Adding servers to Steam Deck games works differently depending on the game
Most games on Steam Deck that use custom servers — like multiplayer shooters, survival games, or MMOs — let you add them through the game's own menu, not through Steam itself. The steps depend on which game you're playing. Some games have a built-in server browser where you paste an IP address. Others require you to edit a configuration file on your Steam Deck's file system. A few games let you join through a launcher that sits on top of Steam.
The fastest way to find out which method your game uses is to check the game's community hub on Steam or search "[game name] custom server Steam Deck" to see what other players have done. Once you know the method, the actual steps usually take less than five minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Most games let you add servers through an in-game menu where you paste the server's IP address and port number.
- Some games require you to edit a configuration file using the Steam Deck's file manager, which means switching to Desktop Mode.
- You need the server's IP address and port number before you start — ask the server owner or check the server list where you found it.
- If a game uses a third-party launcher (like Epic Games or a custom client), you may need to install that launcher on your Steam Deck first.
- Games that use anti-cheat software sometimes block custom servers, so check the game's documentation before spending time on setup.
Finding the server IP address and port number
Before you can add a server, you need two pieces of information: the server's IP address (a string of numbers like 192.168.1.100) and its port number (usually a number between 1024 and 65535, often shown after a colon, like 192.168.1.100:7777). The person running the server should give you both. If you're joining a public server, the server list where you found it will show both numbers.
Write down or copy both pieces of information before you open the game. If you're on your phone or another device, take a screenshot so you can reference it while playing on your Steam Deck.
Adding a server through the game's menu
Most multiplayer games on Steam Deck — including Valheim, Rust, Counter-Strike 2, and many others — have a "Join Server" or "Add Server" option built into the main menu. Here's how to use it:
- Launch the game on your Steam Deck and wait for the main menu to load.
- Look for a button or menu option that says "Join Server", "Custom Server", "Server Browser", or "Multiplayer". The exact wording varies by game.
- Select that option. You'll usually see either a text field where you can paste the IP address, or a button to add a new server.
- Paste or type the server's IP address and port number into the field. Some games want them together (192.168.1.100:7777), while others have separate fields for the IP and port.
- Press Enter or select "Connect" or "Add Server". The game will attempt to reach the server.
If the connection fails, double-check that you copied the IP and port correctly — even a single wrong number will prevent the connection. If it still fails, the server may be offline or not accepting new players.
Adding a server by editing the game's configuration file
Some games — particularly older ones or games with minimal menus — require you to edit a configuration file by hand. This sounds complicated but is usually just copying and pasting a single line of text into a file. You'll need to switch your Steam Deck to Desktop Mode to do this.
To enter Desktop Mode, press the Steam button, navigate to Power, and select "Switch to Desktop". You'll see a desktop with a file manager icon in the taskbar at the bottom.
- Open the file manager and navigate to the game's installation folder. This is usually in ~/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/[game name]. You may need to show hidden files first — in the file manager, press Ctrl+H to toggle hidden files on.
- Look for a file named config.cfg, server.cfg, settings.ini, or something similar. The exact filename depends on the game.
- Right-click the file and select "Open With" and choose a text editor (usually "Text Editor" or "Kate").
- Find the line that sets the server address. It might look like sv_server=localhost or connect_address=127.0.0.1. Replace the value with your server's IP address and port.
- Save the file (Ctrl+S) and close the editor.
- Switch back to Gaming Mode by pressing the Steam button and selecting "Return to Gaming Mode".
If you're not sure which line to edit, check the game's community hub or documentation — someone has usually already posted the exact line you need to change.
Installing a third-party launcher for server access
A few games — particularly those published by Epic Games or other publishers — require you to use a separate launcher to join custom servers. Examples include some versions of Fortnite or games that use the Epic Online Services backend.
If your game requires a launcher, you'll need to install it on your Steam Deck first. The most common is the Epic Games Launcher. You can install it through Proton or through Flatseal, depending on the launcher. Check the game's community hub for specific instructions, because the setup varies widely.
Once the launcher is installed and running, you'll usually add the server through that launcher's menu, not through Steam. The steps are similar to adding a server through a game menu — you'll paste the IP address and port into a field and connect.
Troubleshooting when a server won't connect
If you've entered the server address correctly but the connection still fails, try these steps in order:
- Restart the game completely. Close it from the Steam menu and launch it again.
- Verify the IP address and port one more time. Copy them directly from the source instead of typing from memory.
- Check that your Steam Deck is connected to the internet. Open a web browser and visit a website to confirm.
- Restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot before trying again.
- Ask the server owner whether the server is currently running and accepting new players. The server may be offline for maintenance.
- Check the game's community hub or support page to see if custom servers are blocked by anti-cheat software. Some games disable custom servers for security reasons.
If none of these steps work, the server may be incompatible with your game version or your network may be blocking the connection. In that case, try a different public server to confirm the game itself is working.
Games where custom servers may not work
Not every multiplayer game on Steam Deck supports custom servers. Games with strong anti-cheat systems — like Valorant, Apex Legends, or Call of Duty — typically only allow you to play on official servers. Games that use peer-to-peer connections instead of dedicated servers (like some fighting games) don't have servers to add at all.
Before you spend time trying to add a server, check the game's store page or community hub to confirm it supports custom servers. If it doesn't, you'll only be able to play on the official servers that the game provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in Desktop Mode to add a server?
Only if the game requires you to edit a configuration file. Most games let you add servers directly from the in-game menu while in Gaming Mode, so you won't need to switch. Check the game's documentation or community hub first to see which method it uses.
What if the server IP address has a colon in it?
The colon separates the IP address from the port number. If you see 192.168.1.100:7777, that means the IP is 192.168.1.100 and the port is 7777. Some games want you to enter them together in one field, while others have separate fields for each. Check the game's menu to see which format it expects.
Can I add a server if the game is running through Proton?
Yes. Proton is just a compatibility layer that lets Windows games run on Steam Deck — it doesn't change how servers work. Add the server the same way you would on Windows, using either the in-game menu or by editing the configuration file.
Will adding a custom server get me banned?
No, not if the server is legitimate. Custom servers are a normal part of multiplayer gaming. However, some games with anti-cheat systems may block custom servers entirely for security reasons. Check the game's terms of service if you're concerned, but most games that support custom servers explicitly allow them.
What if I forget the server address after I add it?
Most games save servers you've added to a list, so you can see them in the server browser next time you launch the game. If the game doesn't save it, you'll need to ask the server owner for the address again or find it in the server list where you originally discovered it.