We have had some questions about playing Stream Train on Steam Deck so I'm writing this post to make sure everyone is informed before they buy.
TL;DR: Does Stream Train work on Steam Deck
Stream Train will run on Steam Deck using the Proton compatibility layer, but we expect the game to be labelled as "Unsupported".
- There is no native Linux build of Stream Train
- Using Proton, Stream Train can run on Steam Deck/Machine
- Players on Linux cannot host a game, but they can join other players
- We have created a Solo Play mode so Linux players can play by themselves without needing to host
- There is no default controller support for Stream Train, but you can create your own input map
- We can't guarantee that all text is readable on the Steam Deck screen, some might be too small
Stream Train and Linux
Stream Train uses a Unity plugin called Coherence to handle the multiplayer in the game. When hosting, the host player starts up a separate application in the background to act as the server. Because of this, Linux players (via the proton compatability layer) can't host. This isn't an issue when joining a game, so Linux players can still play Stream Train with their friends, as long as one of those friends has a Windows machine.
We will look into supporting Linux natively at a later date, but as of right now, using Proton is the only way to play.
Stream Train and Steam hardware
Assuming you are still running SteamOS, all the info about applies to your Steam hardware. On top of that, Stream Train has no controller support by default, so you will have to create (or find) an input map that suits you for the game. Steam Input is pretty awesome, so decidated Steam Deck/Machine users might be used to this already.
Stream Train on Deck
An added element that effects the Steam Deck specifically is the screen size. Valve reccomends that all text should be at least 11 pixels tall on the Steam Deck Screen. We cannot guarentee that all the text in Stream Train conforms to this reccomendation. Localised text can be smaller than English in order to fit into the same text box, which could lead to issues.
Because of the text problems, lack of controller support, and inability to host, we expect Stream Train to be labelled as "Unsupported" on Steam Deck (if it is ever labelled).
Let us know if you have any questions,
Max.
