Wiki/wiki-rtd/docs/wiki_general/retrodeck-start.md

# How-to: Start using RetroDECK

<img src="../../wiki_icons/retrodeck/icon-rd.svg" width="100">

## Information

If you don't know what RetroDECK is, read:

[What is RetroDECK?](../wiki_about/what-is-retrodeck.md)

## Step-by-step Getting Started Guide

### Step 0: Prerequisites

<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/emblem-default.png" width="50">

Before you start, make sure you have:

- A device to install RetroDECK on.
- Related BIOS & Firmware ready.
- Game backups of various formats or purchased titles ready to play.

### Step 1: Installation

<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/steam.png" width="50"> <img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/linux.png" width="50">

#### Steam Deck - Installation

Most of the initial setup needs to be done in `Desktop Mode`.

**Follow the guide:** [Steam Deck - Installation](../wiki_devices/steamdeck/steamdeck-start.md)

#### Linux Desktop - Installation

**Follow the guide:** 

[Linux Desktop - Installation](../wiki_devices/linux_desktop/linux-install.md)

### Step 2: Place BIOS & Firmware

<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/cpu.png" width="50">

Place BIOS & Firmware files in the `retrodeck/bios/` directory.

**Read up on:** 

[BIOS/Firmware](../wiki_management/bios-firmware.md)

### Step 3: Place ROMs and Games

<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/folder-blue-games.png" width="50">

RetroDECK follows ES-DE's folder structure.

Place ROM files in their corresponding system directory inside the `retrodeck/roms/` folder (the location of the `retrodeck/roms/` folder depends on your installation location choice).

**Example:**

You have an example NES game called: `ExampleNESGame.nes`

- Place `ExampleNESGame.nes` in the `retrodeck/roms/nes/` folder.
- The result should be: `retrodeck/roms/nes/ExampleNESGame.nes`

**Read up on:** 

[RetroDECK Folders](../wiki_management/retrodeck-folders.md)

### Step 4: Read the ES-DE Frontend & RetroDECK Hotkey Guides

<img src="../../wiki_images/logos/es-de-logo.png" width="55">

ES-DE is the main user interface for RetroDECK and RetroDECK uses Steam Input for it's hotkeys.

**Read up on:** 

- [ES-DE Frontend: General Guide](../wiki_system_guides/es-de/esde-guide.md)
- [RetroDECK: Controller Hotkeys](../wiki_rd_controls/hotkeys-retrodeck.md)

### Step 5: Playing the Games

<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/retrodeck.png" width="50">

Launch RetroDECK via Steam or by itself. The systems you placed ROM files for should be shown and playable.

**Example:**

The NES category should now be shown in the ES-DE Frontend with `ExampleNESGame.nes` from `Step 3`.

### The Optional Step: Explore & Be Part of the Community 

<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/distributor-logo-knoppix.png" width="50">

Feel free to explore the wiki!

- The RetroDECK community is active and widespread. You can find our social links on the [Wiki Start Page](../index.md). 
- You can learn how to tweak certain systems from various articles.
- You can read [The RetroDECK Blog](../blog/index.md) to stay updated with development updates.
- You can contribute to the project: [How-to: Contribute to RetroDECK](../wiki_about/contibute-retrodeck.md)