How to Play InZOI on Steam Deck

InZOI is a life simulation game that allows players to test their creative powers. Fans of the genre will find classic features such as in-depth character creation to create their Zois and a build mode to manage their cities.

Since InZOI is on PC, players who own a Steam Deck can play the game using their handheld device. The default settings aren't optimized for the Steam Deck, but players can enjoy the game with a few tweaks. So, here's everything players need to do to play InZOI on Steam Deck.

InZOI: Burning Questions Answered

With hype building up for the most realistic-looking simulation game yet, fans understandably have many questions about InZOI.

Posts

By Joe Grantham

Updated on March 31, 2025, by Taylor Pittman: InZOI entered Early Access in March, and many players jumped into the life simulation with high hopes. The full release brings fun gameplay where players can create Zoi households and live out their lives. The demo for the Creative and Build studios was available to download on PC and the Steam Deck pre-release, but certain settings must be changed to run the full game on the handheld console. This guide has been updated to include more information on how to play InZOI on the Steam Deck for those still having issues.

How to Play InZOI on Steam Deck

InZOI is known for its realistic graphics, so running it on the Steam Deck can be complicated without changing the proper settings. Players can purchase the game from the Steam Store and install it onto their Steam Deck. Once installed, they can boot it up and get ready to play. However, they may notice that they cannot get past the main menu due to some resolution issues.

Players must change the display settings within the game's code files and edit the controller to play InZOI successfully on their Steam Deck. The video below shows players how:

Players must launch the game at least once for this method to work.

Best Settings for InZOI on Steam Deck

Click the STEAM button on the device.
Scroll down to Power and choose Switch to Desktop.

Players can connect a mouse to make navigating in Desktop mode on the Steam Deck easier.

When Desktop Mode is active, open the file manager.
Under Home, choose the third view mode to list the folders.
Click the three lines on the right side of the screen and select Show Hidden Files from the drop-down menu.
Open the following folders:
- .steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata
Click Modified twice
Open the following folders:
- 2456740/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser
Press Name to make sorting them easier.
Open the following folders:
- AppData/Local/BlueClient/Saved/Config/Windows
Open the file called GameUserSetttings.ini
Find the line saying fullscreenmode=0
Pull up the keyboard, delete the 0, and replace it with a 1. Ex. Fullscreenmode=1.
Save the GameUserSettings.ini
In Gaming Mode, find InZOI in the library.
Click the gear icon and open Properties.
Go to Compatibility and check the box labeled Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool to open a drop-down menu.
Assign Proton Hotfix or GE-Proton9-26 if installed.
Then, launch the game by pressing Play. Skip through the opening until you get to the main menu, and select Options at the bottom left side of the start screen.

Players must change the following presets to get the best performance results from InZOI on the Steam Deck:

Dynamic Resolution: ON
Target FPS: 30FPS
Maximum FPS: 30
Depth of Field: OFF
Motion Blur: OFF
Ray Tracing: OFF

Avoid changing the display mode to fullscreen; otherwise, the resolution issues will return, and players must repeat the above steps to modify the files back to fullscreenmode=1.

Custom Advanced Settings:

Very Low
Anti-Ailsing Mode: TSR

Don't forget to hit Apply to save the changes.

Best Controller Settings for InZOI on Steam Deck

Once players have their display and resolution fixed on Steam Deck, they can edit the Controller Settings to ensure they can use all the input functions in InZOI.

Press the STEAM button on the handheld console and move to the right to find the game menu.
Open Controller Settings to view the layouts.
Move to the Templates section, scroll down to choose Keyboard (WAS) and Mouse, and press X to apply the layout.
Then, Enable Back Grip Buttons and change the following keys on the Numpad Tab to the inputs below:
- L4: Home
- L5: End
- R4: Page Up
- R5: Page Down