Fresh hints inside the latest Genshin Impact PC update are fueling new speculation that more HoYoverse games could be headed to Steam, which would also open the door to smoother play on the Steam Deck. While there’s still no official announcement, multiple signs point to the studio quietly preparing Steam support for some of its biggest titles, potentially including Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero.
The strongest clue comes from files reportedly found in Genshin Impact’s newest update. Observers noticed the presence of a steam_api64.dll file, a Steam-related component that commonly appears when a game is testing or adding Steam integration. That discovery has encouraged fans to look for additional evidence elsewhere, and more appears to have surfaced through HoYoverse account-related web pages. Several Steam login strings were spotted, suggesting the company may be building Steam sign-in or account connection features behind the scenes.
If HoYoverse does bring its major games to Steam, it could be a big win for players who prefer PC gaming convenience. Right now, HoYoverse titles have their own launcher ecosystem and are also available through other PC distribution options, but Steam remains the platform many players want for its library management, updates, controller support, and handheld-friendly features. A native Steam release would reduce friction for new players and make it easier for current fans to keep everything in one place.
It could also significantly improve the overall Steam Deck experience. At the moment, Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero can be made playable on SteamOS using workarounds such as compatibility tools and alternative launch methods, and plenty of players report solid performance around 720p to 800p once the setup is done. However, the process isn’t always seamless, and some titles can be more troublesome to configure than others.
There are also practical hurdles that an official Steam release could help solve. These games require an active internet connection, which means on-the-go play can depend on a stable hotspot or public Wi‑Fi. Another sticking point for handheld users is input behavior during launch. In some cases, players may need mouse-style input just to get into the game before controller controls fully take over. That kind of extra step can make “pick up and play” sessions less comfortable on a handheld, and it may complicate the path to full Steam Deck compatibility recognition unless HoYoverse optimizes startup and menus for controller-only use.
From a performance standpoint, Steam Deck-class handheld PCs are more than capable of running these games, often exceeding the baseline requirements seen on many smartphones. And since HoYoverse games generally feel better with traditional gamepad controls than touchscreen inputs, handheld PCs can arguably provide one of the most satisfying ways to explore Teyvat or dive into newer action-heavy worlds—especially if official Steam support streamlines installation, updates, sign-in, and controller handling.
For now, fans will have to wait and see whether these file discoveries turn into a formal Steam launch. But with Steam integration traces appearing in updates and on account pages, anticipation is building that HoYoverse may be preparing to bring its biggest games to Steam—and make Steam Deck play far more straightforward in the process.
