Linux Gaming with Proton
The rise of Proton has revolutionized the landscape for Linux gamers. In this guide, we will explore the ins and outs of Proton, its role in Linux gaming, and how you can maximize your gaming experience on Linux.
What is Proton?
Proton is an open-source compatibility layer developed by Valve, the company behind the popular digital distribution platform Steam. The primary function of Proton is to enable Linux users to play Windows-based games on their Linux systems seamlessly. Proton is built on top of Wine, a well-known compatibility layer that has been around for almost three decades.
The introduction of Proton has significantly expanded the catalog of games available to Linux users, making it an essential tool for gamers who prefer Linux over Windows.
Proton GE and Wine GE
In addition to the standard version of Proton, there is also Proton GE (GloriousEggroll), a bleeding-edge version that incorporates numerous patches and fixes ahead of the main Proton releases. Proton GE has a counterpart called Wine GE, which follows the same principles but is designed for non-Steam games. Many consider Proton GE and Wine GE to be indispensable for an optimal gaming experience.
Installing Steam on Linux (Ubuntu)
To start gaming on Linux, the first step is to install Steam on your Linux system. Steam can be easily installed via the Ubuntu Software app or by using the command line:
$ sudo apt install steam
Once Steam is installed, you can access thousands of games designed for Linux, as well as those compatible with Proton.
Native Linux Games vs. Steam Play
While the Linux gaming community is growing, the number of titles developed explicitly for Linux is still limited compared to those designed for Windows. However, Steam’s secret weapon, Steam Play, automatically installs compatibility tools that allow you to play games built for other operating systems.
To activate Steam Play, navigate to Steam -> Settings -> Steam Play and check both Enable Steam Play for supported titles and Enable Steam Play for all other titles. By doing so, you will find that previously unsupported games become playable on Linux.
Setting Up Proton
After installing Steam and enabling Steam Play, the next step is to configure Proton for an optimal gaming experience. Proton can be set up manually or through the use of apps like ProtonUp-Qt, which provides a graphical user interface for installing and updating Proton GE and Wine GE.
Manually Installing Proton GE
To manually install Proton GE, follow these steps:
Visit the Proton GE GitHub page and download the latest release.
Open your terminal and create the directory for Proton GE releases:
$ mkdir ~/.steam/root/compatibilitytools.d
Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the Proton GE release and extract the tarball into the directory you created:
$ tar -xf GE-Proton*.tar.gz -C ~/.steam/root/compatibilitytools.d/
Restart Steam, and Proton GE should now be available for use.
Installing Wine GE with Lutris
Wine GE is best used with Lutris, a versatile Linux gaming client that supports not only Steam games but also a wide variety of non-Steam titles. To install Wine GE, you must first have Lutris installed on your system.
With Lutris installed, hover over the Wine tab and click the “Manage Versions” button. Lutris will automatically detect new releases of Wine GE. Simply scroll through the list, find the desired version of Wine GE, and click the “Install” button.
Finding Linux-Compatible Games
To discover games compatible with Linux, you can filter your search results on digital game stores such as Steam, GOG, and The Humble Store. Look for the SteamOS or Linux icons to identify games that are natively compatible with Linux.
Additionally, you can visit ProtonDB, a community-curated database that lists games that work with Proton. ProtonDB provides valuable information on the performance of each game on Linux systems, as well as any necessary tweaks for optimal performance.
Playing Windows Games with Proton
When you open Steam on Linux, search through your library for games with a blue “Install” button, even if they are not listed as Linux-compatible in the store. These games are Proton-ready and should be playable on Linux with minimal effort.
For games that are not officially supported by Proton, you can refer to ProtonDB for guidance. The community-driven database provides information on which games work with Proton and any necessary tweaks to achieve the best performance.
Emulating Classic Games on Linux
If you’re interested in playing classic games on Linux, there are several emulators available that can run titles designed for older operating systems and gaming consoles. Some popular emulators include DOSBox for DOS games, ScummVM for classic adventure games, and Dolphin for Nintendo GameCube and Wii titles.
Keep in mind that you will need to obtain your own game ROMs to use these emulators and may need to perform some command-line work to get games running correctly.
Cloud Gaming as a Last Resort
If you’re struggling to get a particular game running on Linux, cloud gaming services such as Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming can offer a solution. These services allow you to play games on Linux through a web browser, bypassing the need for compatibility layers or emulators.
Alternatively, you can stream games directly from a Windows PC to your Linux machine using solutions like AMD Link, Moonlight, or Steam’s Remote Play feature.
Future of Linux Gaming
With the growing popularity of Linux and the release of the Linux-based Steam Deck, the future looks promising for gamers who want to ditch Windows. The continuous development of Proton and other compatibility tools ensures that Linux gamers will have access to an increasingly diverse selection of games.
As the most popular Linux desktop distribution, Ubuntu is the primary target platform for native Linux game developers and ProtonDB testing. This makes Ubuntu a convenient choice for gamers who want the best possible gaming experience on Linux, but it is no longer particularly difficult to get the same results with other distros.