While the Steam Cloud feature significantly enhances the gaming experience by facilitating the seamless transfer of save files between your PC and Steam Deck, it unfortunately does not support non-Steam games. However, a solution exists that enables you to create your own local cloud save system for non-Steam games, including emulators for old console games, which are notably compatible with the Deck. This comprehensive guide explains how to utilize SyncThing, a free tool that serves to synchronize folder contents similarly to Steam Cloud, albeit within the confines of your local network. Let’s delve into the detailed process.

Setting up SyncThing

The initial phase entails installing and configuring SyncThing to establish a connection between your PC and Steam Deck. Here are the steps to set up SyncThing:

  1. Start by Pressing the Steam Button on the Deck: Navigate to ‘Power’ and select ‘Desktop Mode’.
  2. Launch the Discover App: Here, search for SyncThing and initiate the installation.
  3. Install SyncThing on your PC: Download the SyncThing version compatible with your operating system and launch syncthing.exe. Should a Windows Firewall pop-up appear, authorize SyncThing to operate on private networks.
  4. Link your PC and Steam Deck: On the Steam Deck, click on the hamburger menu (top right) and select ‘Show ID’. Then, on your PC, choose ‘Add Remote Device’ in the browser app and input the Deck’s ID in the ‘Device ID’ field to establish a connection.
  5. Folder Sharing Setup: Upon connecting the devices, you will be prompted to accept folder sharing on both ends. Approve this to proceed.

Now, your devices are connected, and a shared folder is established for facilitating generic file exchanges. However, to automate game save file syncing, further steps are necessary.

Using SyncThing to Sync Save Files in Non-Steam Games

At this stage, the goal is to synchronize the save files of specific games between your PC and Steam Deck. Note that this process needs to be repeated for each game you intend to sync, and the file paths for the save files will vary between games and devices. Here are the steps to set this up:

  1. Adding a Folder: On your PC, open the SyncThing web app and select ‘Add Folder’. Here, designate a name for the folder and locate the save file path for your chosen game (e.g., Minecraft).
  2. Folder Sharing and Version Control: Next, navigate to the ‘Sharing’ tab, select your Steam Deck device, and activate ‘Simple File Versioning’ under the ‘File Versioning’ tab to mitigate potential sync errors.
  3. Setting up on Steam Deck: On your Steam Deck, accept the prompt to add the newly synchronized folder and specify the corresponding file path for the game on the device. Ensure that both ‘Send Only Folder’ and ‘Receive Only Folder’ options remain unchecked.
  4. Finalizing the Setup: After saving the settings, your save files will be synchronized between the devices, allowing a seamless gaming experience across both platforms.

Final Thoughts on Syncing Non-Steam Save Files with Your Steam Deck

Though it may seem inconvenient to employ a third-party tool for cloud saving in non-Steam games, this local solution proves to be efficient and cost-effective. While the setup doesn’t technically create a ‘cloud’ save system unless hosted on a personal server for internet access, it serves well for local setups, especially considering the free access to the service.

Additionally, given the new setup, you might find the need to expand your Steam Deck storage to accommodate more games. Considering upgrading your SSD to a 1TB model or integrating a micro SD card could be beneficial choices to enhance your gaming experience further.

Remember to operate cautiously when utilizing SyncThing for cloud saves, as the games were not initially designed for cloud save functionalities. Utilize the file versioning feature to avoid errors and ensure that you allow sufficient time for file uploads when switching between devices.

Thank you for following this guide. You are now equipped to enjoy a seamless gaming experience with non-Steam games on your Steam Deck. Happy gaming!

Also Read: