The Ranchers has now a native version that can run on Linux operating systems, SteamOs and Steam Deck! ❤️🐧❤️
The Linux/SteamOs/Steam Deck version is automatically downloaded by Steam client when you download the game on Linux/SteamOs/Steam Deck machine.
🎉 The Ranchers does run on the Steam deck natively starting from the Alpha version 0.6.28.171.
To be sure that you are running the native version, make sure that “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool” option is UNCHECKED in The Ranchers Steam client Settings:
The Ranchers full optimization for the Steam Deck is not yet finished, it will be completely optimized for it in future updates, after the Alpha and Beta stages are completed.
If you press the green play button, and the game launches for a second and then goes back to the game page that's means that your Steam Deck cache are not up-to-date.
Basically what happens is steam deck has downloaded the native/Linux version of the game but still do look for ranchers.exe (windows version) to launch it.
To force Steam deck to update its cache:
1. Go to game settings section on Steam client
2. In compatibility tab => CHECK the Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.
3. Go back to the game launch screen (where you have the Play button).
4. Go to game settings section again
5. In compatibility tab => UNCHECK the Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool
6. New update will appear in the game section
7. Should be able to launch the game natively now - Enjoy