Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is a popular MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) that can be enjoyed on the go with the FFXIV on your Steam Deck.
This guide will walk you through the process of installing and configuring the FFXIV launcher specifically for use on an SD card within your Steam Deck.
Keep in mind that installing the game on an SD card may affect performance due to slower read/write speeds compared to the internal SSD. However, this guide provides a solution for those who prefer to save space on their Steam Deck’s internal storage.
Downloading Final Fantasy XIV (Windows Version)
There are two key things to consider when downloading FFXIV for Windows:
A. Choosing the Download:
- Free Trial vs. Full Version: FFXIV offers a generous free trial that allows you to experience a significant portion of the game’s content. You can download the free trial client from the official Square Enix website: FFXIV Free Trial Download: https://freetrial.finalfantasyxiv.com/na/download
- Steam Version vs. Standalone Client: FFXIV is available on both Steam and as a standalone client downloadable from Square Enix. If you already have a Steam account and prefer managing your games through that platform, you can purchase and download FFXIV directly through Steam. Otherwise, download the standalone client from the Square Enix website: FFXIV Windows Download: https://support.na.square-enix.com/faqarticle.php?id=5382&kid=81074
B. Download Location (Avoid SD Card):
For optimal performance, it’s highly recommended to not download FFXIV directly to an SD card. Here’s why:
- SD Card Read/Write Speeds: SD cards generally have slower read/write speeds compared to a computer’s internal storage (HDD or SSD). This can lead to longer loading times, stuttering, and potential performance issues while playing FFXIV.
- Fragmentation: Frequent access and updates to the game can cause fragmentation on your SD card, further impacting performance.
Here’s how to choose a download location:
- Default Download Location: Both Steam and the standalone client will have a default download location. This is usually your computer’s main hard drive (C: drive by default on Windows). Leave the default settings unless you have a specific alternative location in mind.
- Choosing an Alternative Download Location: If you have a separate internal hard drive or a large, high-speed SSD, you can choose that as the download location during installation. This can be a good compromise if you’re low on space on your main drive.
Installing FFXIV on your Steam Deck’s Internal Drive
Now that you’ve downloaded the FFXIV installer to your Steam Deck’s internal drive (avoiding the SD card), let’s proceed with the installation process.
A. Switching to Desktop Mode:
- Press the Steam button on your Steam Deck.
- Navigate to the Power menu in the bottom right corner.
- Select Switch to Desktop Mode.
B. Adding the installer as a Non-Steam Game:
- Once in Desktop Mode, locate the downloaded FFXIV installer file. It will typically be in your Downloads folder by default. You can access this folder by opening Dolphin (file manager) and navigating to Home > Downloads. The downloaded file will likely have a name like “FFXIV_Installer.exe”.
- Right-click on the FFXIV installer file.
- Select Add… > Add a Non-Steam Game.
C. Setting Proton compatibility tool (Optional):
- A new window will appear listing the chosen installer. Click on the “Properties…” button below the list.
- Under the “Compatibility” tab, you’ll see a checkbox for “Force compatibility layer”. This step is optional, but it can help ensure the installer runs smoothly on your Steam Deck’s Linux operating system.
- Check the box next to “Force compatibility layer”.
- From the dropdown menu below, select Proton 7.0 (or the latest available Proton version). Proton is a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux.
- Click “OK” to confirm the changes.
D. Running the installer (Install on internal drive):
- Navigate back to the “Properties” window you opened earlier (if you used step C).
- Click the “PLAY” button at the bottom of the window. This will launch the FFXIV installer.
- During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to choose an installation location. Make sure to select a location on your Steam Deck’s internal drive (not the SD card) for optimal performance. The default location might be pre-filled, so double-check before proceeding.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the FFXIV installation process. This might involve accepting license agreements and choosing additional installation options.
Configuring the FFXIV Launcher on Steam Deck (SD Card Setup)
Since you downloaded and installed FFXIV on your Steam Deck’s internal drive, the following steps assume you want to launch and play the game using the launcher on an SD card.
A. Locating the installed launcher executable:
Switch back to Desktop Mode: Press the Steam button and select Switch to Desktop Mode.
Open Dolphin (File Manager): Locate and launch Dolphin from the taskbar or Applications menu.
Navigate to the FFXIV installation folder: The exact location will depend on where you chose to install the game during the installation process (step D in the previous section). However, here’s a typical path to follow:
- Open Home in Dolphin.
- Navigate to .local (hidden folder – you might need to enable viewing hidden folders in Dolphin settings).
- Open the folder named share
- Look for a folder named SteamLibrary (This folder might have a random number appended to it).
- Inside the SteamLibrary folder, find a folder named steamapps
- Open the compatdata folder. Here you’ll see folders with random numbers corresponding to your non-Steam games.
- Locate the folder with a number that matches the FFXIV entry in your Steam Deck’s Non-Steam Games library.
- Open that numbered folder.
- Inside, navigate to the folder named pfx (or something similar related to Proton). This folder contains files used to run the Windows application within the compatibility layer.
Finally, look for a file named ffxivboot.exe or something similar referencing the launcher executable.
B. Adding the launcher as a Non-Steam Game:
- Right-click on the launcher executable (ffxivboot.exe).
- Select “Add… > Add a Non-Steam Game” from the context menu.
- This will launch the familiar “Add a Non-Steam Game” window. The launcher executable should be pre-filled in the path field.
- You can optionally rename the entry in the “Name” field for easier identification within your Non-Steam Games library (e.g., “FFXIV Launcher (SD Card)”).
- Click “Add Selected Programs” to finalize adding the launcher as a Non-Steam Game.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you’ve successfully downloaded and installed FFXIV on your Steam Deck’s internal drive, and configured a launcher executable that points to the installed game files.
In the next steps, we’ll configure launch options to ensure the launcher utilizes the internal drive installation and optimize performance for playing FFXIV on your Steam Deck.
Remember, using an SD card for the actual game files might affect performance, but this guide provides a solution for maximizing internal storage space.
FAQs
Can XIV Launcher be installed and run from an SD card?
XIV Launcher is primarily designed to be installed and run from a local drive on your computer, such as the internal hard drive or SSD. While it may be technically possible to install XIV Launcher on an SD card, it is not recommended due to potential performance issues and slower read/write speeds compared to traditional storage drives.
What are the potential drawbacks of running XIV Launcher from an SD card?
Running XIV Launcher from an SD card may result in slower loading times, especially during initial startup and when accessing game files. SD cards typically have slower read/write speeds compared to internal drives, which can impact the overall performance and responsiveness of XIV Launcher and Final Fantasy XIV.
Is it possible to install FFXIV game files on an SD card while running XIV Launcher from a different location?
Yes, it is possible to install Final Fantasy XIV game files on an SD card while running XIV Launcher from a different location, such as the internal drive of your computer. During the installation process of Final Fantasy XIV, you can specify the installation directory to be on the SD card.
How do I set up XIV Launcher to run games installed on an SD card?
If you have Final Fantasy XIV installed on an SD card but want to run XIV Launcher from a different location, you can install XIV Launcher on your computer’s internal drive as usual. Then, when configuring XIV Launcher, specify the location of the FFXIV game files on the SD card. XIV Launcher will recognize the game files and allow you to launch the game accordingly.
What should I consider before installing XIV Launcher or FFXIV on an SD card?
Before deciding to install XIV Launcher or Final Fantasy XIV on an SD card, consider the read/write speeds and storage capacity of the SD card. Ensure that the SD card has sufficient space to accommodate the game files and that its read/write speeds are adequate for smooth gameplay. Additionally, be aware that running intensive applications like games from an SD card may put additional strain on the card and potentially shorten its lifespan.
Are there any recommended SD card specifications for running XIV Launcher or FFXIV?
While specific recommendations may vary depending on individual preferences and requirements, it is generally recommended to use a high-speed, high-capacity SD card if you choose to run XIV Launcher or Final Fantasy XIV from one. Look for SD cards with Class 10 or UHS Speed Class ratings for optimal performance. Additionally, consider using SD cards with ample storage space to accommodate the large size of modern games like FFXIV.
