What Adding Servers Means and Why You'd Do It

Adding servers on Steam Deck means pointing certain games toward custom or private game servers instead of the official ones run by the game publisher. Most multiplayer games connect you automatically to their official servers — the ones that host matches, store your progress, and handle matchmaking. A custom server is one someone else runs, often with different rules, mods, or a smaller community.

You might want to do this if you play a game that lets you host your own server (like Counter-Strike 2 or Rust), if you want to join a friend's private server, or if you prefer a community-run server with custom settings. The process differs depending on which game you're playing and whether the server is one you own or one you're joining.

Key Takeaways

  • Most games that support custom servers let you add them through an in-game menu or by editing a configuration file on your Steam Deck's storage.
  • Some games require you to know the server's IP address and port number, while others let you browse a list of community servers directly in the game.
  • If you're hosting your own server, you'll usually rent it from a game server hosting company and then configure it through their control panel, not through Steam Deck itself.
  • Games installed through Proton (the compatibility layer that runs Windows games on Steam Deck) can add servers the same way as on Windows, but file locations are different.
  • The easiest approach is to check the game's official documentation or community wiki first, because the method varies widely between titles.

Finding the Server Browser or Server List in Your Game

Many games built for multiplayer have a server browser built into the main menu. Launch the game on your Deck, look for a button labeled "Server Browser," "Browse Servers," "Community Servers," or "Multiplayer," and you'll see a list of available servers with player counts, ping, and server name. You can usually filter by game mode, region, or player count to narrow the list down.

Click or select the server you want to join, and the game will connect you to it. This is the simplest method and requires no setup on your part — you're just picking from a list the game already knows about. Games like Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike 2, and Valheim all work this way.

If you don't see a server browser in the main menu, check the Settings or Options menu, or look in the game's official documentation. Some games hide it under "Community" or "Custom Games" instead of making it obvious.

Adding a Server by IP Address and Port

If you want to join a specific server that isn't showing up in the browser — usually a friend's private server or a small community one — you'll need its IP address and port number. These look like "192.168.1.100:27015" or "play.example.com:7777". Ask the server owner for this information.

Once you have it, open the game and look for an option called "Connect to Server," "Direct Connect," "Add Server," or "Join by IP." Paste or type the address into the field and press Enter or confirm. The game will attempt to connect you to that server.

If the connection fails, double-check that you copied the address correctly, that the server is actually running, and that your internet connection can reach it. Some servers block connections from certain regions or require a password, which the server owner should tell you about.

Editing Configuration Files for Games That Don't Have a Browser

Some older games or games with minimal multiplayer features don't have a built-in server browser. Instead, you add servers by editing a configuration file — a text document the game reads when it starts. This is more technical but still straightforward.

First, you need to find where the game stores its files. On Steam Deck, right-click the game in your library, select "Manage," then "Browse Local Files." This opens the game's folder. Look for a file named something like "server.cfg," "config.ini," "servers.txt," or "serverlist.txt" — the exact name depends on the game.

Open this file with a text editor (the Deck's default text editor works fine). You'll see a list of servers or a template showing how to add one. Add a new line following the same format and type in the server's IP address and port. Save the file, close it, and restart the game. It should now show your custom server in its server list.

If you can't find a configuration file, check the game's community wiki or official documentation — they'll tell you the exact filename and format to use.

Hosting Your Own Server From a Game Server Company

If you want to run your own server rather than join someone else's, you'll rent one from a game server hosting company. These are third-party businesses that maintain the hardware and software needed to run game servers. Popular ones include GameServers, Nitrado, GTXGaming, and G-Portal, though different games have different recommended providers.

You don't set up the server from your Steam Deck — you rent it through the hosting company's website on any computer, configure it through their control panel (where you set the server name, player limit, game mode, and rules), and then your Steam Deck connects to it like any other server. The hosting company handles all the technical backend work.

Server rental costs vary widely depending on the game and player count — anywhere from a few dollars a month for a small server to $20 or more for a large one. Check the game's official website or community forums to see which hosting companies are recommended and what the typical cost is.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If you can see a server in the browser but can't connect to it, the server might be full, offline, or experiencing technical problems. Try refreshing the server list or waiting a few minutes and trying again. If it stays unavailable, move on to a different server.

If you're trying to connect by IP address and it fails, make sure you have the correct address. A single wrong number will prevent connection. Also check that the server is actually running — ask the server owner to confirm. Some servers require a password; if you don't have one, you won't be able to join.

If your internet connection is slow or unstable, you might see high ping numbers (latency) or frequent disconnections. Try connecting to a server closer to your geographic location, or check your network connection. On Steam Deck, go to Settings, then System, then check your internet connection status.

Understanding Server Ownership and Permissions

When you join a custom server, you're playing on hardware someone else owns and maintains. The server owner sets the rules, can ban players, can shut it down at any time, and can change settings whenever they want. You have no control over the server's future — if the owner stops paying for it, it disappears.

This is different from official game servers, which the game publisher maintains and typically keeps running for years. Community servers are great for finding unique gameplay experiences or playing with friends, but understand that they're temporary and depend on someone else's commitment and money.

If you're joining a friend's server, ask them how long they plan to keep it running and whether there are any rules you should know about. If you're considering renting your own server, budget for the monthly cost and think about how long you'll actually use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add servers to games that only have official matchmaking?

No. If a game only connects to official servers and doesn't support custom servers, there's no way to add your own. The game's code doesn't allow it. You can only play on the servers the publisher provides. Check the game's documentation to see if it supports custom servers before you buy it.

Do I need to own the game on Steam to add custom servers?

Yes, you need to own the game and have it installed on your Steam Deck. You can't add servers to a game you don't own. If you own it on a different platform (like Epic Games or GOG), you'll need to own it on Steam specifically to use it on your Deck.

What's the difference between a dedicated server and a listen server?

A dedicated server runs on its own hardware 24/7 and is what you rent from a hosting company. A listen server runs on someone's personal computer while they're playing — it stops when they quit the game. Listen servers are free but less reliable. Most community servers you'll join are dedicated ones.

Will adding custom servers affect my Steam achievements or progress?

It depends on the game. Some games count progress on any server toward achievements; others only count official servers. Check the game's documentation. If achievements matter to you, ask in the community or check the server description before joining.

Can I add servers to games running through Proton?

Yes. Games running through Proton (Windows games on Steam Deck) can add custom servers the same way as on Windows. The process is identical — you just use the game's menu or edit its configuration files. The only difference is that file locations are in the Proton compatibility folder instead of a standard Windows directory.