Purpose

I spent quite some time trying to figure out how to gets mods to work on my Steamdeck, there were guides and alternative versions used, but I wanted to use the original mods. This guides demonstrates how to use the official ModLoader2 on Steamdeck with only a couple tweaks.

Requirements

  1. Steamdeck
  2. ModLoader2 v2.1.0
    • https://github.com/soulsmods/ModEngine2/releases/download/release-2.1.0/ModEngine-2.1.0.0-win64.zip
  3. Elden Ring installed on the default system drive.
  4. Individual mod installation steps followed.

Directions

  • Download and extract ModLoader2 to a location of your choice using the Desktop Mode of your Steamdeck.
  • Edit the launchmod_eldenring.bat and replace its contents with: 
    chcp 65001
:: The above line is necessary in case you edit this file to lead to a path with Unicode characters.
.\modengine2_launcher.exe -t er -c .\config_eldenring.toml --game-path "Z:/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/common/ELDEN RING/Game/eldenring.exe"
  • Add the batch file as a non-Steam game.
    • Change the LAUNCH OPTIONS to STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH="/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/1245620/" %command%
  • Follow individual mod directions on how to add them to ModLoader.
    • DLL ‘mods’ need their file path to be added to the config_eldenring.toml file between the brackets in the external_dlls = [] section. Make sure to read the .toml file notes in the file. Especially regarding using // in file paths.

Advanced Notes

  • You can create multiple .bat and .toml files with different sets of mods and dll files.
    • Duplicate the original bat and toml file and rename them as you see fit.
    • Modify the new toml file with mods and dlls as needed.
    • Modify the new bat file’s .\config_eldenring.toml section with the name of the new toml file.
      • e.g. new toml file name is seamless.toml.
        • Change .\config_eldenring.toml to .\seamless.toml
    • Follow the previous directions for adding the new bat file as a non-Steam game and setting the LAUNCH OPTIONS.
  • If you installed Elden Ring on a drive other than the system default, you will need to update the --game-path in the batch file.
  • You can change the STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH variable to another location to separate saves for each batch file you add.
    • For example
      • For regular mods/non-overhaul, like glorious merchant, seamless coop.
        • STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH="/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/1245620/"
      • For randomizers, or separate seamless randomizer saves
        • STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH="/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/1245620-1/"
          • Note the -1 in the path 1245620-1.
          • I personally copy everything from the original compatdata folder to the new -1 folder and delete the saves.