For years, Linux was considered a non-starter for gaming. While it excelled in development, security, and server environments, the lack of native game support kept most gamers on Windows. But that has changed dramatically. Thanks to Valve’s Steam Proton, thousands of Windows-only games now run smoothly on Linux—often with no extra setup required. This guide explains what Proton is, how it works, and how you can use it to play your favorite titles on Linux. We’ll walk you through enabling Steam Play, checking game compatibility, optimizing your graphics drivers, and troubleshooting common issues like crashes or poor performance. Whether you’re using an NVIDIA or AMD GPU, gaming on Linux is not only possible—it’s better than ever.

What Proton Is and How It Has Revolutionized Gaming on Linux

Steam Proton is a compatibility layer developed by Valve in collaboration with CodeWeavers. It’s based on Wine, an open-source project that allows Windows applications to run on Unix-like systems such as Linux. However, Proton goes beyond standard Wine by including performance optimizations, DirectX 12 and Vulkan support, and seamless integration with the Steam client.

Proton works by translating Windows API calls (like DirectX, .NET, and Visual C++ libraries) into their Linux equivalents (such as Vulkan and OpenGL). This allows Windows games to run natively on Linux without emulation, resulting in near-native performance for many titles.

Key Features of Proton

• Proton Experimental: A rolling version with the latest fixes and features, automatically updated by Steam.
• Proton GE (GloriousEggroll): A community-maintained version with broader game support and additional patches not in the official builds.
• Steam Deck Integration: Proton is the foundation of the Steam Deck’s operating system, proving its reliability for gaming.
• No Configuration Needed: Most games launch automatically with the correct Proton version once enabled.

Since its release in 2018, Proton has transformed Linux gaming. According to ProtonDB, over 80% of the top 10,000 Steam games now run successfully on Linux, with many achieving Platinum or Gold ratings (meaning they work flawlessly or with minor issues).

Step-by-Step Tutorial to Activate Steam Play in Your Steam Client

Enabling Steam Play is the first step to running Windows games on Linux. Follow these instructions to set it up:

Step 1: Open Steam Settings

Launch the Steam client on your Linux system. Click on Steam in the top-left corner, then select Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Steam Play

In the Settings window, go to the Steam Play tab located on the left-hand side.

Step 3: Enable Steam Play for All Titles

Check the box labeled:

Then, check the second box:

Step 4: Choose Your Proton Version

From the dropdown menu below, select the Proton version you want to use. Options typically include:

• Proton Experimental – Always up to date with the latest improvements.
• Proton 8.0, 7.0, etc. – Stable, tested versions.
• Proton GE – Not shown by default; requires manual installation (see below).

Optional: Install Proton GE (GloriousEggroll)

Proton GE includes additional patches for games that don’t work well with official versions. To install:

1. Download the latest Proton GE from https://github.com/GloriousEggroll/proton-ge-custom.
2. Extract the archive to ~/.steam/root/compatibilitytools.d/ (create the folder if it doesn’t exist).
3. Restart Steam. The custom version will appear in the Proton dropdown.

Once enabled, any game you launch—Windows or Linux—will use Proton automatically if needed.

How to Check the Compatibility of Your Games on the ProtonDB Website

Not all games work perfectly out of the box. Before purchasing or launching a title, check its compatibility on ProtonDB (protondb.com), a community-driven database that tracks how well games run on Linux via Proton.

Understanding ProtonDB Ratings

Rating	Description	What to Expect
Bronze	Runs, but with significant issues	Crashes, graphical glitches, audio problems
Silver	Mostly playable with minor issues	Some bugs, may require tweaks
Gold	Runs well with no major issues	Minor visual or audio quirks
Platinum	Works perfectly	No issues reported; indistinguishable from Windows
Native	Official Linux version available	Best performance and support

How to Use ProtonDB

1. Go to protondb.com.
2. Search for your game (e.g., “The Witcher 3” or “Hades”).
3. View the average rating and read user reports.
4. Look for tips: Some users share launch commands, Proton versions, or settings that improve performance.

Example: Resident Evil Village has a Platinum rating with Proton Experimental. Users report 60+ FPS on mid-range GPUs with ray tracing disabled.

Optimizing Your Graphics Card Drivers for the Best Performance

To get the best gaming experience, ensure your GPU drivers are properly installed and optimized.

NVIDIA Users

NVIDIA offers excellent Linux support through its proprietary drivers.

Installation (Ubuntu/Debian):

After installation, reboot. Verify with:

Enable NVIDIA Prime (for laptops with hybrid graphics):

Performance Tips:

• Use the latest driver version for Vulkan and DLSS support.
• Enable “On-demand” mode in NVIDIA Settings to save power.
• Set “Prefer Maximum Performance” in Power Management Mode.

AMD Users

AMD GPUs are well-supported on Linux with open-source amdgpu drivers included by default.

Verify driver:

You should see Kernel driver in use: amdgpu.

Install Mesa and Vulkan drivers:

Performance Tips:

• Use the latest kernel and Mesa versions for RDNA2/RDNA3 optimizations.
• Enable FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) in supported games.
• Consider corectrl for custom fan and clock profiles.

Solving Common Problems: “The Game Won’t Launch” or “It Runs Very Slow”

Even with Proton, issues can occur. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.

Problem: The Game Won’t Launch

Solution 1: Verify Proton is Enabled
Double-check Steam Play settings. Ensure “Enable for all titles” is checked.

Solution 2: Check Anti-Cheat Support
Games with Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) or BattlEye may block Proton unless whitelisted. Check the game’s store page or ProtonDB. If not supported, it won’t launch.

Solution 3: Use Proton GE
Some games need community patches. Install Proton GE as described earlier.

Solution 4: Clear Compatibility Tool Cache
In Steam, go to:
Steam > Settings > Storage > Steam Library Folders > Right-click library > "Clear Download Cache"

Problem: The Game Runs Very Slow

Solution 1: Use the Right Proton Version
Try different versions (e.g., Proton 8, Experimental, or GE). Some games perform better on specific builds.

Solution 2: Optimize In-Game Settings
Lower resolution, disable ray tracing, and reduce texture quality. Use Vulkan or Proton’s DXVK if available.

Solution 3: Enable GameMode
GameMode optimizes CPU and GPU performance during gameplay:

Add gamemoderun %command% to the game’s launch options in Steam.

Solution 4: Check System Resources
Use htop or nvtop to monitor CPU, RAM, and GPU usage. Close background apps.

Solution 5: File System Optimization
Avoid NTFS/exFAT drives. Install games on ext4 or Btrfs for best performance.

Conclusion: Gaming on Linux Is Not Only Possible—It’s Powerful

Thanks to Steam Proton, gaming on Linux has entered a new era. You no longer need to dual-boot Windows to enjoy modern AAA titles. With proper setup, you can play thousands of Windows games with minimal effort and excellent performance.

The key is knowing how to enable Steam Play, check compatibility on ProtonDB, optimize your GPU drivers, and troubleshoot common issues. Whether you’re using NVIDIA or AMD hardware, the tools and community support are stronger than ever.

Linux gaming is no longer a compromise—it’s a viable, often superior alternative. With lower system overhead, faster load times, and the freedom of open-source software, you should consider making Linux your primary gaming platform.

So update your drivers, enable Steam Play, and launch that game you’ve been waiting to play. The future of gaming on Linux is here, and it runs on Proton.