Zenless Zone Zero has been available on Steam Deck for some time now, but the 2025 updates have significantly improved the experience. If you're looking to enjoy miHoYo's stylish action RPG on Valve's portable powerhouse, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about running Zenless Zone Zero on your Steam Deck.

While Zenless Zone Zero doesn't offer native Linux/SteamOS support, the Steam Deck's compatibility tools have made it increasingly accessible for players. Recent optimizations from both miHoYo and the community have addressed many of the initial performance concerns.

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Current Performance (2025 Update)

The performance of Zenless Zone Zero on Steam Deck has improved considerably since its initial release. Players can now expect:

  • Stable 60 FPS on Medium settings (with occasional dips to 56-59 FPS during intense combat)

  • Reasonable battery life of approximately 2-3 hours (depending on your settings)

  • Reduced RAM usage issues that previously caused crashes

One Steam user noted: "Even with the Honkai Impact 3rd, the deck was so hot that I thought it might break." Thankfully, recent updates have improved thermal management, though the game still runs warm during extended sessions.

For optimal performance, consider:

  • Using CryoUtilities or adjusting the UMA Buffer to 4GB

  • Setting graphics to Medium or Low

  • Enabling FSR for better battery life

Installation Methods

There are several ways to install Zenless Zone Zero on your Steam Deck, but two methods stand out as the most reliable in 2025:

  1. Switch to Desktop Mode by holding the power button

  2. Install Lutris through the Discover app

  3. Visit lutris.net/games/zenless-zone-zero and click "Install"

  4. Follow the prompts to install Wine and the game launcher

  5. Complete the installation process

  6. Add Lutris to Steam for easy access from Gaming Mode

  7. Launch the game through Lutris

This method is generally more stable and offers better performance than alternatives.

Method 2: Heroic Games Launcher

  1. Enter Desktop Mode and open Heroic Games Launcher

  2. Add Zenless Zone Zero to your Epic Games account

  3. Install the game launcher through Heroic

  4. Launch the installer and click "Get Game"

  5. During installation, change the path to accommodate space requirements

  6. Complete the installation and add to Steam (optional)

  7. Return to Gaming Mode to play

Control Tips for Steam Deck

Once installed, you'll need to make a few adjustments for optimal gameplay:

  1. The game will initially default to keyboard controls - use the touchscreen to activate gamepad controls in the settings menu

  2. For first-time login, use the Steam button + X to access the onscreen keyboard

  3. Configure your trackpad as a mouse for easier navigation in the launcher

  4. Consider creating a custom control profile to map additional buttons

Have you tried adjusting your graphics settings to find the perfect balance between visual quality and performance? Many players have found that the Medium preset with shadows turned down provides the best experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

RAM Usage Problems

Zenless Zone Zero can be RAM-hungry, sometimes leading to crashes. To mitigate this:

  • Lower texture quality settings

  • Use CryoUtilities to optimize memory management

  • Set a 4GB UMA Buffer in BIOS

  • Increase your swap file size

Launcher Issues

If you experience problems with the launcher:

  • Try restarting the Steam Deck

  • Verify the game files through the launcher

  • Reinstall the compatibility layer (Wine/Proton)

Controller Not Detected

If your Steam Deck controls aren't working:

  • Use the touchscreen to navigate to settings

  • Manually select controller input

  • Restart the game after changing input settings

Is It Worth Playing on Steam Deck in 2025?

Despite not being officially supported, Zenless Zone Zero runs surprisingly well on the Steam Deck in 2025. The colorful visuals pop on the Deck's screen, and the action-oriented gameplay feels natural with controller inputs.

The game does put some strain on the hardware, resulting in warmer temperatures and shorter battery life compared to native titles. However, with proper settings adjustments, you can enjoy hours of smooth gameplay.

For fans of miHoYo's stylish action games who want to play on the go, Zenless Zone Zero on Steam Deck offers a compelling experience that continues to improve with updates.

Have you tried playing Zenless Zone Zero on your Steam Deck? What settings have you found work best? The community is constantly discovering new optimization techniques, so sharing your experience could help fellow players enjoy this vibrant action RPG to its fullest.