Import songs
for Infinite Disco

Dead as Disco's Infinite Disco mode is one of the most exciting features in the game — it lets you import virtually any MP3 file from your local music library and fight to the beat of your own soundtrack. Whether you want to battle Harmony Corp goons to your favourite tracks, the system supports it when your BPM and lag settings match how you hear the beat. The key is proper BPM calibration and lag offset tuning.

DEAD AS DISCO DEMO - Importing Songs and Custom Music

Community demo — importing songs and checking sync.

Step-by-step

1

Navigate to Infinite Disco

From the main Stage Select screen, choose Infinite Disco. This is Charlie's personal music-powered combat training ground. Hit the Import Song button in the bottom-left of the track selection screen.

2

Select Your MP3 File

A file browser opens. Navigate to your MP3 file. Dead as Disco currently supports MP3 format primarily. If your file is in another format (AAC, FLAC, OGG), convert it first using a free tool like Audacity or online converters. Keep filenames simple — avoid special characters.

3

Set the BPM

Enter the song's BPM (beats per minute). The game may auto-detect it, but auto-detection can be inaccurate. For reliable results, search for the song's BPM online — many databases list verified values. BPM supported range: 50–320. For very slow songs (under 90 BPM), try doubling the BPM value to get a more active feel.

4

Calibrate Lag Offset

The lag offset compensates for audio latency between your headphones/speakers and the game's visual feedback. Start with 0ms, play for 30 seconds and observe if your Perfect Hits feel early or late. Adjust by ±10ms increments. Most players land between 0ms and 60ms. On Steam Deck with Bluetooth headphones, expect higher offset (80–120ms).

5

Test and Refine with Advanced Editor

After your first run, use the Advanced Editor (gear icon on the track) to fine-tune individual beat markers. This is especially useful for songs with irregular tempos, drops, or extended bridges where auto-BPM gets confused.

Steam Deck folder note

The Steam Deck works great — you just need your MP3s where the game's file picker expects them. Desktop Mode is your friend here.

  1. 1. Switch Steam Deck to Desktop Mode (hold Power → Switch to Desktop)
  2. 2. Open Dolphin file manager
  3. 3. Navigate to Z: drive → home → deck
  4. 4. Locate your MP3 files here or copy them from a USB drive
  5. 5. Return to Game Mode — your imported songs now appear in Infinite Disco

Advanced Editor (quick heads-up)

If BPM shifts mid-song or live drums drift, open the Advanced Editor and place beats where your ears hear impact — see the full Advanced Editor guide.

Dead as Disco - Quick Advanced Editor Guide

Community overview — markers & offsets.

Practical tips

BPM feels (rule of thumb)

BPM band How it plays Suggestion
50–89 BPM Very slow gaps between beats Try doubling BPM for snappier cadence
90–119 BPM Relaxed timing windows Great for learning patterns
120–159 BPM Sweet spot energy Most players live here
160–200 BPM Demanding but juicy feedback Warm up first
200–320 BPM Expert pacing Advanced Editor recommended

Import FAQ

What audio formats does Dead as Disco support for import?
Dead as Disco primarily supports MP3 format for song import. Other formats (AAC, FLAC, OGG, WAV) may work but are not officially guaranteed. Convert to MP3 first if you encounter import errors.
My imported song is out of sync — how do I fix it?
This is usually a lag offset issue. Open the track settings and adjust the Lag value. Try +20ms and -20ms first to determine which direction feels better, then fine-tune from there. Most users need between 0ms and 60ms. Bluetooth headphones typically need higher offset (80–120ms).
What is the best BPM range for Dead as Disco?
Songs between 120–200 BPM feel the most natural with the Beat Kune Do combat system. Below 90 BPM, gaps between beats feel too long and combat loses momentum. Above 200 BPM, you'll need exceptional precision — great for challenges but not recommended for learning.
Can I add my own music on Steam Deck?
Yes. Switch to Desktop Mode on the Steam Deck, open Dolphin file manager, navigate to Z: drive → home → deck, and place your MP3 files there. Return to Game Mode and launch Dead as Disco — your songs will appear in Infinite Disco.
What is BB Mode in the Advanced Editor?
BB Mode (Beat-Based Mode) allows you to input a BPM at half or double the song's actual tempo. This is useful for very fast songs (200+ BPM) where inputting at half speed makes manual beat editing more manageable, or for very slow ballads that need more beat density.
Where can I download pre-made beatmaps for Dead as Disco?
DiscoMaps.com is the main community hub for sharing Dead as Disco beatmaps. You can download .dsc files created by other players for popular songs, import them directly via the Advanced Editor, and skip manual calibration.
What is the maximum song length for import?
There isn't a strict maximum song length players commonly hit. Very long tracks (over ~10 minutes) may load slower in the Advanced Editor timeline.
Can I use instrumental tracks without drums?
Yes, but they usually need manual beat placement in the Advanced Editor. Without a strong percussive pulse, auto-BPM may struggle — place markers on clear accents in the waveform.