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Discovery on Steam Deck: Guide - SSV - 04-10-2026

Discovery Freelancer: Steam Deck Installation Guide

This guide covers installing Freelancer and the Discovery Mod on a Steam Deck using Proton GE and ProtonTricks.

Part 1: Prerequisites & Downloads
  1. Switch to Desktop Mode: Hold Power Button -> Switch to Desktop.
  2. Required Apps (Discover Store):
    • ProtonUp-Qt (Downloads GE-Proton)
    • ProtonTricks (Manages prefixes)
  3. Downloads:

Part 2: Installing GE-Proton
  1. Open ProtonUp-Qt.
  2. Click Add version.
  3. Select latest GE-Proton.
  4. Click Install.

Part 3: Installing Vanilla Freelancer
Quote:CRITICAL: The installation path must contain NO SPACES. Use something like C:\Freelancer.

  1. Mount ISO: Double-click the Freelancer ISO.
  2. Add to Steam: Right-click SETUP.EXE -> Add to Steam.
  3. Properties:
    • Compatibility: Force GE-Proton.
    • Controller: Set to Web Browser (enables mouse).
  4. Run: Click Play. Install to C:\Freelancer. Exit when done.

Part 4: Installing Discovery Mod (via ProtonTricks)
  1. Open ProtonTricks.
  2. Select prefix named SETUP.EXE.
  3. Choose Run Explorer.
  4. Navigate to Z:\home\deck\Downloads.
  5. Double-click discovery_5.32.exe.
  6. Ensure path is C:\Discovery_Freelancer or something like that (NO SPACES).

Part 5: Post-Installation Fixes

1. Enable DirectPlay (Required)
  • ProtonTricks -> Select prefix -> Install a Windows DLL -> Check directplay -> OK.

2. Fix Corrupted Fonts
3. Import Account Keys
  • Place launcheraccounts.xml in your FL prefix:
    Code:
    drive_c/users/steamuser/Documents/My Games/Freelancer/
After that you can import your accounts from Discovery Launcher.

Part 6: Final Steam Shortcut Setup
  1. Find DSLauncher.exe path: prefix/drive_c/Discovery_Freelancer/EXE/ -> Right-click DSLauncher.exe -> Copy Location.
  2. Edit Steam shortcut Properties:
    • Target: Paste the path to DSLauncher.exe.
    • Start In: Paste folder path (remove DSLauncher.exe from the end).
  3. Play! Rename shortcut to Discovery Freelancer and launch.

Part 7: Troubleshooting & Extras
  • Black Screen / Crash: Install mfc42 via ProtonTricks (Select prefix -> Install Windows DLL -> mfc42).
  • Controls in game: Search for SSV Discovery Layout in community layouts section. or use this link: steam://controllerconfig/2708519012/3703696680. When you open the game, navigate through launcher using touchpads and pressing R2.
  • Artwork in Steam Game Mode: Use Decky Loader + SteamGridDB plugin.

See you in space, pilots. Fly safe.



RE: Discovery on Steam Deck: Guide - Slimy - 04-10-2026

Wish I could test it, thanks for the guide !