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[Humdinger]

Hi there. Question for PC gamers. How easy will it be to play modded games on the Steam Machine? In particular, I'm wondering about modded games like Skyrim, Morrowind, or Fallout. Other games as well, but those are the ones that come to mind.

At first I assumed you could play all modded games on the Steam Machine, but then I realized that most games are modded on Windows, and of course Steam operates on Linux. Although there is Proton and other translation programs, Google informs me that some games, including Fallout and Skyrim, "will not work well, because they rely on complex, Windows-specific tools." Someone told me that OpenMW (Morrowind) will be available, so that may be different.

For context, I'm a long-time console gamer and a noob when it comes to PC gaming. That's why I sound confused -- because I am. I'm not sure how this works.

If I get a Steam Machine, can I count on being able to play modded games? Or will it be hit and miss, depending on which mods are translatable?

Thanks in advance for any info.

p.s. And to clarify, I'm talking about playing modded games. I'm not interested in creating mods myself.

 

[Robot Carnival]

I imagine it won't be a problem. it's a PC after all and I'm sure when the time comes there will be plenty of tutorials for mod installations for all the different games you want to try.

 

[yet_another_alt]

I personally found modding on the Deck to be a pain in the ass due to my unfamiliarity with the Linux file system. I did mod Fallout 4 and MH Rise but those are mostly drag and drop stuff. I wanted to mod the Mass Effect trilogy at one time but it sounded like too much work.

 

[jshackles]

The overwhelming majority of mods for the overwhelming majority of games just require you to drop a file (or files) into a game's installation folder. This is essentially the same process for Windows as it is for Linux, as games files and folder structures are identical (since Proton on Linux is just running the Windows version of the game most of the time).

These "complex, Windows-specific tools", especially for Fallout and Skyrim, are usually mod managers that control things like the load order of different files. Even these tools can be run on SteamOS most of the time using Proton. The Steam Deck has been out for long enough that most people already have this all figured out and there are tons of Youtube videos out there on the subject. Here's the first one I found on Google:

 

[BennyBlanco]

Hi there. Question for PC gamers. How easy will it be to play modded games on the Steam Machine? In particular, I'm wondering about modded games like Skyrim, Morrowind, or Fallout. Other games as well, but those are the ones that come to mind.

At first I assumed you could play all modded games on the Steam Machine, but then I realized that most games are modded on Windows, and of course Steam operates on Linux. Although there is Proton and other translation programs, Google informs me that some games, including Fallout and Skyrim, "will not work well, because they rely on complex, Windows-specific tools." Someone told me that OpenMW (Morrowind) will be available, so that may be different.

For context, I'm a long-time console gamer and a noob when it comes to PC gaming. That's why I sound confused -- because I am. I'm not sure how this works.

If I get a Steam Machine, can I count on being able to play modded games? Or will it be hit and miss, depending on which mods are translatable?

Thanks in advance for any clarification.

just assume anything that applies to deck will apply to this

 

[El Hee-Ho]

If I get a Steam Machine, can I count on being able to play modded games?

Dude, Steam even has a "workshop" section for many games which makes adding mods as simple as clicking a button.

Here's an example:

Steam Community :: Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2 - Set in the zombie apocalypse, Left 4 Dead 2 (L4D2) is the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning Left 4 Dead, the #1 co-op game of 2008. This co-operative action horror FPS takes you and your friends through the cities, swamps and cemeteries of the Deep South, from...

steamcommunity.com

Also, the thing is still a PC. So yeah any mods downloaded from the internet should be installable without any issue.

 

[Hawk The Slayer]

I read that it has a mouse and keyboard slot so you can plug in your mouse and keyboard making modding easier. The only thing I read that might not be good is some mod managers probably won't work well with the Steam Machine. I'm fine with drag and drop files for modding since I used to do that a long time ago. But I'm hoping the script extender for both Fallout and Elder Scroll still works as those are required for the more advance mods.

 

[Humdinger]

The overwhelming majority of mods for the overwhelming majority of games just require you to drop a file (or files) into a game's installation folder. This is essentially the same process for Windows as it is for Linux, as games files and folder structures are identical (since Proton on Linux is just running the Windows version of the game most of the time).

These "complex, Windows-specific tools", especially for Fallout and Skyrim, are usually mod managers that control things like the load order of different files. Even these tools can be run on SteamOS most of the time using Proton. The Steam Deck has been out for long enough that most people already have this all figured out and there are tons of Youtube videos out there on the subject. Here's the first one I found on Google:

Ok, thanks, that helps.

So, just so I'm clear, I can anticipate needing to search for tutorials, find specific files, and then install those files into the game's install folder? That's not quite as simple as I'd hoped, but I'm sure I can manage.

Dude, Steam even has a "workshop" section for many games which makes adding mods as simple as clicking a button.

Here's an example:

Cool. Are those mods just the ones created in Linux, or do they included mods created in Windows, then translated through Proton?

 

[El Hee-Ho]

Cool. Are those mods just the ones created in Linux, or do they included mods created in Windows, then translated through Proton?

Mods are mods, they affect the code and files of the game so I'd say the OS doesn't matter at all here.

I remember playing Oblivion on my Steam Deck with a few mods and could just grab them from nexusmods.

 

[Kacho]

Ok, thanks, that helps. So, just so I'm clear, I can anticipate needing to search for tutorials, then find specific files, and then install those files into the game's installation folder? That's not quite as simple as I'd hoped, but I'm sure I can manage.

A person new to modding will need guides and instructions no matter which OS you use. The good thing is you will almost always find what you need.

For games with a Steam Workshop page, it's as simple as clicking what you want.

 

[ResurrectedContrarian]

The Workshop is amazing... I probably spent 5x as much time on Portal 1/2 mods (often, full narrative conversions) than I did on the base games over the years, and all of them were instant to install.

More console gamers need a taste of that freedom.

 

[Humdinger]

The Workshop is amazing... I probably spent 5x as much time on Portal 1/2 mods (often, full narrative conversions) than I did on the base games over the years, and all of them were instant to install.

More console gamers need a taste of that freedom.

Beautiful. I hope the games I'm interested in have Workshop pages.

 

[cash_longfellow]

That's what I'm wondering. I like to use Wemod on single player games I've played through before, I will buy one if that works on it.

 

[simpatico]

It's all Steam Workshop if you want it to be. As easy as browsing games on the Steam store and clicking "Add". This won't get you to the absolute depths of modding, but it should be plenty for anyone looking to add some skins or enhance the intended experience. For total conversions you'll probably have to get into folders and such.

 

[Durin]

Hi there. Question for PC gamers. How easy will it be to play modded games on the Steam Machine? In particular, I'm wondering about modded games like Skyrim, Morrowind, or Fallout. Other games as well, but those are the ones that come to mind.

At first I assumed you could play all modded games on the Steam Machine, but then I realized that most games are modded on Windows, and of course Steam operates on Linux. Although there is Proton and other translation programs, Google informs me that some games, including Fallout and Skyrim, "will not work well, because they rely on complex, Windows-specific tools." Someone told me that OpenMW (Morrowind) will be available, so that may be different.

For context, I'm a long-time console gamer and a noob when it comes to PC gaming. That's why I sound confused -- because I am. I'm not sure how this works.

If I get a Steam Machine, can I count on being able to play modded games? Or will it be hit and miss, depending on which mods are translatable?

Thanks in advance for any info.

p.s. And to clarify, I'm talking about playing modded games. I'm not interested in creating mods myself.

Here are some options:

1.Manually move files to the same folders, which works for most mods.

2.Install Mod Organizer 2 for Linux, there are 2 project options I'm familiar with. Option 1 (github) & Option 2 (github), with this video explanation of both below:


3. Option 2 (github) I just mentioned also installs Vortex on to Linux as well.

4. Nexus Mods is currently working on Nexus Mods App (github) that will work on Linux. I think it is out of alpha stage currently, this video below goes over it:


Hope that helps!

 

[Deerock71]

 

[kevboard]

it's usually annoying as fuck to do, but it's doable

 

[StereoVsn]

That's what I'm wondering. I like to use Wemod on single player games I've played through before, I will buy one if that works on it.

WeMod and other in memory tools won't work I believe, due to different memory call structure. At least I couldn't get Cheat Engine to work when I was trying on the Deck a year back or so.

 

[DavidGzz]

As long as I can run Wand(previously Wemod), I should be fine. Nexus mods would be a nice bonus.

A.I. says if you switch to desk top mode you can even use it with the Steam Deck, But you have to launch games via the app.

 

[jshackles]

That's what I'm wondering. I like to use Wemod on single player games I've played through before, I will buy one if that works on it.

As long as I can run Wand(previously Wemod), I should be fine. Nexus mods would be a nice bonus.

WeMod / Wand is trash and a blatant cash grab. Get your "trainers" from the source and stop paying for it / using an inferior product.

WeMod and other in memory tools won't work I believe, due to different memory call structure. At least I couldn't get Cheat Engine to work when I was trying on the Deck a year back or so.

They do actually work! I've got the CheatDeck Decky plugin installed and it's wonderful

GitHub - SheffeyG/CheatDeck: A launch options manager allows you to run games with cheats and trainers.

A launch options manager allows you to run games with cheats and trainers. - SheffeyG/CheatDeck

github.com

Works great with several trainers I've tried (Fling mostly) and it's pretty plug and play once you download the file you need and get it configured.

 

[DavidGzz]

WeMod / Wand is trash and a blatant cash grab. Get your "trainers" from the source and stop paying for it / using an inferior product.

It's free and sometimes I just want the basics and you can just click a toggle. You can even launch your games with it. I use Nexus for the goods and don't pay for that either.

 

[ResurrectedContrarian]

It's all Steam Workshop if you want it to be. As easy as browsing games on the Steam store and clicking "Add". This won't get you to the absolute depths of modding, but it should be plenty for anyone looking to add some skins or enhance the intended experience. For total conversions you'll probably have to get into folders and such.

Most total conversions I've played on Steam have also been available through one click -- where Steam hosts the mod with what looks like a normal-ish store page and you can add it to your library in one click as a wholly separate game, but the only requirement is that you own the base game associated with it.

for example:

or:

 

[BeardSpike]

So, just so I'm clear, I can anticipate needing to search for tutorials, find specific files, and then install those files into the game's install folder? That's not quite as simple as I'd hoped, but I'm sure I can manage.

I use my own Steam Machine already per se.

Post in thread 'GAFs big house of Linux |OT| for gamers, ricers, newbs and greybeards - because it's free as in freedom!' https://www.neogaf.com/threads/gafs...its-free-as-in-freedom.1590257/post-270999804

Thread 'Linux Bros, what's the best Linux OS for gaming (GOG and Steam)?' https://www.neogaf.com/threads/linux-bros-whats-the-best-linux-os-for-gaming-gog-and-steam.1683312/

Thread 'Adventures in Linux Gaming' https://www.neogaf.com/threads/adventures-in-linux-gaming.1679190/

Its really easy... But if you have any problem just ask in any of these threads.

You don't have to learn file structure that much.

You have Steam folder in your home folder it is hidden the one with the dot.

Ctrl+h shows hidden files.

Then its steamapps/common like in Windows...

You can always right click a game in Steam and click manage files... it will open the game folder with one click. To see the exact path or if you have just some drop in files you can drag them.

You can click on an exe file if the mod has installer and it will open just like on Windows if you have Wine but then you either have to navigate to your home folder or I keep my games on a separate SSD formatted in ext4. I have it configured via GUI like Disks installed already in OS, I choose for it to be already mounted at launch and by the disk ID.

I just find it in /mnt/Main for example when installing through Wine. Two clicks. Nothing too hard.

 

[StereoVsn]

WeMod / Wand is trash and a blatant cash grab. Get your "trainers" from the source and stop paying for it / using an inferior product.



They do actually work! I've got the CheatDeck Decky plugin installed and it's wonderful

GitHub - SheffeyG/CheatDeck: A launch options manager allows you to run games with cheats and trainers.

A launch options manager allows you to run games with cheats and trainers. - SheffeyG/CheatDeck

github.com

Works great with several trainers I've tried (Fling mostly) and it's pretty plug and play once you download the file you need and get it configured.

I need to try that Decky plugin then! That's pretty awesome.

 

[Seomel]

Depends on complexity. Ive run vortex for fallout nv/4 mods on steam versions. Easy drag and drop ones like silent's improvements for widescreens, fps pacing etc work with no issues as long as you have correct command lines setup for launch.
7th heaven, echo 8 and ff9 mods I have also work no bother with launchers.

 

[Crayon]

- mods only modify the game's files. So the game is still the game and it'll run just like it ran before.
- mods can install in different ways, with some being very simple and some being complex.
- There are tools to help with the more complex ones.
- Those tools can be harder to setup on linux.
- Usually, someone's working on problems like this at any given time.

So it can be just as easy for some mods, and harder for others. And things tend to get easier and better with time. Slow time, though.

 

[BeardSpike]

- mods only modify the game's files. So the game is still the game and it'll run just like it ran before.
- mods can install in different ways, with some being very simple and some being complex.
- There are tools to help with the more complex ones.
- Those tools can be harder to setup on linux.
- Usually, someone's working on problems like this at any given time.

So it can be just as easy for some mods, and harder for others. And things tend to get easier and better with time. Slow time, though.

Yeah I for example wrestled a bit with Ninja Gaiden Sigma black mod, it turns out the problem was with mod itself and the dude released another Steam Deck version, now 2 clicks next next and it works on all Linux distros.

I also game more than year I think on Linux so I can always help if he will have a problem.

Anyways there are quite a few of users who game on Linux here so I guess we all already have our own Steam Machines lmao.

My distro is Arch based similarly as SteamOS and I have all AMD build so I guess I could be the most helpful.

 

[RobRSG]

Most of the time Protontricks will be the savior for people who are learning how Proton works. Installing a mod with a installer is as easy as double clicking it and then choosing the right game in a list.

 

[BeardSpike]

Most of the time Protontricks will be the savior for people who are learning how Proton works. Installing a mod with a installer is as easy as double clicking it and then choosing the right game in a list.

I forgot about it, you don't have to search for a Steam path through it.

I'm always using Wine, lmao.

 

[Crayon]

Most of the time Protontricks will be the savior for people who are learning how Proton works. Installing a mod with a installer is as easy as double clicking it and then choosing the right game in a list.

I will try to remember that for next time. I've never really knew what protontricks is.

 

[BeardSpike]

We and Durin thought about making Linux OT next year since Steam Machines are launching, Nvidia drivers will be fixed and probably more HDR improvements are coming.

But Soodanim tagged me in some old Linux OT and now I dunno, lmao.

Durin I'm confused now.

 

[Crayon]

We and Durin thought about making Linux OT next year since Steam Machines are launching, Nvidia drivers will be fixed and probably more HDR improvements are coming.

But Soodanim tagged me in some old Linux OT and now I dunno, lmao.

Durin I'm confused now.

Just get a new one all ready. Use the old one and have it closed when it's time for the new one.

 

[Codes 208]

Steam workshop games should be seamless, i know that much

As for modded through files, same thing as the steam I'd imagine, (which was mod and emulation friendly)

 

[Holammer]

Dude, Steam even has a "workshop" section for many games which makes adding mods as simple as clicking a button.

Here's an example:

Steam Community :: Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2 - Set in the zombie apocalypse, Left 4 Dead 2 (L4D2) is the highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning Left 4 Dead, the #1 co-op game of 2008. This co-operative action horror FPS takes you and your friends through the cities, swamps and cemeteries of the Deep South, from...

steamcommunity.com

Also, the thing is still a PC. So yeah any mods downloaded from the internet should be installable without any issue.

Right, Binding of Isaac's most popular mod was a Steam Workshop posterboy IMO.
Don't Starve & Conan Exiles for example got very healthy modding support on Steam.

 

[BeardSpike]

I will try to remember that for next time. I've never really knew what protontricks is.

Yeah, I mean I only tried it after a year of doing things through Wine lmao, so at this point it's like whatever.

EDIT: I think I didn't try it because I also use GOG games so I still would have to use Wine from time to time. So why not use it all the time and get used to it.

 

[The Shepard]

Skyrim steam workshop only works on the older version of the game, found this out after I brought the new one.

 

[Durin]

Just get a new one all ready. Use the old one and have it closed when it's time for the new one.

BeardSpike Pretty much agree with this.

Either we start the new OT when the Steam hardware releases early next year, or if any major Linux development happens next year: improvements to Vulkan for ray-tracing performance, Nvidia drivers improving parity with Windows, Proton expanding to ARM devices, etc.

 

[Cyberpunkd]

I imagine it won't be a problem. it's a PC after all and I'm sure when the time comes there will be plenty of tutorials for mod installations for all the different games you want to try.

It's going to be exactly as it is on the Deck - OKish, but yes, some mods that rely on Windows libraries will not run.

Here's an example of modding New Vegas on the deck:



Personally I like rather light approach to mods - strict minimum, I cannot imagine plying with a list of 100+ mods like some people do.

 

[Tobimacoss]

BeardSpike Pretty much agree with this.

Either we start the new OT when the Steam hardware releases early next year, or if any major Linux development happens next year: improvements to Vulkan for ray-tracing performance, Nvidia drivers improving parity with Windows, Proton expanding to ARM devices, etc.

How would Proton expanding to ARM help other than the index?

Is Valve going to release laptops with Snapdragon?

@OP: don't go chasing waterfalls, stick to the rivers and the lakes like you used to.

 

[Durin]

How would Proton expanding to ARM help other than the index?

Is Valve going to release laptops with Snapdragon?

@OP: don't go chasing waterfalls, stick to the rivers and the lakes like you used to.

As Proton expand to translate windows x86 games to ARM, then it opens up the option for your Steam library to run on Android (google now has to open their platform to other storefronts).

You could even have some of those retro handhelds that run Android largely for the better battery life of ARM chips, instead run SteamOS that has both better performance emulators, and likely would yield better compatibility/performance than those devices just opting for Android.

The Steam Frame is running SteamOS, using ARM hardware, and can side-load APK files, so that also will likely open up some Android games coming to Steam without need of dedicated ports.

So it's more what building that VR headset is opening up, than just playing VR games better.

 

[Tobimacoss]

As Proton expand to translate windows x86 games to ARM, then it opens up the option for your Steam library to run on Android (google now has to open their platform to other storefronts).

You could even have some of those retro handhelds that run Android largely for the better battery life of ARM chips, instead run SteamOS that has both better performance emulators, and likely would yield better compatibility/performance than those devices just opting for Android.

The Steam Frame is running SteamOS, using ARM hardware, and can side-load APK files, so that also will likely open up some Android games coming to Steam without need of dedicated ports.

So it's more what building that VR headset is opening up, than just playing VR games better.

So you think you can run SteamOS on any ARM64 SOC? If you thought the driver situation was bad for x86 devices, wait till you find out the situation for ARM64 SOCs.

Unless Valve is willing to release new Frame hardware every year, then release Laptops and tablets based on that exact chip with their supported drivers, you will have 100 times more difficulty converting Android PC (merger of ChromeOS and android) devices or Windows on ARM devices to SteamOS ones.

Google and Epic settlement makes it easier to run registered third party stores globally, judge has to approve. But Google has no incentive in helping Steam take over their playstore revenues. The Google/Steam partnership for x86 gaming chromebooks fizzled out because no one in their right mind would buy a gaming chromebook.

Android PC which would be the replacement for ChromeOS devices will most likely come with locked bootloader. What you are suggesting is just niche enthusiast projects that will require tons of work for not enough payoff. No OEM would be willing to do it.

Snapdragon 8 Elite is used in $1000+ Copilot PCs. Frame is running 8 Series Gen 3, which is used in flagship Android phones. So the drivers won't exist for the Windows on ARM devices which run more powerful laptop based Snapdragon chips with Nuvia Cores.

What is more likely to happen is a cheaper SteamDeck running same chip as the Frame once Qualcomm starts rolling out Windows handhelds.