Discovery on Steam Deck: Guide

[SSV]

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:
   • Freelancer ISO
     
   • Discovery Mod Installer (e.g., discovery_5.32.exe)
     

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

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

• Download font (e.g., Agdasima) and place .ttf in your FL prefix:
  Code:

  drive_c/windows/Fonts/
• Edit files in DATA\FONTS\ (fonts.ini, fonts4k.ini, rich_fonts.ini).
  
• Replace Agency FB with new font name.
  Thanks to Error and everyone in this thread: https://discoverygc.com/forums/showthrea...034&page=5
  

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.
  

Screenshots

See you in space, pilots. Fly safe.

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The Shinsei Clan

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[Slimy]

Wish I could test it, thanks for the guide !