Hytale has only been out for just over a week, and fans are already doing some genuinely impressive things with its modding tools. Mods range from Minecraft cross-play to even running Windows 95 inside the game itself.
Despite that momentum, one of the most common requests from players is proper Steam Deck support. While Hytale does offer a Linux version, the experience on Valve’s handheld still leaves room for improvement, particularly when it comes to controls.
Steam Deck support is coming, but there is no timeline
As shown in the video above, Hytale can be installed on Steam Deck and generally performs well. However, the lack of controller support is what currently holds it back from being a truly enjoyable handheld experience.
According to reporting from SteamDeckHQ, the outlet reached out to Hypixel Studios co-founder Kevin Carstens, also known online as Slikey, to ask whether the game would receive proper Steam Deck support. Carstens explained that the work involved goes beyond simple input changes, stating:
For actual handheld we need to look at battery optimizations and the smaller screens size UX. I can’t put a timeline on any of this but before we go to any consoles or mobile, we will bring Hytale to Steamdeck and other PC handheld devices
Hypixel Studios co-founder Kevin Carstens
Carstens also kept expectations grounded, something Hypixel Studios has been praised for due to its open approach to communication. He added that Steam Deck support is not a requirement for the game’s 1.0 launch:
When it comes to the UX for small screens I don’t know. Our plans for 1.0 are to release what the trailer promised. The trailer never promised non PC platforms so it’s not a blocker for 1.0 release.
Hypixel Studios co-founder Kevin Carstens
Fortunately, despite the lack of official support, Hytale already runs well on Steam Deck. SteamDeckHQ also noted that Carstens reiterated controller support will arrive before the game’s 1.0 release, describing it as the next accessibility milestone. That work will go beyond basic joystick input, with a focus on broader accessibility needs.
Of course, official support for Steam Deck also opens the door for other handhelds, so it would also be great to see the game get official handheld support for Xbox Ally and other Windows-based handhelds either at the same time as the Steam Deck or not long after.
Do you plan to play Hytale on Steam Deck once official support arrives, or are you already jumping in using the current setup? Let us know by commenting and taking part in our poll below:
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