Summary: If you’re wondering, can you mod Elden Ring on Steam Deck?—The answer is yes. This article will offer you the best solution to mod  Elden Ring on Steam Deck

Elden Ring is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Many people are wondering if they can mod the game on Steam Deck and how to mod it.

This article will give you the answer and offer you the best solution to mod Elden Ring on Steam Deck.

Table of Contents:

1. Can You Mod Elden Ring on Steam Deck?
2. How to install Elden Ring mods on Steam Deck?
3. Best Elden Ring Mods on Steam Deck
4. Conclusion

Can You Mod Elden Ring on Steam Deck?

Yes, you can mod Elden Ring on the Steam Deck! Since the  Steam Deck runs a Linux-based OS (SteamOS), modding the game requires some additional steps compared to Windows.

In the coming part, I will explain how to install Elden Ring mods on Steam Deck step by step.

How to install Elden Ring mods on Steam Deck?

Most Steam Deck modding tutorials are overly complicated or involve inconsistent setups.

Here’s a cleaner method: run ModEngine2 directly through Steam. This keeps your mod installation steps just like on Windows and preserves the ability to launch the vanilla game when you want.

Make sure you’re in desktop mode before starting.

Setup

1. Download ModEngine2

• Get the latest ModEngine2.

• Right-click the downloaded ZIP file and select “Extract Archive Here.”

• Find modengine2_launcher.exe in the extracted folder, right-click it, and choose “Add to Steam.”

2. Configure ModEngine2 in Steam

• Open your Steam Library and right-click modengine2_launcher.exe, then choose Properties.

3. Set Launch Options

Under the Launch Options, enter:

4. Force Proton Compatibility

• Go to the Compatibility tab and check “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.”

• Select Proton Experimental (or any Proton version — they generally work).

Installing & Running Mods

Once setup is complete, you can install mods just like on Windows:

• Place mod files in the mod folder.

• If required, add .dll files under external_dlls in config_eldenring.toml.

• Mod authors usually specify where to put things.

✅ To play with mods, launch modengine2_launcher.exe from your Steam Library.
✅ To play the vanilla game, launch ELDEN RING as usual from your Steam Library.

Important Notes

To avoid issues:

🚫 Don’t use any other ModEngine2 version than the one linked.
🚫 Don’t modify or replace files in the ELDEN RING/Game folder.
🚫 Don’t change the Steam launch options for the original ELDEN RING entry.
🚫 Don’t install anything claiming to be an “anti-cheat toggler”, “mod loader”, or “mod launcher” besides ModEngine2.

Using unofficial tools or alternate setups may break mod compatibility or your ability to play the vanilla game.

Save File Locations

ModEngine2 uses a different save file path than the vanilla game:

• The appid for the vanilla game is 1245620.

• The modded game will have a different, randomly generated appid.

You can copy your save files between these folders to move progress between modded and unmodded versions.

Best Elden Ring Mods on Steam Deck 

Modding Elden Ring on the Steam Deck is entirely possible, and Xmod makes the process much easier by offering a variety of gameplay tweaks that enhance the experience.

Here are some of the best Elden Ring mods on Steam Deck using Xmod:

1. Stat Customization Mods

• Set Vigor, Set Mind, Set Endurance – Adjust your character’s core stats instantly, allowing for easier build experimentation without the need for grinding.

2. Time & World Control Mods

• Freeze Daytime – Stop time in the Lands Between, keeping your preferred time of day indefinitely.
• Faster or Slower Movement Speed – Adjust your movement speed to explore faster or create a more challenging experience.

3. AI & Combat Tweaks

• Faster AI – Increase enemy reaction times, making battles more intense and rewarding.
• Slower AI – If you want a more accessible experience, slowing down enemy AI can make encounters easier to manage.

With Xmod, Steam Deck users can easily apply these mods without needing complex manual installations.

Whether you’re adjusting difficulty, fine-tuning your character, or modifying the world, Xmod ensures a smooth and customizable Elden Ring experience.

Check the video here and you can learn how Xmod works on Steam Deck.

Conclusion

While the Steam Deck’s Linux-based OS presents some challenges, using Desktop Mode and tools like Lutris or Wine allows players to install and manage mods efficiently.

With Xmod, players can enjoy a highly customizable experience. For example, they can adjust character stats, control the game’s time cycle, and modify AI behavior and movement speed. Moreover, whether you’re seeking a more accessible adventure or a greater challenge, these mods ensure a tailored Elden Ring experience on the Steam Deck.

By following the steps outlined above, you can enhance your gameplay effortlessly, making each journey through the Lands Between even more immersive and enjoyable.