How to Install the Jagex Launcher on Steam Deck: 2 Ways

If you want to play Runescape, the Jagex Launcher is the best choice. However, if you want to add it to your Steam Deck, you’ll have to go through some extra steps. But don’t worry, we’ll show you all you need to know.

Steam Deck comes with SteamOS, based on Arch Linux. By default, Jagex is not supported by Linux systems.

However, there are some ways in which you can install the Jagex Lancher on your Steam Deck.

Check them out:

How to install the Jagex Launcher on Steam Deck?

1. Install the Github Jagex Launcher community project

1. Press the Steam button and select Power > Switch to Desktop.
2. The Steam Deck will reboot into Desktop Mode.
3. Open the Command Line (Konsole)
4. Install the Flatpak Jagex Launcher from the GitHub community page by entering the following:
   • sudo pacman -Syu flatpak
5. Add the Flathub repository by running:
   • flatpak remote-add –if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
6. Run the installation script to install the Jagex Launcher:
   • curl -fSsL
   • https://raw.githubusercontent.com/USA-RedDragon/jagex-launcher-linux-flatpak/main/install.sh

2. Install Windows on Steam Deck

NOTE

This method is only recommended if you prefer using Windows in general or plan on adding several apps that only support Windows. Otherwise, using the GitHub trick should suffice.

1. Get a 16GB+ USB drive or microSD card. 
2. Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s website and install Rufus on your computer. 
3. Open Rufus, insert the USB drive or microSD card, and select it under Device.
4.  Choose Disk or ISO image and open the Windows ISO file. 
5. Change the Volume label (drive or SD card’s name) if you want, and then click Start.
6. Power off the Steam Deck, insert the bootable USB or SD card, and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons until the Boot Manager appears.
7. Select the USB or SD card from the Boot Manager.
8. The Windows setup will start.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions.
10. Download the Steam Deck drivers and extract them. 
11. Install the Jagex Launcher from Jagex’s website and follow the prompts to set it up.

If you need more assistance, we have an in-depth guide on how to install Windows on Steam Deck. We got more tips and tricks there as well as troubleshooting tips for common errors.

Conclusion

Installing the Jagex Launcher on Steam Deck through SteamOS using Flatpak works, but installing Windows offers a more streamlined and familiar gaming experience. 

Remember that Jagex is no short of errors. White screen problems and Runescape not loading are among the most common ones.

But if you keep your system up to date and drivers in check, you should have a good experience overall.

Both options are valid, and the Steam Deck’s flexibility lets you choose the one that best suits your needs.