Black Friday Janitor Steam Deck Guide

Black Friday Janitor is currently Steam Deck Verified. Valve compatibility data reports that the default controller configuration can access all game functionality, Steam Deck controller icons are shown, interface text is legible, and the default graphics configuration performs well on Deck.

That makes the safest starting point simple: use the default Steam configuration first. Do not copy old launch-week advice that treats Deck support as unknown, and do not add Proton overrides before confirming that the default setup actually has a problem.

What does Valve’s Verified result confirm?

The current compatibility record confirms four practical points:

1. Default controls work. You should not need a community layout just to access normal gameplay.
2. Controller glyphs match the Deck. Prompts are expected to show appropriate controller icons.
3. Text is considered legible. Valve’s compatibility test does not flag the interface for unreadably small text.
4. Default performance passes the compatibility check. The default graphics configuration met Valve’s Deck performance requirement for the tested build.

It also reports successful SteamOS operation.

These checks are stronger evidence than an individual “works on my Deck” post, but they still do not define a universal frame-rate target or battery runtime.

First-launch checklist

For a new Deck install:

• update SteamOS to a current stable release;
• install the game normally through Steam;
• leave the compatibility tool on Steam’s default;
• keep the default controller layout;
• launch once before changing graphics;
• check camera sensitivity and text comfort;
• clean one small store or zone before beginning a long session.

If the default experience is already smooth and readable, there is no need to optimize for the sake of changing settings.

What settings should you change first?

There is not enough controlled testing to publish one universal “best settings” preset for both LCD and OLED Decks. Use a conservative decision order instead.

If performance is comfortable

Keep the default graphics preset. Consider a frame-rate cap only if you want to trade some responsiveness for steadier battery use.

If a busy mall area stutters

Change one expensive graphics option at a time rather than lowering everything immediately. Re-test in the same location so the comparison is meaningful.

If battery life matters more than maximum smoothness

Use the Deck’s own frame-rate and refresh controls first. Record the result before changing resolution or forcing another compatibility layer.

If controls feel wrong

Check the active controller and Steam Input layout before changing game files or Proton versions.

External-controller caveat

Current compatibility metadata includes a specific note about external Bluetooth or USB controllers: they may not automatically become the active controller for the primary player on Deck/SteamOS. If an external pad appears connected but does nothing, open the Steam Quick Access controller menu and switch which controller is assigned to the active player.

That is different from the built-in Deck controls, which are part of the Verified test.

Do you need a Proton override?

The current Verified result does not require one. Start with Steam’s default compatibility choice.

Only test another Proton version when you are diagnosing a reproducible issue. If you do, write down the original configuration first so you can return to the known-good baseline. Randomly stacking launch options, Proton versions and graphics changes makes troubleshooting much harder.

What should you record when testing performance?

A useful performance report includes:

Battery duration, watts and exact FPS should be treated as measured values, not assumptions. The wiki intentionally does not publish guessed battery-hour figures.

What if the game will not launch?

Use the same controlled troubleshooting order as on PC:

1. Restart the Deck.
2. Verify game files.
3. Remove manual launch options.
4. Return to the default compatibility tool.
5. Test again before changing graphics.
6. Note whether the failure happens before the menu, during save loading, or after entering the mall.

For graphics-API troubleshooting, see the DX11/DX12 fixes guide. For the published Windows specification, use the PC requirements page.

Evidence and limitations

Confirmed by Valve compatibility data: Steam Deck Verified status, working default controls, Deck controller glyphs, legible text, acceptable default performance and successful SteamOS operation. Player reports: several handheld users describe good real-world play, which is consistent with the compatibility result. Not established: one best graphics preset, guaranteed battery duration, a locked FPS in every store, or identical results across LCD/OLED hardware and future patches.

Last reviewed: September 27, 2026.

Return to the guides hub for the broader troubleshooting and progression path.