Ultimate Guide: How to Use Steam’s Proton to Play Windows Games on Linux

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to use Steam’s Proton to play Windows games on Linux! Gaming on Linux has come a long way, thanks to Valve and the dedicated community. In this guide, we will show you step by step how to make this exciting gaming experience possible. So, let’s dive in!

The Power of Steam’s Proton

Did you know that you can run many Windows games on Linux? Thanks to Steam’s Proton, gaming on Linux has become a viable option, giving gamers the freedom to choose their operating system. Proton is a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run seamlessly on Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint.

Enabling Proton in Steam

Before you can start playing Windows games on Linux, you need to enable Proton in Steam. Here’s how:

• Launch the Steam app from the app menu.
• In the top left corner, click on “Steam” and then select “Settings”.
• In the sidebar, find and click on “Steam Play”.
• Check both “Enable Steam Play for supported titles” and “Enable Steam Play for all other titles”.

Now, with Proton enabled, you are ready to start playing Windows games on your Linux system!

Installing Windows Games on Linux

Installing Windows games on Linux is as easy as installing any other game on Steam. Follow these simple steps:

1. Select a game from your Steam library that is compatible with Proton.
2. Click on the “Install” button to download the necessary files for the game.
3. Once the installation is complete, click on “Play” to launch the game and start playing!

If you haven’t purchased any games on Steam yet, there is a wide selection of AAA Windows games that you can play on Linux. Just browse through the Steam store and start building your gaming library.

Adding Non-Steam Games to Steam

Did you know that you can also add non-Steam games to your Steam library and play them using Proton? Here’s how:

1. Open the Steam app and click on “Steam” in the top left corner.
2. Choose “Add a non-Steam game” from the dropdown menu.
3. Navigate to the .exe file of the game you want to add and select it.
4. Click on “Add selected programs” to add the game to your Steam library.

If you have games from platforms like the Epic Games Launcher or Ubisoft Connect, you can use Wine with Wine interfaces like Lutris or Play on Linux to install their respective launchers and games.

Keep in mind that some games may not be fully compatible with Proton, especially those with anti-cheat mechanisms like BattlEye and EAC. However, Valve is actively working with the developers of these anti-cheat programs to improve compatibility, and they aim to make almost 100% of the games on Steam playable by the time the Steam Deck is released.

Conclusion

Now you know how to unleash the power of Steam’s Proton and play your favorite Windows games on Linux. Gaming on Linux has never been easier, and with Proton, you can enjoy a wide variety of games without the need for dual-booting or virtual machines. Embrace the freedom of Linux gaming and explore the vast world of Windows games right from your Linux system.

So, what are you waiting for? Update your Steam library, dive into your favorite games, and experience gaming on Linux like never before!