How to Play Alan Wake 2 on Steam Deck

Welcome to this friendly guide on how to play Alan Wake 2 on your Steam Deck! With a few simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy this exciting game on your portable gaming device. Alan Wake 2, developed by Remedy Entertainment, is a highly anticipated action-adventure game that continues the story of the original Alan Wake. The game offers a gripping storyline, intense gameplay, and stunning visuals. Now, let's dive into the steps required to play Alan Wake 2 on your Steam Deck!

The first step in playing Alan Wake 2 on your Steam Deck is to download the Heroic Launcher. The Heroic Launcher is an open-source launcher that is compatible with various libraries such as GOP, Amazon Prime, and Epic Libraries. This launcher will allow you to access and play Alan Wake 2 on your Steam Deck effortlessly. To download the Heroic Launcher, visit the official website and follow the instructions provided.

Once you have successfully installed the Heroic Launcher on your Steam Deck, it's time to search for Alan Wake 2 in the launcher's library. Use the search function to locate the game and proceed to download it onto your device. The Heroic Launcher provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and find the games you want to play.

Before starting the game, it's crucial to install Proton GE option 8-21. Proton GE is a compatibility tool that allows you to run Windows games on Linux-based systems, such as the Steam Deck. This tool ensures optimal performance while playing Alan Wake 2 on your portable gaming device. There are various methods to install Proton GE, but a popular option is to follow the instructions provided in a Reddit guide or consult the Proton GE documentation for assistance.

To ensure smooth gameplay, it's important to adjust the game settings in the Heroic Launcher. Click on the three bars located beside the play button in the launcher interface. This will open up the settings menu. Scroll down until you find the "Winetricks" section. Check the default option and press OK. Next, select "Install DLL/Component" and choose dedcompiler_34, dedcompiler_47, and vcrun2022. Press OK again to install these components. These settings will optimize the game's performance on your Steam Deck.

Another essential step to enhance your gameplay experience is to configure the UMA Buffer size. UMA stands for Unified Memory Architecture, and adjusting its buffer size can improve the device's overall performance. To change the UMA Buffer size to 256M, turn off your Steam Deck completely without any attachments connected. Press and hold the Volume Up button while powering it back on. This will take you to the BIOS menu. Select the UMA Buffer size as 256M and save the changes before exiting the BIOS menu.

Now that everything is set up, it's time to start playing Alan Wake 2 on your Steam Deck! Start your device, navigate to the Heroic Launcher, and click on the play button for Alan Wake 2. The game will launch, and you will be transported into the thrilling world of Alan Wake. Immerse yourself in the captivating storyline, explore the game's environments, and engage in intense combat as you uncover the mysteries that lie within.

While playing Alan Wake 2 on your Steam Deck, you may encounter occasional errors or issues. Don't worry; these can be resolved with a few troubleshooting steps. If you encounter any unusual error messages, try removing or dismissing the error message to see if the game continues without any interruptions. Alternatively, you can search for relevant troubleshooting steps specific to the error message you are experiencing. Online forums and communities dedicated to Steam Deck gaming are also great resources for finding solutions to common issues.