcher

Alternatively, you can briefly hold down the power button to access the power menu a little faster. ASwitching to Desktop …notification will appear whichever method you choose. After a short wait, the Steam Deck will boot into its Linux desktop environment, just like you would expect on any regular PC.

Your Microsoft account should now appear in the list with the ‘Ready’ status. If it doesn’t, follow the steps above again to ensure your credentials are correct and you have a valid Minecraft purchase tied to that account.Don’t close the Prism Launcher settingspage yet; one extra step will make launching the game on your Steam Deck even easier.

Your chosen Minecraft version should now appear in the Prism Launcher, ready to play. If you’d like to test if the game works, clickLaunchon the right side of the main window with an instance selected. This will launch the game insideDesktop Mode, usually needing a mouse and keyboard.

Instead, let’s add it to the Steam Deck games library to play it inGaming Modeand use the console’s buttons, touchpads, and analog sticks. Close any Minecraft and Prism Launcher windows and open thedesktop Steam appinstead.

How to add Minecraft as a non-Steam game

You technically could stop here, but switching to Desktop Mode every time you want to play Minecraft is less than ideal. Plus, if you want more straightforward access to Steam Deck’s controller support, it only takes a few extra steps to add Minecraft to the SteamOS games library and unlock community-made controller profiles.

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To make it easier tolaunch directly into Minecraft, instead of first opening the Prism Launcher, we can choose to add an argument to the launch options. This tiny bit of code allows us to boot straight into our preferred game version, which is helpful if you don’t use multiple instances.

In this guide, we’re playingJava version 1.19.4, but your instance might differ, so use the appropriate number.

If you did it correctly, it should look something like this:

Again, if your Minecraft version number differed from the guide when you selectedAdd Instanceearlier, it must also be manually changed in theLaunch Options. If you’ve made other customizations to your Steam Deck operating system, your complete launch option command might look slightly different, but the -l (lowercase L) and version number are essential.

Back in the SteamOS Deck UI, you can find Prism Launcher in thenon-Steam game categoryand use it to play Minecraft from your account as usual. The downside to using Prism is you won’t have any information on compatibility, such as thelist of Steam Deck verified games, so be prepared to troubleshoot any problems yourself. It’s undoubtedly the easiest way to access Minecraft on Steam Deck until a possible official release on the Steam store.

How to set up Steam Deck controls for Minecraft

As with any game installed on Steam Deck, you can create a custom set of inputs for games initially designed for a mouse and keyboard. Alternatively, you can select a profile created by the community and get straight into the game. Here’s how to do it.

How to set custom library artwork for Minecraft

Using Prism Launcher to jump straight into Minecraft on your Steam Deck is great, but it looks a little ugly on the SteamOS UI without some artwork and a name change. Here’s how to set custom library artwork and fix the text.

For artwork, you can provide your own or save time by visitingSteamGridDBand downloading community-provided images. Choose your favorite variants from the categories of grids, heroes, logos, and icons, saving the images to your Steam Deck.Remember where these files are; you’ll need them shortly.

Navigate back to theSteam desktop appand select Minecraft in your library. Now you can right-click in the space where game artwork usually shows and select custom art from your directory.Icons are set via the game properties window, the same place you renamed the shortcut, byclicking the grey squarein the top left.

If your icon doesn’t appear in the folder, click theFile typedrop-down menu and selectAll Files (.)instead of*.tga, *.png. Many icons from SteamGribDB will be in the.ico format, so they’ll be invisible without making this change.

For the portrait-oriented artwork, you’ll need tolaunch a different gamebefore Minecraft appears second on your list of recently played games. Once there, you canset the portrait artwork in Desktop Mode. Otherwise, only the landscape artwork will appear. If you notice Minecraft has lost its art when browsing your library, this missing piece is usually why.

Congratulations, you can now play Minecraft on your Steam Deck using the built-in controls! Part of the appeal of Valve’s handheld is allowing users to tinker behind the scenes andinstall non-Steam games. If you’re running out of space on your console, consider picking up one of thebest SD cards for Steam Deckand expanding your storage for more Minecraft instances and worlds.

Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC

Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition is one bundle, one launcher, two games for Windows. Switch between the two editions seamlessly and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Buy at Xbox|Buy at Minecraft.net

Ben is a Senior Editor at Windows Central, covering everything related to technology hardware and software. He regularly goes hands-on with the latest Windows laptops, components inside custom gaming desktops, and any accessory compatible with PC and Xbox. His lifelong obsession with dismantling gadgets to see how they work led him to pursue a career in tech-centric journalism after a decade of experience in electronics retail and tech support.