CheatDeck
CheatDeck is a free, open-source Decky Loader plugin for Steam Deck that manages launch options and runs sidecar programs alongside games.
What CheatDeck is
CheatDeck is a free, open-source Decky Loader plugin for Steam Deck that manages launch options and runs sidecar programs alongside games. It can start a selected .exe or .bat file in the same Proton or Wine environment as a game, then stop it when the game exits. Its Language setting assigns a chosen locale to LANG and HOST_LC_ALL. Advanced controls cover desktop behavior, FSYNC, WineD3D, compatibility data redirection, and audio latency; Custom Options can add environment assignments, prefix commands, and arguments around %command%. To reduce the risk of damaging a launch configuration, CheatDeck makes it read-only when it encounters unsupported shell syntax or unclear launch options. Optional presets for Lossless Scaling and OptiScaler require their respective Decky plugins. Installation requires Decky Loader Developer Mode and CheatDeck.zip from a release or nightly build. Some sidecar programs need runtime dependencies installed in their compatibility environment. The v2.0.0 release warns that earlier Custom Options may not migrate, so back them up before updating. The project is GPL-3.0 licensed.
Good
- Starts and stops sidecars with a game
- Offers locale and compatibility controls
- Custom Options support arguments and commands
- GPL-3.0 licensed
Watch out
- Requires Decky Loader Developer Mode
- Sidecars may need additional runtime dependencies
- Previous Custom Options may not migrate to v2.0.0
- Changing compatibility data paths may require save migration
Who it suits
CheatDeck suits Steam Deck users who want to adjust game launch options or run companion programs in Proton or Wine. It also fits users comfortable installing plugins through Decky Loader Developer Mode.
Verdict
CheatDeck offers detailed launch configuration and sidecar handling for Steam Deck. Review its installation requirements and back up Custom Options before updating.
Plans and prices
From CheatDeck's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| CheatDeck | Free | No plan limits stated |
The facts
Each one read from CheatDeck's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Advanced options
- Built-in launch controls include desktop behavior, FSYNC, WineD3D, compatibility data redirection, and audio latency overrides.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Compatibility caveat
- A sidecar may need .NET Core, .NET Framework, or Visual C++ Redistributable dependencies installed in its compatibility environment with protontricks.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limits
- Some sidecar programs may need .NET Core, .NET Framework, or Visual C++ Redistributable installed in the compatibility environment.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Custom options
- Users can define environment variables, prefix commands, and command-line arguments as custom launch options.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The README instructs users to download CheatDeck.zip from a release or nightly build and install it through Decky Loader developer settings.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Editing safeguards
- Unsupported shell syntax or ambiguous launch options make the document read-only to avoid partial or destructive edits.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Edit safety
- If launch options contain unsupported shell syntax or ambiguous markers, CheatDeck makes the document read-only to avoid a partial or destructive edit.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Installation
- Installation requires Decky Loader Developer Mode and the packaged CheatDeck.zip from a release or nightly build.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The README lists optional presets for Lossless Scaling and OptiScaler that require their respective Decky plugins.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Language control
- Its Language option sets both LANG and HOST_LC_ALL to a selected locale code.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Language setting
- Its Language option sets the LANG and HOST_LC_ALL environment variables to a selected locale code.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The public repository identifies its license as GPL-3.0.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Presets
- Initial custom option presets include Lossless Scaling and OptiScaler commands, which require their respective software or Decky plugins.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- CheatDeck is a Decky Loader plugin for launching sidecar programs and managing launch options on Steam Deck.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Release migration
- The v2.0.0 release warns that previous Custom Options may not migrate and advises backing them up before updating.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Release update caveat
- The v2.0.0 release warns that previous Custom Options may not migrate and recommends backing them up before updating.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Save data caveat
- Changing STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH may require migrating game saves because compatibility data can contain saves.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Sidecar programs
- It can start a selected Windows .exe or .bat alongside a game in the same Proton/Wine environment, and stops it when the game exits.checked 9 Oct 2026
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