Mihoyo's Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero Could Finally Be Coming to Steam

The popular anime-styled gacha games from Mihoyo, including Genshin Impact and the upcoming Zenless Zone Zero, may finally be coming to Steam. Recent discoveries by data miners and keen-eyed Redditors point to internal testing for Steam integration, a move that would be a major win for PC and handheld gamers.

The first clue came from the latest Genshin Impact update on PC. As noted by Kazuleaks, the game files now contain a steam_api64.dll application extension. This dynamic-link library is a core component for Steamworks integration, used for features like achievements, cloud saves, and Steam Overlay functionality. Its presence strongly suggests Mihoyo is testing how the game interacts with the Steam platform.

Further evidence was uncovered by Reddit user u/hzy980512, who identified several Steam-related login strings on Mihoyo's official account webpage. These strings, which include references to "steam" and "steam_openid," are typically used to authenticate users through Steam's login system, lending additional credibility to the rumor of a Steam release.

What This Means for Steam Deck and PC Handhelds

Currently, playing Mihoyo games on the Steam Deck or other Windows-based handhelds like the ROG Ally requires workarounds. Players use tools like the Heroic Games Launcher (for Epic Games Store versions) and compatibility layers like Proton-GE to get the games running. While playable, the experience isn't seamless. Honkai: Star Rail, for instance, has proven more difficult to configure than Genshin Impact.

An official Steam port would change this dynamic significantly. It would provide:

• Direct Installation: No need for third-party launchers or complex compatibility tweaks.
• Steam Deck Verification: The potential for an official "Steam Deck Verified" tag, guaranteeing a smooth, out-of-the-box experience with optimized controls and performance.
• Controller-First Design: Mihoyo's games are designed with controller input in mind, often feeling more natural than touchscreen controls. A Steam release would likely solidify the controller as the primary input method, which aligns perfectly with the Steam Deck's design.

Current Hurdles and Performance

Even with an official release, some challenges remain. These are always-online games, meaning handheld players would need a reliable internet connection—either via Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot—to play away from home. Furthermore, current unofficial methods often require a mouse to launch the game before controller input is recognized. For a Steam Deck Verified tag, Mihoyo would need to ensure the games can be launched and played entirely with a controller.

Performance-wise, however, the Steam Deck and similar devices are more than capable. The minimum smartphone specifications for these games are modest, and the handheld's hardware is significantly more powerful. Players using Proton-GE have already reported good performance at 720p or 800p resolutions, the native resolution of the Steam Deck's screen.

The Broader Context

Mihoyo's games, often branded under the "Hoyoverse" umbrella, are colossal successes on mobile and PC (via the Epic Games Store and their own launcher). Bringing them to Steam would not only expand their reach but also tap into the massive, dedicated Steam user base. For the growing market of PC handhelds, which are often more powerful than the minimum-spec smartphones these games target, an official Steam port would make these devices one of the definitive ways to play.

While an official announcement from Mihoyo is still pending, the technical evidence is compelling. For the millions of fans waiting to play Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero, or Honkai: Star Rail on a dedicated gaming handheld without jumping through hoops, this could be the news they've been waiting for.

Sources: Kazuleaks on X/Twitter, Reddit - r/GamingLeaksandRumors, Steam Deck HQ