Playing GW2 on Steam Deck (Tutorial)

[Antivian.2640]

Hello. Anti here aka. Mr. Engineer (steam) or Antivian.

I love Guild Wars 2 and I wanted to share with all steam deck users few tips how to get away with most of the problems.

You've probably seen this 30s gameplay video (Decky yay!) and you see I have almost zero problems with high graphics quality and controls.

Ok I won't write anymore. Here is how I did it.
I'll explain everything step by step.

1.0 Install GE-Proton9-11
  1.1 Push steam button and go to desktop mode
  1.2 Open Discovery app and search for ProtonUp-Qt and install it
  1.3 Open ProtonUp-QT and click add version. Choose GE-Proton and in version GE-Proton9-11
  1.4 Great. That eliminated launcher lag and helped with performance of game

2.0 Change compatibility options
  2.1 In steam deck gaming mode open settings of Guild Wars 2
  2.2 Go to compatibility options and check force square ✅
  2.3 from drop-down list you need to click GE-PROTON9-11 

2.5 This only apply if you use non-steam account to play game
  2.5.1 In setting in general section. There are runtime settings. Write "-autologin -provider Portal" if you want to use arenanet account.

3.0 Change in-game controls 
  3.1 Start game and go to controls (mouse icon in settings) and look for toggle Action Camera 
  3.2 Set it for button "z"

4.0 Use my custom controller preset for game
   Anti GW2 Steam Deck v5 Final 
4.1 press Left analog to change between action camera and mouse. Rest You'll see in preset :)

5.0 Have fun

[Psychoelf.9843]

So, I can use a Steam deck to play GW2 using my Arenanet account and not the Steam account? Just making sure I read this correct.  And this doesn't require Lutris? 

I'm getting to the point of upgrading and trying to decide between a mid grade gaming laptop or saving some money and getting a Steam Deck.

[Antivian.2640]

Yes you can. I play this way.

You just need to change runtime settings to 

"-autologin -provider Portal"

 

Here is some short video recorded on my steam deck to let you see.

Https://streamable.com/nc02as

Edited August 5 by Antivian.2640
Added video link

[Psychoelf.9843]

Thanks for sharing!  

Are you using the deck controls or a dock with keyboard/mouse?  

[Antivian.2640]

I use my own preset with action camera. Works like a charm for me, but you can change everything for your needs

[OriginalSki.3908]

Am I installing GW2 through steam or through the desktop?

[Smurfiness.3714]

On 8/14/2024 at 11:00 PM, OriginalSki.3908 said:

Am I installing GW2 through steam or through the desktop?

You use the Steam version of GW2. Set the launcher command line and start the game. It will patch the basic Steam GW2 game with all the expansions if you bought them. Don't have to buy again on Steam.