Summary
TheSteam Deckis a versatile handheld console that functions as a gaming machine and a desktop PC using a Linux OS that runs smoothly. you’re able to customize the frame rate, and battery life, change the boot videos, and more.
The versatility of the handheld console can be expanded further with customized plugins, allowing you to have more choices in intro boot movies, themes, battery life, and more. To get the most out of the Steam Deck, you mustinstall a program called Decky Loaderwhich opens the door for several more apps and plugins to make the experience your own. This list includesthe best plugins for the Steam Deck and how to install them.
Updated on June 05, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:The Steam Deck is a versatile device that can operate as a pure handheld gaming console or as a Desktop PC with its customizable Linux operating system. The machine’s flexibility allows you to use the Decky Loader program, which is frequently updated with community-created plugins. The list has been updated to include more invaluable apps and the steps to install them.
10Install Decky Loader
Decky Loader Is Required For The Steam Deck’s Plugins
Before looking at plugins for the Steam Deck, you mustfirst install Decky Loader. Decky Loader is a free program you need to download and install new apps from a separate icon on the Steam Deck. To install Decky Loader, use the following steps:
Switch To Developer Mode
In the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode, press theSteambuttonunderneath the left trackpad and highlightSystem.Then toggle onEnable Developer Mode.Finally, highlight theDevelopermenu on the left panel andEnable Unified Frame Limit Management.
Installing Decky Loader
Press theSteam buttonagain to highlightPower.Highlight and selectSwitch to Desktop.The Steam Deck will switch to Desktop Mode.
We recommendconnecting a keyboard and mouseto and using it like a PC. If that is not an option, the Steam Deck has a touchscreen keyboard activated by pressing theSteam button and X together.
If you’re using the Steam Deck as a PC, consider using aSteam Dock deviceto display it on a TV like a Nintendo Switch.
Click on theDiscovery store and download a browser.While you’re there, Google Chrome is required for one of the best plugins on this list, so install that even if you don’t intend to use it. Open the browser anddownload Decky Loaderfrom GitHub. Scroll down the page and double-click on the Decky Loader download icon. Locate the installer in the Downloads folder, run the installer, and agree to therecommended settings.
With the Decky Loader installed,Return toGaming Modefrom the desktop. When the Steam Deck restarts in Gaming mode, press theQuick Access Menu button- the three-dotted button - underneath the right trackpad. Select the newplugin icon,then click thesettings cog. SelectCheck for Updates. With the updates installed, Decky Loader is ready to go.
9Power Tools
Control The Steam Deck’s Power Output
After installing Decky Loader,the Steam Deck is open for more plugins. The first plugin you should look at isPower Tools.It is a valuable tool that allows odd-numbered CPUs by switching SMT. You can customize how the battery behaves. Getting to know this plugin can help youplay retro gamesand several games listed as unplayable on the Steam Deck library.
To install Power Tools from the Decky Loader, ensure the Steam Deck is inGaming Mode. Press theQuick Access Menu (QAM) button,highlight the plugin icon, and select thelittle shop iconnext to the settings cog. Scroll down the list andInstall Power Tools.
8CSS Loader
Change The Steam Deck’s Theme
TheCSS Loaderis a plugin on Decky Loader that allows users toinstall customized themes.If you want tochange the UI of the Steam Deckto change the look of theSteam game libraryand more, then CSS Loader is the tool for you.
InGaming Mode, press theQuick Access Menubutton underneath the right trackpad, and select theplug iconfor Deck Loader. Select the store icon in the Decky menu, scroll down, and install CSS Loader. In the CSS Loader menu, select theSortdropdown menu for the latest, most downloaded, and most starred themes to download.
7Animation Changer
Change The Steam Deck’s Boot Menu
If you want to change the boot-up videos on the Steam Deck, thenAnimation Changeris a must-install. The Animation Changer can introduce the Steam Deck with an opening boot video that looks and sounds like the GameCube, the PS1, or a gaming-themed opening that looks like the Marvel Cinematic Universe animation.
To install CSS Loader from Decky, ensure the Steam Deck is in Gaming Mode. Press theQuick Access Menubutton to open Decky and select thestore icon.In the Decky Store, select Animation Changer and install it. Open the Animation Changer menu, highlight theNewdropdown menu, and select themost popularormost likedfor the best boot sequences.
6Storage Cleaner
Clear Unused Storage
Have you uninstalled games but are still out of storage on the Steam Deck? This may be because the Steam Deck has retained itsshader cacheandcompatibility data. Shader cache reduces the lag in demanding games, making them perform better. The compatibility data is stored to ensure the games are playable on the Steam Deck. If a video game is uninstalled, it is safe to delete the cache and the data, as they will be recreated the next time you reinstall and play it.
To install the Storage Cleaner from Decky,open the Decky Loader storevia the little store/shop icon. Scroll down the list to find andinstallStorage Cleaner. Open the Storage Cleaner in Decky to access the shader cache at the top. you may individually select the game to clear the select list or clear it all. Move further down the app, and you can delete thecompatibility data.
5Game Theme Music
Theme Music For Games
Fans of the PlayStation 5 UI may notice that several games play theme music when they are highlighted. Thanks to Decky Loader, you can install theGame Theme Musicplugin for a similar effect. To install the plugin on Decky Loader, open theDecky Loader via the QAM button.Click on the little shop/store icon to open the Decky store.
Scroll down the list to select andinstalltheGame Theme Musicplugin. With Game Theme Music installed, select the desired game from the library, click the settings cog on the right of the screen, andpress the A button. There is a new option calledChange Theme Music.You can select no music or choose a new theme from several tracks in the menu.
4Shotty
Automatically Send Screenshots To The Pictures Folder
Shottyis a useful plugin if you like to take a lot of screenshots on the Steam Deck. It is installed from Decky Loader and lets you transfer all your screenshots directly to the pictures folder in Desktop Mode. This makes it easier to transfer images from the Steam Deck to a USB or upload them online.
The screenshots are organized into folders related to their specific game unless you have taken screenshots of the Steam Deck’s library and menus. In that case, they will be saved into a folder called ‘Steam Client’.
To install Shotty, press theQAMbutton and open theDecky storeby clickingthe shop icon.In the Decky store, scroll down the list to find andinstall Shotty. Select the Shotty menu from Decky Loader and clickAggregateto transfer the screenshots to thepictures folder in Desktop Mode.
3RadiYo
Listen To Your Favorite Internet Radio Stations
RadiYo is a fun tool that lets you listen to your favorite Internet Radio Stations while gaming. You can search for and add stations to a favorite list. In addition to gaming, you can use the Steam Deck as an old-school wireless radio.
Press the QAM buttonto access theDecky Loader menu.Tap on the store icon, scroll down the store to locateRadiYo,and tapInstall.Tap or click the dropdown menu to access Trending, Recently Played, and your Favorites. Utilize thesearch barto locate your preferred stations and genres.Click on the star iconto add new stations to your favorites for easy access from the Favorites menu.
2Steamback
Creates Frequent Saves For Your Official Steam Games
If you ever wished that games had more frequent saves so you don’t lose all your Runes after achallenging boss fight in Elden Ring, the Steamback plugin is a dream come true. Steamback enables you to return to a save point created by the app, allowing you to continue by selecting the Revert option.
Steamback is only compatible with official Steam games that support cloud saving.
To install Steamback press theQAM buttonand open theDecky Loader menu.Click on the store icon, scroll down the store’s list to locateSteamback,and selectInstall.Look for games in your Steam library with the cloud-saving icon on their home page. Look for the notification that a snapshot has been taken.
1NonSteamLaunchers
Launch PS Plus, Xbox Game Pass apps, And More
NonSteamLaunchers is one of the best plugins you can add to your Steam Deck. It lets you use game launching and streaming services like Xbox Games Pass, PlayStation Plus, Amazon Games, and even Netflix and Disney Plus. However, you must activate theTesting Storein Decky Loader to gain access to plugins and apps that are still in development.
You must install the Google Chrome browser in Desktop mode via the Linux Discovery store. The launchers have been modified to use Chrome to install the services on the Steam Deck’s Gaming Mode.
Press theQAM buttonto openDecky Loader.Tap on thesettings cogwheelnext to the store icon. In theGeneralmenu,change the Store Channel dropdown box to Testing.Leave the settings area for the Decky Loader access menu andtap the store iconto enter the newly activatedTesting Store Channel.Scroll down the list to locate andinstall the NonSteamLaunchersby Moraroy and Sysmoon14.
OpenGame Launchersfor apps for services like Epic Games, GOG Galaxy, Amazon Games, PlayStation Plus, and more.Streaming Sitesfeature Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now, Netflix, and more. Or click onCustom Website Shortcutto locate and install services that aren’t listed like Tubi or BBC iPlayer.
