# Steam Deck - Recommended Software

The following software works great with the Steam Deck and might enhance your RetroDECK or general gaming experience.

### Tip: Linux Desktop - Recommended Software
Also visit [Linux Desktop - Recommended Software](../linux_desktop/linux-software.md) as many of Linux  recommendations also work on the Steam Deck.

## Improvement software

### CryoUtilities

<img src="../../../wiki_images/logos/cryoutilities-logo.png" width="150">

Scripts and utilities to improve performance and manage storage on the Steam Deck.

[CryoUtilities Github](https://github.com/CryoByte33/steam-deck-utilities)


## Decky Loader

<img src="../../../wiki_images/logos/decky-loader-logo.png" width="450">

Is a great piece of software that allows custom plugins inside Steam Deck's gamemode. It can open up more advanced features then the standard Steam Deck experience offers. But it's a bit more technical to install, please follow the guide on their github.

[Decky Loader Github](https://github.com/SteamDeckHomebrew/decky-loader)


### Plugin: PowerTools

<img src="../../../wiki_images/logos/powertools-logo.png" width="150">

PowerTools let's you do advanced tweaking of the Steam Decks hardware. This can greatly improve performance on certain games in the PS2,GC and above generations. But it requires you to find the knowledge of what setting works best for each game and/or emulator.

[PowerTools Git](https://git.ngni.us/NG-SD-Plugins/PowerTools)


### Plugin: AutoFlatpaks

AutoFlatpaks let's you update/install/manage flatpaks directly from gamemode. You can for example update RetroDECK directly from gamemode.

[AutoFlatpaks Github](https://github.com/jurassicplayer/decky-autoflatpaks)


## Other Software

### Chiaki4deck

<img src="../../../wiki_images/logos/chiaki4deck-logo.png" width="150">

Chiaki4deck is a fork of Chiaki, adding features for the Steam Deck. <br>
It is a free and Open Source Client for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 Remote Play. <br>
It can be used to play in real time on a PlayStation as long as there is a network connection.

[Chiaki4deck Flathub](https://flathub.org/apps/io.github.streetpea.Chiaki4deck)

### Discover Overlay

<img src="../../../wiki_images/logos/discover-overlay-logo.svg" width="150">

If you use Discord this is a program that adds Discord integration into the Steam Deck's gamemode UI.
It's already in on Flathub and downloadable in Discover. Note that you need to install and login to Discord as well.

[Discover Overlay Flathub](https://flathub.org/apps/io.github.trigg.discover_overlay)