How to Installing Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS

Introduction

Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS is a popular fork of Proton geared towards enhanced compatibility for Steam games on Linux. If you’re a NixOS user looking to leverage its capabilities, you might find the official repositories lacking this specific version.

But worry not—there are ways to get it running! This guide will explore how to Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS.

Delving Deeper into Proton-GE-Custom: A Boon for Linux Gaming

Proton-GE-Custom stands out as a custom fork of Valve’s Proton, the compatibility layer that breathes life into Windows games on Linux through Steam Play.

While the official Proton versions offer a solid foundation, Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS takes things further by focusing on improved compatibility for a broader spectrum of Windows titles.

Here’s a closer look at what makes Proton-GE-Custom such a valuable tool for Linux gamers:

• Enhanced Fixes and Patches: Proton-GE-Custom’s core appeal lies in its inclusion of additional fixes and patches. These enhancements address specific issues encountered with various Windows games, potentially resolving problems that might hinder gameplay or prevent titles from launching altogether. This proactive approach expands the range of games that function smoothly on Linux, giving you more freedom in your gaming library.
• Community-Driven Development:  Proton-GE-Custom thrives on a strong community foundation. Developers and users actively contribute patches and fixes, constantly expanding the compatibility list and tackling emerging issues. This collaborative effort ensures that Proton-GE-Custom remains at the forefront of compatibility improvements for Linux gaming.
• Bleeding-Edge Technologies:  Proton-GE-Custom often incorporates bleeding-edge versions of underlying technologies like Wine and DXVK. While these newer versions can potentially offer performance enhancements and bug fixes, they also carry a slight risk of instability. However, Proton-GE-Custom provides that option for users who are comfortable exploring the cutting edge.

It’s important to remember that Proton-GE-Custom exists outside of the official Valve repositories. This means it might require additional setup steps compared to using the default Proton versions offered by Steam.

However, the potential benefits in terms of wider compatibility and access to bleeding-edge technologies often outweigh the initial setup complexity for many Linux gamers.

The Road Ahead: Current Status of Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS

While Proton-GE-Custom holds immense potential for Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS users, its current integration requires some additional considerations:

• Official Package Missing: As of March 18, 2024, there’s no official package for Proton-GE-Custom within the Nixpkgs repository, the core package collection for NixOS. This means you won’t find it readily available through the standard NixOS package management tools.
• Community Request Exists:  The good news is that the NixOS community recognizes the value of Proton-GE-Custom. A request for its inclusion has been submitted on GitHub [NixOS Issue 120435]. This demonstrates active interest within the community, and there’s a chance it might be officially packaged in the future.
• Alternative Approaches Needed:  In the absence of an official package, incorporating Proton-GE-Custom into your Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS environment currently requires alternative approaches. We’ll explore these methods in the next section of this guide.

While the lack of an official package might seem like a hurdle, the existing community request and available alternative approaches offer hope for Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS users eager to leverage the capabilities of Proton-GE-Custom.

Approach 1: Building Proton-GE-Custom from Source (Manual)

If you’re comfortable with a more hands-on approach, building Proton-GE-Custom from source within your NixOS environment is a viable option. However, it requires some prerequisites and involves writing your own Nix expression.

Prerequisites:

• Nix Development Environment: First, you’ll need to set up the Nix development environment on your system. For detailed installation instructions, refer to the official NixOS documentation at https://nixos.org/download/.
• Understanding Nix Expressions: Building packages in Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS involves writing Nix expressions, declarative scripts defining how to build and install software. A basic grasp of Nix expressions will be helpful in crafting the necessary script for building Proton-GE-Custom. Many resources, including the official NixOS documentation, are available online to learn about Nix expressions.

Building from Source:

Here’s a general outline of the steps involved in building Proton-GE-Custom from the source:

1. Fetch Source Code:  You’ll need to fetch the source code for Proton-GE-Custom from the project’s GitHub repository. This can be done within a Nix expression using the fetchurl function.
2. Define Dependencies:  Identify and specify the dependencies required to build Proton-GE-Custom. These dependencies might include tools like cmake or specific libraries. You can use functions like stdenv.lib to include these dependencies in your Nix expression.
3. Build Script:  Craft the actual build script using Nix syntax. This script will outline the steps involved in compiling and installing Proton-GE-Custom from the downloaded source code.
4. Packaging:  Once built, you must package the resulting Proton-GE-Custom installation in Nix package format. This lets you easily manage and deploy the custom Proton version within your Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS environment.

Important Considerations:

Building from source requires a deeper understanding of Nix expressions and the build process for Proton-GE-Custom. It also means keeping your custom package up-to-date with new releases of Proton-GE-Custom.

While this approach offers greater control and flexibility, it can be more time-consuming and requires ongoing maintenance.  The next section will explore an alternative approach that might suit some users.

Clone the Repository:

• Open a terminal and initiate the cloning process using the following command:
• Bash

git clone https://github.com/GloriousEggroll/proton-ge-custom.git

• This downloads the Proton-GE-Custom source code from its GitHub repository to a local directory named “proton-ge-custom”.

Navigate to Project Directory:

• Change your working directory to the newly cloned repository:
• Bash

cd proton-ge-custom

Create Nix Expression File:

• Within this directory, create a new file named proton-ge-custom.nix. This file will contain the Nix expression for building the package.
• Populate the file with the following basic structure:
• Nix

{ pkgs, stdenv, buildInputs }: stdenv.mkDerivation rec {

  name = “proton-ge-custom”;

  # … (Replace with build instructions and dependencies)

}

Fill in the Details:

• Replace the # … placeholder with the actual build instructions and dependencies:
  • Source Code URL: Specify the location of the source code using fetchurl:
  • Nix

src = fetchurl {

  url = “https://github.com/GloriousEggroll/proton-ge-custom/archive/refs/heads/master.zip”;

  sha256 = “sha256-hash-of-the-downloaded-file”;

};

• Dependencies: List the required build dependencies from Nixpkgs using buildInputs:
• Nix

buildInputs = [

  pkgs.wine

  pkgs.xorg-server

  # … (other required dependencies)

];

• Build Phases: Define the steps involved in building Proton-GE-Custom, usually comprising fetching, patching, compiling, and installing:
• Nix

phases = [ “unpackPhase” “patchPhase” “configurePhase” “buildPhase” “installPhase” ];

• Within each phase, write Nix expressions to execute the necessary commands.

Build and Install:

• Use nix-build to trigger the building process based on the defined expression:
• Bash

nix-build proton-ge-custom.nix

• Once built successfully, you’ll have a Nix package ready for installation and integration into your Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS environment.

Leveraging AUR for Proton-GE-Custom (NixOS on Arch Only)

Important Note: This approach only applies if you’re running NixOS on Arch Linux. If you’re using a different base system for Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS, this method won’t work.

For Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS users leveraging Arch Linux as the underlying system, an alternative way to incorporate Proton-GE-Custom is to utilize the Arch User Repository (AUR).

Prerequisites:

• AUR Helper: You’ll need an AUR helper installed on your system. Popular options include yay and paru. These tools simplify the process of installing and managing AUR packages. Installation instructions for these helpers can be found online.

Installation Steps:

1. Update System: Before proceeding, ensure your system is up-to-date:
2. Bash

sudo pacman -Syu

3. Install AUR Helper (if not already installed): Follow the instructions for your chosen AUR helper.
4. Install Proton-GE-Custom: Use your AUR helper to install the proton-ge-custom-bin package:
5. Bash

yay -S proton-ge-custom-bin

6. This command instructs your AUR helper (yay in this example) to install the proton-ge-custom-bin package from the AUR.

Integration with Steam:

Once installed, you’ll need to point Steam towards the location of the AUR-installed Proton-GE-Custom. Here’s how:

1. Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your system.
2. Access Steam Play Settings: Navigate to “Steam” -> “Settings” -> “Steam Play.”
3. Enable Compatibility Tools: Check the box for “Enable Steam Play compatibility tool.”
4. Select Proton Version: Click on the dropdown menu under “Force using a specific Steam Play compatibility tool” and choose the desired Proton-GE-Custom version (e.g., Proton-GE-7.XX-GE-Custom).
5. Restart Steam:  For the changes to take effect, restart the Steam client.

Following these steps, you’ll have successfully integrated the AUR-installed Proton-GE-Custom into your NixOS environment on Arch Linux.

Remember, this approach relies on AUR packages, which may not receive the same official support or rigorous testing as packages from the Nixpkgs repository.

Potential Issues with Using AUR Packages in NixOS

While the AUR offers a vast selection of packages, incorporating them into a NixOS environment can introduce potential complications. Here’s a closer look at the main concern:

• Compatibility Conflicts: Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS operates on the principle of reproducible builds and isolated package environments. This means each package has a well-defined set of dependencies and doesn’t directly interact with other packages on the system. In contrast, AUR packages are designed for the Arch Linux package manager, which uses a shared system library approach.

When you mix Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS, there’s a risk of encountering compatibility conflicts. These conflicts can arise due to:

• Version Mismatches: AUR packages might have different library or dependency versions than those managed by NixOS. This can lead to unexpected behavior or errors when applications attempt to interact with these conflicting libraries.
• Conflicting System Files: Some AUR packages might modify system files or settings that NixOS manages differently. This can potentially disrupt the overall system stability or functionality.
• Unforeseen Interactions:  Since AUR packages aren’t designed for NixOS’s isolated environment, there’s a chance of unforeseen interactions between these packages and core NixOS functionalities.

Mitigating the Risks:

While there are inherent risks involved, here are some ways to potentially mitigate them:

• Thorough Research:  Before installing any Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS, conduct thorough research to understand potential conflicts. Look for experiences of other NixOS users who have attempted similar installations.
• Isolated Environments: Consider using Nix flakes to create isolated environments specifically for AUR packages. This can help to minimize the potential for conflicts with core Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS packages.
• Exercise Caution:  Proceed with caution when using Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS. Be prepared to troubleshoot any issues that might arise and potentially revert to a working configuration if necessary.

Patience and Participation: The Future of Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS

While there’s currently no official Proton-GE-Custom package within NixOS, there are ways to stay informed and potentially influence its future inclusion:

Community Discussion:  The GitHub issue [NixOS Issue 120435] is a central point for discussions regarding Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS. Here, you can find valuable information and insights:

• Track updates on the progress towards official inclusion.
• Learn about potential challenges and solutions discussed by the community.
• Engage in discussions, share your experiences, and voice your support.

Upvoting the Issue: Upvoting the issue on GitHub increases its visibility for NixOS developers and maintainers. This demonstrates the community’s interest in having Proton-GE-Custom officially packaged.

Additional Tips:

• Stay Updated:  Periodically check the GitHub issue and Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS documentation for any announcements or updates regarding Proton-GE-Custom.
• Alternative Approaches:  While waiting for official inclusion, consider exploring the alternative approaches outlined earlier, such as building from source or utilizing AUR packages (with caution for Arch-based NixOS).

Important Considerations Before Integrating Proton-GE-Custom

While the prospect of using Proton-GE-Custom for enhanced compatibility in Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS is exciting, there are some crucial factors to weigh before diving in:

• Manual Build Complexity:  Building Proton-GE-Custom from source offers a high degree of control, but it requires a deeper understanding of Nix expressions and the build process itself. This approach might be less suitable for users unfamiliar with Nix or complex build environments.
• AUR Package Risks: Leveraging AUR packages for Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS on Arch Linux provides a seemingly convenient solution. However, it introduces potential compatibility conflicts due to the differences between NixOS’s isolated package management and Arch Linux’s shared library approach. Additionally, AUR packages might have varying levels of testing and security scrutiny compared to official Nixpkgs offerings.
• Official Inclusion Timeline:  As of March 18, 2024, there’s no guarantee or established timeframe for the official inclusion of Proton-GE-Custom within the Nixpkgs repository. While a community request exists, the decision ultimately rests with the Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS developers.

Choosing the Right Approach:

The best approach for incorporating Proton-GE-Custom into your NixOS environment depends on your individual comfort level, technical expertise, and risk tolerance:

• For users comfortable with the command line and Nix expressions: Building from source offers the most control but demands a steeper learning curve.
• For NixOS users on Arch Linux willing to accept some risk: AUR packages provide a potentially quicker solution, but be prepared for potential compatibility issues and exercise caution.
• For users prioritizing stability and official support: The safest option is to wait for potential official inclusion in Nixpkgs. Stay up-to-date on the relevant GitHub issue and consider upvoting it to show your support.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your technical skills and risk tolerance. Remember, there’s always the option to revisit the situation later when the official inclusion picture becomes clearer or alternative solutions emerge.

Conclusion

The desire to leverage Proton-GE-Custom’s enhanced compatibility for a wider range of Windows games on NixOS is understandable. While there’s currently no official package available, this guide has explored various approaches to potentially achieve this goal.

Building from source offers control but demands technical expertise. AUR packages (for NixOS on Arch) provide a quicker option, but with inherent risk of conflicts.  The safest path lies in waiting for potential official inclusion, which you can support by upvoting the relevant GitHub issue.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your comfort level and risk tolerance. Regardless of the approach, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to make an informed decision and navigate the exciting world of NixOS gaming with Proton-GE-Custom on the horizon.

FAQs

1. What is Proton-GE-Custom?

Proton-GE-Custom is a customized version of Valve’s Proton compatibility tool developed by GloriousEggroll. It includes various optimizations and enhancements to improve gaming performance on Linux systems.

2. How Can I Install Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS?

To install Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS, you can follow these steps:

• Step 1: Obtain Proton-GE-Custom: Download the Proton-GE-Custom binaries from the GloriousEggroll GitHub releases page.
• Step 2: Place Proton-GE-Custom Binaries: Place the downloaded Proton-GE-Custom binaries in a directory accessible to your NixOS system.
• Step 3: Configure NixOS to Use Proton-GE-Custom: Update your NixOS configuration to specify the path to the Proton-GE-Custom binaries in the appropriate environment variable or configuration file.
• Step 4: Apply Configuration Changes: Apply the changes to your NixOS configuration by rebuilding your system configuration and activating the new configuration.

3. Where Can I Find Proton-GE-Custom Binaries for NixOS?

Proton-GE-Custom binaries for NixOS can be obtained from the GloriousEggroll GitHub releases page. Ensure that you download the appropriate binaries compatible with your system architecture and distribution.

4. How Do I Configure NixOS to Use Proton-GE-Custom?

You can configure NixOS to use Proton-GE-Custom by setting the PROTON_BIN environment variable or specifying the path to the Proton-GE-Custom binaries in your system’s configuration file. This ensures that NixOS knows where to find and use Proton-GE-Custom when running Steam or other gaming applications.

5. Are There Any Additional Steps Needed to Ensure Proton-GE-Custom Works Properly in NixOS?

In addition to configuring NixOS to use Proton-GE-Custom, you may need to ensure that any necessary dependencies or libraries required by Proton-GE-Custom are installed on your system. This can include graphics drivers, Vulkan libraries, and other runtime dependencies.

6. What Should I Do if Proton-GE-Custom Doesn’t Work as Expected in NixOS?

If you encounter issues or unexpected behavior when using Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Check the Proton-GE-Custom GitHub repository or release notes for any known issues or compatibility concerns.
• Verify that you have correctly configured NixOS to use Proton-GE-Custom and that the binaries are located in the specified directory.
• Experiment with different versions of Proton-GE-Custom to see if a newer or older release resolves the issue.
• Seek assistance from the NixOS community forums or support channels, where other users may have encountered similar issues and found solutions.

7. Where Can I Find Additional Help or Support for Using Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS?

If you need additional help or support for using Proton-GE-Custom in NixOS, you can:

• Consult the NixOS documentation or community resources for guidance on configuring and managing software packages.
• Reach out to the GloriousEggroll GitHub repository or support channels for assistance specific to Proton-GE-Custom.
• Participate in forums or online communities dedicated to Linux gaming, where experienced users may offer advice or troubleshooting assistance.

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