SteamOS runs on Arch Linux, which means no native VPN apps. The three best options are WireGuard (fastest, lowest battery drain), OpenVPN (most compatible with commercial providers), and PiVPN (self-hosted for home network access). Here's how to set each one up on your Steam Deck.
your steam deck is a linux PC in disguise. SteamOS is built on Arch Linux, and while that gives you incredible flexibility, it also means you won't find a one-click NordVPN or ExpressVPN app in the gaming mode UI. 1 you have to get your hands a little dirty — but the payoff is real: secure multiplayer sessions on public Wi-Fi, access to region-locked storefronts, and safe remote play from anywhere.
the good news? the three best options are all free, open-source, and battle-tested. here's which one fits your setup.
wireguard is the modern standard. it's a lean, audited protocol that lives inside the linux kernel itself, which means it sips battery and delivers near line-speed throughput. on the steam deck, you configure it directly through the desktop mode network manager — no extra software needed. 1
specs: ~4,000 lines of code (tiny attack surface), kernel-native on linux, pre-shared key or public-key auth.
best for: anyone who wants the fastest connection with the least impact on battery life. if you have a wireguard config file from your VPN provider (most good ones offer them), this is the no-brainer choice.
openvpn has been the workhorse of VPNs for two decades. it's slower than wireguard and uses more CPU (which means more battery drain), but it's supported by literally every commercial VPN provider. 1 if your provider only gives you .ovpn files, this is your only option.
specs: OpenSSL-based, TCP/UDP on port 1194, wider provider support than any other protocol.
best for: users who already have a VPN subscription and need to import existing .ovpn configuration files. also useful if your network blocks wireguard (some public Wi-Fi does).
pivpn wraps wireguard (or openvpn) into a one-command installer for a raspberry pi or any linux server at home. 1 once it's running, you generate a client config, copy it to your steam deck, and you're connected to your home network from anywhere.
specs: runs on Raspberry Pi OS / Ubuntu / Debian, auto-generates configs, supports both wireguard and openvpn backends.
best for: users who want to access their home network (NAS, Plex, game streaming) securely on the go. you control the server, so there's zero logging and no third party.
| dimension | wireguard | openvpn |
|---|---|---|
| speed | near line-rate | ~30-60% of line-rate |
| battery impact | minimal (kernel-level) | moderate (userspace + SSL) |
| ease of setup | import .conf in NetworkManager | import .ovpn in NetworkManager |
| provider support | growing, most modern providers | universal |
if you value battery life and speed, pick wireguard. if your provider doesn't support it, openvpn still works fine — just expect shorter play sessions.
switch to desktop mode, click the network icon in the system tray, and choose "Add Connection." both wireguard (.conf) and openvpn (.ovpn) files can be imported directly. 1 once configured, the VPN will appear in the network menu and you can toggle it on before launching a game.
pro tip: configure the VPN in desktop mode, then switch back to gaming mode. the connection persists.
if you don't want to leave gaming mode, tunneldeck is a plugin for decky loader that adds a VPN toggle to the quick access menu. 1 it supports both wireguard and openvpn configs. this is the most convenient option for users who switch networks frequently.
flash your home router with a VPN client (or use a travel router like GL.iNet) and every device on that network — including your steam deck — is protected automatically. 1 zero configuration on the deck itself, but you lose the ability to toggle the VPN per-session.
.ovpn files.all three are free. all three work. the only wrong answer is connecting to public Wi-Fi without one.
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