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SPECIFICTION
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CheatDeck

github.com

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
Visit github.com
Spec score 8.3 #3 of 30 in Game Trainers

What it is

CheatDeck is a free, GPL-3.0 Decky Loader plugin for Steam Deck that launches sidecar programs and manages game launch options. It can start a selected .exe or .bat alongside a game in the same Proton or Wine environment, then stop it when the game exits. Its Language setting assigns one locale code to both LANG and HOST_LC_ALL. Advanced controls cover desktop behavior, FSYNC, WineD3D, compatibility-data redirection, and audio latency. Custom Options accept environment assignments, prefix commands, and arguments before or after %command%. Unsupported shell syntax or unclear launch options make a document read-only to prevent unsafe partial edits. Optional Lossless Scaling and OptiScaler presets require their corresponding Decky plugins. Installation uses Decky Loader Developer Mode and CheatDeck.zip from a release or nightly build. Some sidecars need runtime dependencies installed with protontricks.

Spec sheet

Purpose
CheatDeck is a Decky Loader plugin for launching sidecar programs and managing launch options on Steam Deck.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
The README lists optional presets for Lossless Scaling and OptiScaler that require their respective Decky plugins.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The public repository identifies its license as GPL-3.0.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Advanced options
Built-in launch controls include desktop behavior, FSYNC, WineD3D, compatibility data redirection, and audio latency overrides.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compatibility caveat
A sidecar may need .NET Core, .NET Framework, or Visual C++ Redistributable dependencies installed in its compatibility environment with protontricks.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compatibility limits
Some sidecar programs may need .NET Core, .NET Framework, or Visual C++ Redistributable installed in the compatibility environment.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Custom options
Users can define environment variables, prefix commands, and command-line arguments as custom launch options.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Distribution
The README instructs users to download CheatDeck.zip from a release or nightly build and install it through Decky Loader developer settings.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Edit safety
If launch options contain unsupported shell syntax or ambiguous markers, CheatDeck makes the document read-only to avoid a partial or destructive edit.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Editing safeguards
Unsupported shell syntax or ambiguous launch options make the document read-only to avoid partial or destructive edits.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
Installation requires Decky Loader Developer Mode and the packaged CheatDeck.zip from a release or nightly build.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Language control
Its Language option sets both LANG and HOST_LC_ALL to a selected locale code.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Language setting
Its Language option sets the LANG and HOST_LC_ALL environment variables to a selected locale code.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Presets
Initial custom option presets include Lossless Scaling and OptiScaler commands, which require their respective software or Decky plugins.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Release migration
The v2.0.0 release warns that previous Custom Options may not migrate and advises backing them up before updating.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Release update caveat
The v2.0.0 release warns that previous Custom Options may not migrate and recommends backing them up before updating.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Save data caveat
Changing STEAM_COMPAT_DATA_PATH may require migrating game saves because compatibility data can contain saves.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Sidecar programs
It can start a selected Windows .exe or .bat alongside a game in the same Proton/Wine environment, and stops it when the game exits.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

CheatDeck Free No plan limits stated Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every CheatDeck plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Starts .exe or .bat sidecars beside games
  • Stops sidecars when the game exits
  • Controls locale environment variables
  • Offers advanced Proton/Wine launch settings
  • Read-only safeguards prevent destructive edits

Limits

  • Requires Decky Loader Developer Mode
  • Some sidecars need additional runtime dependencies
  • Custom Options may not migrate in v2.0.0
  • Changing compatibility paths may require save migration

Who it suits

CheatDeck suits Steam Deck users who need sidecar programs or detailed Proton/Wine launch settings. It is intended for Linux and self-hosted use through Decky Loader.

Verdict

CheatDeck combines sidecar launching with extensive Steam Deck launch-option controls. Installation and compatibility prerequisites matter, especially when updating or changing compatibility data.

Where Specifiction places it

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