Are you a passionate gamer looking to take your entire gaming experience to the next level on the go? Look no further—Steam Deck is your perfect match! One thing is for sure: Steam Deck has revolutionised mobile gaming.

Steam Deck has been designed in a way that delivers a PC-quality experience in a handheld device.

However, as you explore what Steam Deck is capable of, you’ll realise that most gamers want to install a Steam Deck VPN. But why need a VPN with Steam Deck?

Well, in this article, we’ll explore why you need a VPN on your exciting Steam Deck and which VPN is the best for Steam Deck.

Why You Need a VPN for Steam Deck

Steam Deck is an almost perfect gaming console, and most people might wonder why one needs a VPN. However, there are a plethora of benefits to using a Steam Deck VPN. They include:

Enhanced Security and Privacy

When you connect with a VPN, all the data transmitted between the internet and your Steam Deck is encrypted, making it difficult for anyone to monitor or intercept that connection. Therefore, it adds an extra layer of protection that prevents cybercriminals and hackers from gaining access to your data and stealing sensitive data.

Also, a VPN can prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from tracking your activities online or throttling your speeds.

Moreover, a VPN hides your IP address to make it difficult for anyone to track your activities back to you.

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No ISP Throttling or Lags

One thing that any gamer will tell you that’s annoying is slow speeds and lagging. However, with a good VPN, slow speeds are a thing of the past – a VPN hides your IP address, and your ISP won’t interfere with your connection speeds.

Access Geo-Restricted Games from Anywhere

Most games are restricted to different regions and countries, which means that when you travel to another country, chances are that you’ll not be able to access your favorite games. The good news is that a VPN can help you access your games on the move. All you need is to connect to a VPN server in your home country and continue enjoying your game – it’s like you never left home.

The VPN will let you bypass the geo-restrictions, protect your online activity, and enhance your gaming experience by providing unlimited bandwidth and keeping you safe from ISP throttling.

Qualities of the Best VPN for Steam Deck

There are several VPN providers in the market, but not all of them are the best for Steam Deck. A good Steam Deck VPN should have some specific characteristics that it should fulfil. To ensure that you select the best Steam Deck VPN, we’ve highlighted the factors that you need to consider when selecting your VPN:

Fast speeds – When it comes to online gaming, you need lightning-fast connections. Fortunately, several VPN services have ensured that they offer users fast speeds. However, some might cause your speeds to slow down a little due to encryption. The best VPN for Steam Deck uses up-to-date protocols such as WireGuard that ensure user data encryption without compromising connection speeds.

Server network – The best VPN should have many servers worldwide to guarantee seamless connections. Besides, you need several servers to help you unblock several games that might be blocked in your country or those you might not access when you travel. Perhaps, you need a VPN that features more than 3000 servers across over 70 countries.

Security and privacy – It’s a no-brainer that you need a secure and safe VPN for the internet. A secure VPN uses AES-256 encryption, should have a kill switch, and use modern security protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and NordLynx. Regarding privacy, you need a highly private VPN with features like a no-logs policy and third-party audits that back the claims.

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Compatibility – One thing about Steam Deck is that it runs on OS – a customised Linux version. Therefore, the VPN you settle for must be compatible with this operating system. Besides, you need a VPN compatible with your home WiFi router to ensure a seamless and secure gaming experience on your Steam Deck.

Price – Sometimes, price can be deceiving; you might choose cheaper or even free VPN options. However, you need to go for flexible and budget-friendly plans. The good news is that most VPN services come with money-back guarantees, and some have free trial periods that you can use to test your VPN. You need to choose a VPN that suits your needs as well as your pocket.

However, it’s crucial to recognise that VPNs are not solely for gaming purposes. They can enhance security in various settings, particularly when handling sensitive data.

Broader Importance of VPNs Beyond Steam Deck Gaming

While VPNs are excellent for enhancing your gaming experience on Steam Deck, their importance extends far beyond that. A VPN is crucial for securing sensitive data, especially when you’re handling confidential information. Whether in an office environment or working remotely while travelling, VPNs create encrypted tunnels that protect your data from prying eyes, hackers, and potential malware attacks.

This is especially important when dealing with work-related documents, private client information, or any form of sensitive content that could be compromised. With a VPN in place, you protect your organisation from data breaches, while ensuring your personal privacy and security online are maintained.

A VPN’s utility goes beyond unblocking games or fast speeds for gaming—it is an essential tool in today’s digital landscape for safeguarding personal and professional data across various scenarios.

How to Set Up Your Steam Deck VPN

By now, you understand that you need a VPN on your Steam Deck for several reasons, including security and accessing geo-restricted material. So, how do you set up your Steam Deck VPN?

1. First, you need to choose your VPN service. We recommend ExtremeVPN, although ExpressVPN and NordVPN are viable options that you can consider.
2. Use your browser and download Decky Loader on your PC – you can easily get it from GitHub.
3. Once you download Decky Loader, proceed to install it on Steam Deck.
4. While using Steam Deck, open the plugin loader by checking the right side of your Steam Deck and clicking on the three dots.
5. Scroll down to get the plugin store, search for the 'TunnelDeck' plugin, and install it.
6. Once installed, open it and click the option to install ExtremeVPN
7. Click the Steam button, go to power, and then select "Switch to Desktop." Your device will reboot in a few seconds to desktop mode.
8. Once that's done, proceed to System Settings, select Network, and then on Connections. When you see the “+” button now, click on it and import the VPN connection.
9. The next thing is to get the VPN configuration files. Every VPN has its configuration files that you can easily download from their website or even ask customer support.
10. On your Steam Deck, look for the location of your configuration file and double-click it to get it added.
11. Now you’ll see the two fields – Username and password. Fill them in using the details you provided in Step 1.
12. In the dropdown menu, change the settings by switching from ‘store password for this user only (encrypted)’ to ‘store password for all users (not encrypted.’
13. Click Apply, and you’re done!

Conclusion

One thing is for sure; with a VPN you can be assured of not only a secure but also a fast Steam Deck gaming experience from anywhere. Perhaps, Steam Deck alone does an exceptional job, but a VPN ensures that your connection is stable and won't throttle and that no third party can access your personal information.

Undoubtedly, Steam Deck is among the top gaming consoles, and with its rise only getting better; you can be assured of several people getting on board with it. A Steam Deck VPN only makes it even more enjoyable as you can access all types of games you want on the go with maximum freedom and security.

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