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How to Install Proton on Linux: Your Definitive Guide

So, you’re itching to dive into the world of Windows games on your Linux system? Excellent choice! You’ve likely heard whispers of Proton, the compatibility layer magic that makes it all possible. Here’s the short and sweet answer to the burning question:

How to Install Proton on Linux? The easiest and most recommended method is to install Steam for Linux. Once Steam is installed, enable Steam Play in the settings and select which Proton version you want to use (typically the latest) for compatibility. Steam will then handle the Proton installation and management automatically for compatible games.

Now, let’s unpack this a bit. This seemingly simple process has nuances and options, and we’re here to explore them all. Think of this as your definitive guide to unleashing the full potential of Proton on your Linux machine.

Deep Dive into Proton Installation

While the above answer provides the core steps, let’s dissect each part for a more comprehensive understanding. There are actually a few ways to approach Proton installation, depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Method 1: The Steam Way (Recommended)

This is the most user-friendly and officially supported method, designed to integrate seamlessly with your Steam library.

Install Steam for Linux: If you haven’t already, download and install the Steam client from the official Steam website. Most Linux distributions have Steam packages available in their repositories. For example, on Debian/Ubuntu-based systems, you can typically use sudo apt install steam. Fedora users would use sudo dnf install steam. Check your distro’s documentation for the precise command.
Enable Steam Play: Launch Steam and navigate to Steam > Settings > Steam Play.
Enable Steam Play for All Titles: Check the box labeled “Enable Steam Play for all other titles”. This allows you to run non-natively supported Windows games.
Choose a Proton Version: Select the Proton version you want to use from the dropdown menu. Proton Experimental typically offers the latest improvements and bug fixes but might be less stable. Proton GE (Glorious Eggroll) is a popular community-maintained fork offering even broader compatibility and often faster updates, but requires manual installation (we’ll cover that later). For general use, sticking with the latest stable Proton release is a good starting point.
Restart Steam: For the changes to take effect, Steam will prompt you to restart.
Install and Play: Now, simply install any Windows game in your Steam library. Steam will automatically use Proton to run it.

Method 2: Manual Proton Installation and Management (Advanced)

This method is primarily for users who want more control over their Proton installations or need to use specific Proton versions outside of the Steam ecosystem. It involves downloading and managing Proton versions manually.

Download Proton: You can download Proton from various sources. One common method is to use Glorious Eggroll’s Proton GE releases, available on GitHub. These builds often include cutting-edge features and fixes.
Create a Compatibility Tool Directory: In your Steam library folder (usually ~/.steam/steam/compatibilitytools.d/), create a directory for your custom Proton version. For example, if you downloaded Proton GE 7-53, you might name the directory Proton-GE-7-53.
Extract Proton Files: Extract the contents of the downloaded Proton archive into the directory you created.
Select the Custom Proton Version: In Steam, for a specific game, right-click on the game in your library, go to Properties > Compatibility, and check the box “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool”. You should now see your custom Proton version in the dropdown menu.
Configure Wineprefix (Optional): For some games, you might need to configure the Wineprefix (the Windows environment used by Proton). This usually involves using tools like protontricks to install necessary DLLs or make registry changes.

Method 3: Using Lutris (Alternative Launcher)

Lutris is a game launcher for Linux that provides a unified interface for managing games from various sources, including Steam, GOG, and emulators. It also offers built-in Proton support.

Install Lutris: Install Lutris from your distribution’s package manager or the Lutris website.
Configure Runners: In Lutris, you’ll need to configure “runners” for different game types. For Windows games, select the Wine runner.
Install Proton: Lutris typically manages its own Proton installations. You can select the Proton version you want to use from the Wine runner settings.
Install Games: Lutris allows you to install games from various sources. For Steam games, you can link your Steam account to Lutris.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with Proton’s impressive compatibility, issues can arise. Here’s a quick guide to common problems and solutions:

Game Doesn’t Launch: Try a different Proton version. ProtonDB (protondb.com) is an invaluable resource for checking game compatibility and recommended Proton versions.
Performance Issues: Experiment with different Proton versions and graphics settings. Consider using MangoHud to monitor performance metrics.
Missing DLLs: Use protontricks to install missing DLLs.
Graphics Glitches: Update your graphics drivers. Mesa is the open-source driver stack for AMD and Intel GPUs, while NVIDIA provides proprietary drivers.
Sound Issues: Ensure your sound drivers are properly configured. Try different audio settings in the game.
Controller Issues: Ensure your controller is properly connected and configured. Steam Input often helps with controller compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s address some common queries to further solidify your understanding of Proton on Linux:

1. What exactly is Proton?

Proton is a compatibility layer built by Valve, based on Wine, that allows Windows games to run on Linux. It includes improvements to Wine, such as DirectX 9, 11, and 12 implementations, Vulkan support, and improved controller compatibility.

2. What’s the difference between Proton and Wine?

While Proton is based on Wine, it’s specifically tailored for running Windows games. It includes a curated set of patches and improvements that are not always present in vanilla Wine. Proton also benefits from Valve’s direct support and integration with Steam.

3. What is Proton GE?

Proton GE (Glorious Eggroll) is a community-maintained fork of Proton created by Glorious Eggroll. It often includes the latest Wine patches, experimental features, and fixes that might not be present in the official Proton releases. It’s known for its enhanced compatibility and performance in some games.

4. Where can I find a list of compatible games?

ProtonDB (protondb.com) is the go-to resource for checking game compatibility. It’s a community-driven website where users report their experiences running games with Proton, including recommended Proton versions and troubleshooting tips.

5. How do I update Proton?

If you’re using the Steam-managed Proton, Steam will automatically update Proton to the latest version. For custom Proton versions like Proton GE, you’ll need to manually download the latest release and extract it to your compatibility tool directory.

6. What is a Wineprefix?

A Wineprefix is a directory that contains a virtual Windows environment, including a registry and system files. Each game typically has its own Wineprefix, isolating it from other games and preventing conflicts.

7. What is protontricks?

protontricks is a command-line tool that allows you to easily install Windows DLLs, fonts, and other components into a Wineprefix. It’s often used to resolve missing DLL errors or configure specific settings for a game.

8. How do I use MangoHud to monitor performance?

MangoHud is an open-source overlay that displays performance metrics like FPS, CPU usage, GPU usage, and RAM usage. You can install it from your distribution’s package manager and configure it to display the desired metrics. To enable it for Steam games, you can typically add mangohud %command% to the game’s launch options.

9. My game has graphical glitches. What should I do?

First, ensure you have the latest graphics drivers installed. Mesa is the open-source driver stack for AMD and Intel GPUs, while NVIDIA provides proprietary drivers. Try a different Proton version. Sometimes, disabling certain graphical settings in the game can also resolve glitches.

10. My controller isn’t working. What can I do?

Ensure your controller is properly connected and configured in Steam’s controller settings. Steam Input often helps with controller compatibility. You might also need to install controller drivers or configure specific controller settings for the game.

11. Is it legal to play Windows games on Linux with Proton?

Yes, it is perfectly legal. Proton simply provides a compatibility layer that allows you to run games that you legally own on a different operating system.

12. Will all Windows games run perfectly on Linux with Proton?

Unfortunately, no. While Proton has made significant strides in compatibility, some games might not run perfectly or at all. Compatibility varies depending on the game, the Proton version, and your system configuration. Consulting ProtonDB and experimenting with different settings is crucial.

By following this guide and leveraging the wealth of information available in the Linux gaming community, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a vast library of Windows games on your Linux system with Proton. Happy gaming!