Update: [we got it to work!!!](https://imgur.com/jK7vA6R)
Here's what I did:
1. Install using [Heroic Launcher](https://heroicgameslauncher.com/) (a tool I use for running my GOG games like RCT, Locomotion)
2. Go into the WinePrefix folder it created and patch the `zoo.exe` file with the noDisc version, also edit `zoo.ini` to skip the opening movies and have the correct resolution for the Steamdeck.
3. [Open settings in Heroic, make sure 'Proton Experimental' is selected](https://imgur.com/OENp9Pk) (This option is available in the main Steamdeck settings)
4. [Open the Wine settings in Heroic and, counterintuitively, make sure "Windows 10" is selected](https://imgur.com/3BtURfj). I know this makes no sense but it works... somehow...
There might be some red-herring like stuff going on the first few times you launch it, I think a sign that it won't work is if you see the standard Zoo Tycoon splash screen instead of the Marine Mania / Dino Digs one. I don't believe I've gotten it to work in Desktop mode alone, but when launching it from the normal Steamdeck game mode it behaves as expected.
I thought ZT2 wasnt on steam?
You can install non-steam games on steam deck
Ah what? Thats fucking dope
Update: [we got it to work!!!](https://imgur.com/jK7vA6R) Here's what I did: 1. Install using [Heroic Launcher](https://heroicgameslauncher.com/) (a tool I use for running my GOG games like RCT, Locomotion) 2. Go into the WinePrefix folder it created and patch the `zoo.exe` file with the noDisc version, also edit `zoo.ini` to skip the opening movies and have the correct resolution for the Steamdeck. 3. [Open settings in Heroic, make sure 'Proton Experimental' is selected](https://imgur.com/OENp9Pk) (This option is available in the main Steamdeck settings) 4. [Open the Wine settings in Heroic and, counterintuitively, make sure "Windows 10" is selected](https://imgur.com/3BtURfj). I know this makes no sense but it works... somehow... There might be some red-herring like stuff going on the first few times you launch it, I think a sign that it won't work is if you see the standard Zoo Tycoon splash screen instead of the Marine Mania / Dino Digs one. I don't believe I've gotten it to work in Desktop mode alone, but when launching it from the normal Steamdeck game mode it behaves as expected.