MoleTun on Steam Deck
Steam Deck Compatibility
MoleTun works on Steam Deck in Desktop Mode. Since Steam Deck runs SteamOS (Arch-based Linux), you'll use the portable Linux version.
Prerequisites
Steam Deck's filesystem is read-only by default. You need to unlock it and install dependencies before MoleTun can run.
Switch to Desktop Mode
Hold the Power button → Switch to Desktop Mode. Or go to Steam → Power → Switch to Desktop.
Open Konsole
Open the Konsole terminal from the application menu.
Set a Password
Steam Deck ships without a password. You need one for sudo commands. Run:
passwd
Enter and confirm your new password. You'll need this for all sudo commands below.
Unlock the Filesystem
SteamOS has a read-only filesystem. Unlock it temporarily:
sudo btrfs property set -ts / ro false
Initialize Package Keys
Set up the package manager signing keys:
sudo pacman-key --init
sudo pacman-key --populate archlinux holo
Install Dependencies
MoleTun requires these libraries. Make sure to install webkit2gtk-4.1 (not webkit2gtk — the -4.1 suffix matters):
sudo pacman -S webkit2gtk-4.1 libayatana-appindicator
Press Y when prompted to confirm.
These prerequisite steps only need to be done once. However, SteamOS updates may reset the filesystem to read-only, requiring you to run the unlock command again.
Installation
Download MoleTun
Open Firefox and download the portable Linux (.tar.gz) from the MoleTun website.
Extract the Archive
Open Konsole and run:
cd ~/Downloads
tar -xzf MoleTun_*.tar.gz
Grant Network Permissions
sudo setcap cap_net_admin=ep ~/Downloads/MoleTun/mole
Run MoleTun
cd ~/Downloads/MoleTun
./mole
You may see some warnings about dbus — these can be safely ignored. MoleTun will start normally.
Adding to Steam (Optional)
To launch MoleTun from Gaming Mode:
- •In Desktop Mode, open Steam
- •Click "Add a Game" → "Add a Non-Steam Game"
- •Browse to the MoleTun binary location (e.g.,
~/Downloads/MoleTun/mole) - •Add it, then return to Gaming Mode
Gaming Setup
Games via Steam
Most Steam games work normally. Launch MoleTun first, connect to your room, then launch your game.
Games via Proton
Windows games running through Proton work the same way — MoleTun handles the network layer at the OS level.
Games with LAN Requirements
For games like Minecraft Java or Factorio that need direct IP connections:
- •Note your MoleTun IP in the app
- •Share it with friends for direct connection
Performance Tips
- •Use WiFi 5GHz: Steam Deck's 5GHz WiFi is faster and less congested
- •Dock if possible: Ethernet via dock provides the most stable connection
- •Close background apps: More resources for gaming
- •Battery vs plugged: Performance is better when plugged in
Troubleshooting
sudo: No Password Set
If sudo asks for a password you never set:
passwd
Set a password first, then retry your command.
MoleTun Won't Start
- •Ensure you've installed the dependencies (
webkit2gtk-4.1,libayatana-appindicator) - •Check if the filesystem is unlocked:
sudo btrfs property set -ts / ro false - •Verify network permissions:
sudo setcap cap_net_admin=ep ~/Downloads/MoleTun/mole - •Try running from Konsole to see error messages
Missing Library Errors
If you see errors about missing .so files:
# Re-run dependency installation
sudo btrfs property set -ts / ro false
sudo pacman -S webkit2gtk-4.1 libayatana-appindicator
Common mistake: webkit2gtk and webkit2gtk-4.1 are different packages. MoleTun needs webkit2gtk-4.1 specifically. If you installed the wrong one, install the correct one.
Can't Connect to Room
- •Verify internet connectivity
- •Check if SteamOS firewall is blocking (rare, but possible after updates)
- •Try creating a new room
Game Can't Find Network
- •Launch MoleTun before the game
- •Verify you can see room members in MoleTun
- •Some games need to be restarted after MoleTun connects
Does MoleTun work in Gaming Mode?▼
MoleTun itself needs Desktop Mode to run. However, once running, you can switch to Gaming Mode and the connection stays active. Add MoleTun as a non-Steam game to launch from Gaming Mode directly.
Can I play with friends on PC?▼
Absolutely. MoleTun creates a cross-platform virtual network. Your Steam Deck can connect with Windows, Mac, and Linux players.
Will this work with emulated games?▼
Yes. Any game that supports LAN can use MoleTun, including games running through EmuDeck or other emulation setups.
What about Steam Deck OLED?▼
Same process works on Steam Deck OLED. The hardware is compatible with MoleTun.
Do I need to redo this after a SteamOS update?▼
SteamOS updates may reset the filesystem to read-only and remove installed packages. You may need to re-run the prerequisite steps after major updates.