Learn how to install World of Warcraft: Forever through Battle.net, optimize controller support, customize your Steam library and manage addons with CurseForge.

November 4, 2026 — World of Warcraft: Forever has arrived, bringing renewed excitement to players eager to explore Azeroth on portable gaming devices.

For Steam Deck and SteamOS users, getting the game running requires a few additional steps because Blizzard's Battle.net launcher does not offer a native Linux version.

Fortunately, Steam's Proton compatibility technology makes it possible to install the Windows launcher and run the game through SteamOS.

This guide explains how to set up Battle.net properly, avoid common launcher problems, enable gamepad controls and install addons for a more personalized experience.

Step 1: Download and Install Battle.net

Begin by switching your Steam Deck to Desktop Mode.

Open a web browser, visit the official Battle.net website and download the Windows installer.

Once the download is complete, open Steam and navigate to your Library.

Select Add a Non-Steam Game, browse to your Downloads folder and choose the Battle.net-Setup.exe file.

After adding the installer, right-click it in your Steam Library and open:

Properties → Compatibility

Enable Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool, then select Proton Experimental.

For easier navigation, consider configuring one of the Steam Deck's trackpads to function as a mouse, with a trackpad press assigned to the left mouse button.

Next, return to Gaming Mode and launch the Battle.net installer through Steam.

Follow the installation instructions, sign in to your Battle.net account and complete the launcher installation.

For now, install only Battle.net rather than downloading World of Warcraft immediately.

Once the launcher opens successfully, close it and return to Desktop Mode.

Step 2: Configure the Correct Battle.net Launcher

Although it is possible to continue launching Battle.net through the original setup file, doing so may lead to slower startup times or unexpected windows.

A more reliable approach is to configure Steam to launch the installed Battle.net application directly.

In Desktop Mode, open Konsole and enter the following command:

find /home/deck -iname "Battle.net Launcher.exe" 2>/dev/null

This command searches your Steam Deck's home directory for the Battle.net launcher executable.

When the correct file appears, copy its complete path.

Return to Steam, right-click the Battle.net installer entry and select:

Properties → Shortcut

You will need to update two fields.

TARGET: Paste the complete executable path, including quotation marks.

Example:

"/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1234567890/pfx/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/Battle.net/Battle.net Launcher.exe"

START IN: Enter the directory containing the launcher, without the executable filename.

Example:

/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/1234567890/pfx/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/Battle.net/

The numbered compatdata folder will differ between installations, so use the actual location returned by Konsole rather than copying the example exactly.

This configuration allows Steam to open the installed launcher instead of repeatedly relying on the setup executable.

Keep the existing Proton compatibility setting enabled.

Step 3: Download WoW Forever

With the launcher configured, return to Gaming Mode.

Open the Battle.net entry from your Steam Library and sign in if prompted.

Locate World of Warcraft: Forever within the launcher and begin downloading the game.

Installation time will depend on your internet connection and available storage.

Once the download finishes, launch the game through Battle.net.

Because the launcher is integrated into Steam, you can access the game from your Steam Deck library without manually navigating through Windows installation folders each time.

Step 4: Enable Gamepad Support

One of the major features highlighted for WoW Forever is its official gamepad support.

After entering the game, open:

Menu → Options → Gamepad

Enable Gamepad Support.

This allows players to use the Steam Deck's built-in controls more naturally.

You can also adjust your Steam controller layout to suit your preferences, including trackpad behavior and button assignments.

Players who frequently switch between handheld and desktop gaming may find it helpful to experiment with different controller configurations.

Step 5: Customize the Game in Your Steam Library

Once the game is installed and working, you can improve how it appears in your Steam library.

Return to Desktop Mode, find the entry originally named Battle.net-Setup.exe and rename it.

For example:

World of Warcraft: Forever

You can also customize the game's cover artwork, logo and background.

One convenient option is SteamGridDB, available through the Decky plugin framework.

After installing Decky and its SteamGridDB plugin, return to Gaming Mode.

Highlight the game, press the Start button and choose Change Artwork.

Browse the available images and select the artwork you prefer.

Alternatively, you can download artwork manually and apply it through Steam's customization options in Desktop Mode.

These changes are cosmetic but can make the game feel more integrated into your Steam library.

Step 6: Install WoW Forever Addons With CurseForge

Addons are an important part of the World of Warcraft experience, allowing players to customize their interface and expand gameplay-related features.

CurseForge offers a Linux AppImage version that can help manage compatible addons.

Start by visiting the official CurseForge website and downloading its Linux AppImage.

Launch CurseForge, select the + button and choose Manually Add a Game.

You will then need to locate your WoW Forever installation.

In the file selection window, enable Show Hidden Files.

Navigate to:

/home/deck/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/

Inside this directory, you will find several folders identified by numerical names.

These folders contain Proton compatibility environments for different applications.

To help locate the correct installation, sort the folders by modification date and inspect the most recently updated directories.

Once you find the Battle.net environment, navigate through:

pfx/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/World of Warcraft/_forever_/

Select the _forever_ directory and confirm your selection.

If CurseForge recognizes the installation, you can browse and install supported addons directly through the application.

Important: The folder structure may vary depending on where the game was installed. Make sure the selected directory belongs to your actual WoW Forever installation, and confirm that any addons are compatible with the game version.

Additional Tips for SteamOS Players

To keep your installation running smoothly, remember a few important practices.

• Keep Proton enabled: Battle.net requires a Windows compatibility environment on SteamOS.

• Avoid deleting the Proton prefix: Removing the associated compatibility data may also remove the Battle.net installation and related settings.

• Use the installed launcher: Pointing Steam to the actual Battle.net executable makes routine launcher updates easier.

• Check storage space: World of Warcraft installations and updates can require substantial free storage.

• Review addon compatibility: Not every addon supports every version of the game.

• Back up important settings: Consider preserving your game's configuration and addon settings before major changes.

Can You Use the Same Method on Steam Machine?

The general process also applies to SteamOS-based Steam Machine systems that support Steam's Proton compatibility tools.

Users can install Battle.net as a non-Steam application, configure Proton Experimental and point Steam to the installed launcher.

However, file paths, controller settings and available desktop features may differ depending on the device and SteamOS configuration.

Steam Machine users should adapt the directory paths and controller instructions to their specific hardware.

Final Thoughts

Installing WoW Forever on the Steam Deck takes more preparation than installing a native Steam game, but the process becomes straightforward once Battle.net is configured correctly.

By using Proton Experimental, launching Battle.net through its installed executable and enabling official gamepad support, players can create a more convenient handheld gaming experience.

Additional customization through SteamGridDB and addon management with CurseForge can further improve the setup.

With the right configuration, Steam Deck and compatible SteamOS users can enjoy their adventures in Azeroth with controller support, personalized artwork and access to compatible addons.

Editor's note: This article is an English-language rewrite and reorganization of Onat Esendağ's November 4, 2026, SteamDeckHQ installation guide. Software availability, menu names and compatibility may vary by version and device.