Hytale will receive official Steam Deck support, Hypixel Studios confirmed earlier this year. The sandbox RPG launched in early access in January 2026 and currently runs on Valve's handheld through workarounds.
Controller support remains the primary obstacle for Steam Deck players. Hytale lacks native gamepad integration, forcing users to rely on touchpad controls and keyboard mapping. The game performs at 60-90 FPS with settings adjustments but requires manual installation via Flatpak.
Hypixel Studios co-founder Kevin Carstens told SteamDeckHQ that Steam Deck optimization will arrive before console or mobile versions.
"Before we go to any consoles or mobile, we will bring Hytale to Steam Deck and other PC handheld devices," Carstens said.
He declined to provide a specific timeline.
The $19.99 early access title requires players to download the launcher from Hytale's website and install it as a Flatpak. Users must switch to Desktop Mode, add the launcher to Steam as a non-Steam game, then return to Gaming Mode. Performance optimization involves reducing view distance to around 200 for stable framerates.
Steam Deck support represents an accessibility milestone for Hypixel Studios. Carstens emphasized the work extends beyond basic joystick input to include battery optimizations and small-screen UX improvements. The studio prioritizes PC handheld devices over traditional consoles for Hytale's development roadmap.
Current Steam Deck players report 11-16W battery drain during gameplay. Frame rates occasionally dip below 30 FPS during world generation but quickly recover. Community controller layouts help handle menus designed for mouse input.
Hytale's Linux build remains experimental despite running "surprisingly well" according to Decky.net testing. The Windows version works through Proton compatibility layers, but native Linux installation provides better stability. Early access includes Survival Mode, Creative Mode, and multiplayer support.
Controller support will arrive before Hytale's 1.0 release, Carstens confirmed. The feature represents the next accessibility milestone for the studio. Steam Deck optimization opens doors for other handheld PCs like the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go.
Hytale launched after a lengthy development period that included studio reacquisition and engine reworks. The sandbox RPG combines exploration, combat, and building systems with creator tools for modding and community servers. Early access focuses on polished core systems before expanding to Adventure Mode and minigames.
