How to Update Lutris on Steam Deck? A Step-by-Step Guide

Lutris is an essential tool for running and managing games on Linux systems, especially on the Steam Deck.

However, when a new version is released, users may encounter challenges updating the application.

For example, if you’re receiving a notification that version 0.5.17 is no longer supported and needs to be updated to 0.5.18, follow this guide to ensure a seamless update process.

How to Update Lutris on Steam Deck?

Step 1: Check If Lutris Was Installed via Flatpak

The most common way to install Lutris on the Steam Deck is through Flatpak. To confirm, you can check how Lutris was installed:

• If you used Discover (the Steam Deck’s software centre), it’s likely a Flatpak version.

Step 2: Update Lutris via Discover

1. Open Discover:
   • Launch the Discover app from your desktop mode.
2. Search for Updates:
   • Navigate to the updates section within Discover. If an update for Lutris is available, it should appear here.
3. Install the Update:
   • Select the Lutris update and proceed to install it.

Note: Sometimes the update may not appear in Discover immediately. If that’s the case, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Update Using the Terminal

If the update isn’t available through Discover, you can manually update Lutris using the terminal:

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Run the following command to update all Flatpak apps, including Lutris:
   flatpak install flathub net.lutris.Lutris
3. Look for Lutris in the list of updated apps. If the update is successful, you’ll see version 0.5.18 installed.

Step 4: Verify the Update

After updating, verify that the new version of Lutris is installed:

1. Launch Lutris.
2. Check the version number displayed in the application to ensure it matches 0.5.18.

Common Issues and Fixes

Problem: Update Doesn’t Appear in Discover

• Cause: Updates to Flatpak apps may take some time to propagate through Discover.
• Solution: Use the terminal method to force an update.

Problem: Update Notification Persists

• Cause: The app might not have been updated properly, or the old version is still being referenced.
• Solution:
  1. Run the terminal command flatpak uninstall lutris.
  2. Reinstall Lutris with:
     flatpak install flathub net.lutris.Lutris

Step 5: Reintegrate Lutris into Steam (Optional)

If you’ve added Lutris shortcuts to Steam for game mode, ensure they are still functional after the update:

1. Remove the old Lutris shortcut from Steam.
2. Re-add the updated version from desktop mode.

Conclusion

Keeping Lutris up-to-date ensures compatibility with the latest features and fixes. While the process may vary slightly depending on your installation method, the steps outlined above should help you successfully update Lutris to the latest version. Regularly checking for updates via Discover or the terminal ensures you’re always running the most optimized version for your gaming needs.

Enjoy seamless gaming on your Steam Deck!