Decky Loader¶

Decky Loader adds a plugin system to Gaming Mode on Steam Deck, letting you customize and enhance your experience.

What is Decky?¶

Decky Loader is a homebrew plugin framework that:

• Adds features Steam doesn't include
• Works entirely within Gaming Mode
• Plugins install from a built-in store
• Easy to use, no technical knowledge needed

Accessing Decky¶

1. In Gaming Mode, press the ... button (Quick Access Menu)
2. Scroll to the bottom
3. Look for the plug icon (Decky tab)

If you don't see it, restart Steam: Power button > Restart Steam

Enabling Plugins¶

Configure which plugins to install in your config:

install_decky: true

decky_plugins:
  powertools:
    enabled: true
    store_name: "PowerTools"
    description: "CPU/GPU control"

  protondb_badges:
    enabled: true
    store_name: "ProtonDB Badges"
    description: "Compatibility ratings"

  css_loader:
    enabled: true
    store_name: "CSS Loader"
    description: "Visual themes"

Recommended Plugins¶

Essential¶

Customization¶

Information¶

Utilities¶

Social¶

Audio¶

Plugin Details¶

PowerTools¶

The most useful plugin. Control performance per-game:

Features:

• Set CPU/GPU clock speeds
• Limit TDP (power draw)
• Enable/disable SMT
• Per-game profiles (saves automatically)
• Fan curve control

Usage:

1. Open Decky in game's Quick Access Menu
2. Open PowerTools
3. Adjust settings
4. They save automatically for that game

Example Settings:

CSS Loader¶

Apply visual themes to Gaming Mode UI.

Installation:

1. Enable CSS Loader
2. Open plugin settings
3. Browse themes in the store
4. Apply and enjoy

Popular Themes:

• Clean gaming interfaces
• Retro console styles
• Minimalist designs
• Color schemes

ProtonDB Badges¶

Shows compatibility ratings directly in your library.

Badges:

Tap the badge to open ProtonDB page for fix suggestions.

SteamGridDB¶

Replace game artwork with custom images.

Use Cases:

• Fix missing artwork for non-Steam games
• Use alternate art styles
• Animated logos (if supported)
• Consistent visual themes

Tailscale Control¶

Toggle Tailscale VPN without leaving Gaming Mode.

Features:

• Quick toggle on/off
• See connection status
• View Tailscale IP

GitHub Rate Limits¶

Installing many plugins requires GitHub API calls. Without authentication, you're limited to 60 requests/hour.

Automatic Authentication¶

If you enable >3 plugins, Bootible's bootstrap script automatically shows a QR code for GitHub login. No config needed!

Manual Token¶

Alternatively, add a token to your config:

github_token: "ghp_your_token_here"

Create at github.com/settings/tokens (no permissions needed).

Managing Plugins¶

In Gaming Mode¶

1. Open Decky (... button > plug icon)
2. Click the store icon (shopping bag) for new plugins
3. Click gear icon for settings
4. Individual plugins have their own settings

Updating Plugins¶

Decky checks for updates automatically. When available:

1. Open Decky
2. Look for update indicator
3. Click to update

Removing Plugins¶

1. Open Decky settings (gear icon)
2. Find the plugin
3. Click uninstall

Troubleshooting¶

Decky Tab Not Showing¶

1. Restart Steam: Power button > Restart Steam
2. Re-run Bootible: If still missing after restart
3. Check install: Look for ~/homebrew/plugins/ folder

Plugin Not Working¶

1. Update it: Check for plugin updates
2. Disable/enable: Toggle plugin off and on
3. Check GitHub: Look for known issues
4. Reinstall: Remove and re-add from store

Plugins Disappeared After Update¶

SteamOS updates can reset homebrew. Re-run Bootible:

bootible

Decky and plugins will be reinstalled.

Rate Limit Errors¶

If you see "API rate limit exceeded":

1. Wait an hour, or
2. Add GitHub authentication (see above)

All Available Plugins¶

For the complete list of plugins, see the config reference or browse:

• Decky Plugin Store
• Decky GitHub

decky_plugins:
  # Performance
  powertools:
    enabled: true
    store_name: "PowerTools"
  autosuspend:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "AutoSuspend"
  battery_tracker:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "Battery Tracker"

  # Game Info
  protondb_badges:
    enabled: true
    store_name: "ProtonDB Badges"
  steamgriddb:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "SteamGridDB"
  hltb:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "HLTB for Deck"
  playtime:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "PlayTime"
  isthereanydeal:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "IsThereAnyDeal for Deck"

  # Customization
  css_loader:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "CSS Loader"
  animation_changer:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "Animation Changer"

  # Connectivity
  bluetooth:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "Bluetooth"
  tailscale_control:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "Tailscale Control"
  kde_connect:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "KDE Connect"

  # Sync & Transfer
  decky_cloud_save:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "Decky Cloud Save"
  deckmtp:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "DeckMTP"
  autoflatpaks:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "AutoFlatpaks"

  # Social
  discord_status:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "Discord Status"
  decky_notifications:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "Decky Notifications"

  # Audio
  magicpods:
    enabled: false
    store_name: "MagicPods"