How To

How to Use Stream Deck for Gaming: Hotkeys, Profiles, and Plugins

Last updated: July 07, 2026

With Stream Deck, you can put your most-used game controls, shortcuts, and stream actions on labeled keys. Instead of remembering every keybind mid-game, you can tap a clear icon for actions like opening the map, muting your mic, switching camera views, clipping gameplay, or controlling your stream.

This guide walks through the basics of using Stream Deck with games, including how to add hotkeys, how to avoid shortcut conflicts, and how to find ready-made gaming profiles and plugins on Elgato Marketplace.

How set up gaming hotkeys on Stream Deck

A Hotkey action is the simplest way to connect Stream Deck to an in-game command. When your game is active, the game reads that shortcut and performs the action assigned to it.

1. Open Stream Deck app.

2. In the actions panel, find System.

3. Drag Hotkey onto an empty key.

4. In the key settings, click the Hotkey field.

5. Enter the keyboard shortcut you want Stream Deck to send.

6. Open your game’s controls or keybind settings and assign the same shortcut to the in-game action.

Important: Most hotkeys go to the active window. If your game is not in focus, the shortcut may go to another app instead.

Running out of hotkeys? Use F13, F14, and beyond

Many keyboards stop at F12, but computers can recognize higher function keys such as F13, F14, and F15. These keys are useful for Stream Deck because they are less likely to conflict with normal keyboard shortcuts. This is helpful when a game already uses most of your keyboard, or when you do not want a Stream Deck key to trigger something outside the game.

To try this:

Add a Hotkey action in Stream Deck app and click the Hotkey field.
Assign an extended function key, such as F13 or F14.
Open your game’s controls menu and select the action you want to bind.
Tap the Stream Deck key.
Save the control settings and test it in game.

Important: Not every game recognizes every extended function key. Be sure to test it first.

Use profiles for different games

A profile is a complete Stream Deck layout. For gaming, profiles help keep each game’s controls separate and easy to read.

For complex games, folders are especially useful. You can keep your main actions on page one, then place less common controls inside folders.

Use Smart Profiles to switch automatically

Smart Profiles can switch your Stream Deck layout when a specific app or game is active. This helps keep your layout focused, as you do not need every gaming shortcut visible all the time. You only need the right controls when that game is active.

Here is a guide to setting up Smart Profiles on your Stream Deck.

Find ready-made gaming profiles on Elgato Marketplace

You do not have to build every layout and hotkey from scratch. Elgato Marketplace includes ready-made Stream Deck profiles and icon packs for many games.

Some Marketplace profiles may also require a specific Stream Deck model, operating system, game version, or default keybind layout. Check the listing details before installing.

Star Citizen Profile Pack

Take command of the Star Citizen verse with a Stream Deck MK.2 profile built to streamline your experience. With custom icons and quick-access controls, it helps keep essential actions at your fingertips so you can focus on flying, exploring, and surviving among the stars.