How To Add Proton Compatibility To Run Windows Games On Linux With Steam

Gaming on Linux has improved significantly, thanks to Protonge, a compatibility layer developed by Valve. With Proton, Linux users can run Windows-exclusive games directly from Steam. This guide will walk you through enabling and optimizing Proton, including ProtonGE, for better performance and compatibility.

Enable Proton in Steam

First, open Steam and go to Settings > Steam Play. Here, enable Steam Play for supported titles and Steam Play for all other titles. This allows Proton to run games that aren’t officially supported. Restart Steam for changes to take effect.

Next, select a Proton version. Valve’s official releases work well, but ProtonGE (GloriousEggroll) provides additional fixes and updates. To install it, use ProtonUp-Qt or download it manually from GitHub. After installation, select ProtonGE for specific games by right-clicking them in Steam, choosing Properties > Compatibility, and selecting your installed ProtonGE version.

Installing ProtonGE for Better Compatibility

ProtonGE is a community-maintained fork of Proton with extra patches. It often includes fixes for new games and performance enhancements. To install, download the latest ProtonGE release from GitHub and move it to ~/.steam/root/compatibilitytools.d/.

Alternatively, use ProtonUp-Qt, a graphical tool that simplifies installing and managing Proton versions. After adding ProtonGE, restart Steam. Then, assign it to games that require additional fixes by selecting it under Compatibility settings.

Configuring Games for Best Performance

Some Windows games need extra tweaks to run well on Linux. Enable DXVK and VKD3D for DirectX translation, which improves graphics compatibility. These are built into Proton but can be customized using launch options.

To further optimize, use launch commands like PROTON_NO_ESYNC=1 or PROTON_NO_FSYNC=1 if a game crashes. Gamemode and MangoHud can also boost performance and monitor FPS. Testing different Proton versions ensures better stability and fewer crashes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If a game refuses to launch, try switching to a different Proton version. Some games work better with older or newer releases. You can also check Add Proton compatibility a community-driven database where users share fixes for specific titles.

Updating graphics drivers is crucial. AMD and Intel drivers are usually included in Linux updates, while NVIDIA users should install the latest proprietary drivers. If a game has no sound, set PULSE_LATENCY_MSEC=60 in launch options to fix audio lag.

Conclusion

Proton makes Linux gaming more accessible, and using ProtonGE improves compatibility even further. By enabling Steam Play, installing custom Proton versions, and tweaking settings, you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience.

For further support, refer to ProtonDB, community forums, or Linux gaming groups. Experimenting with different settings ensures the best results for your favorite games.