How to install Proton GE on Steam Deck

Introduction

The Proton GE on Steam Deck Steam Deck boasts an impressive library of playable games, but there might be a few titles that don’t run flawlessly. This is where Proton GE comes in! As a custom version of Proton, Proton GE aims to enhance compatibility for a broader range of games on your Steam Deck.

Following this guide will teach you how to install Proton GE on Steam Deck, potentially unlocking a smoother gaming experience for those stubborn titles in your library. Let’s dive in and empower your Steam Deck with the potential of Proton GE!

Preparation: Gearing Up for Proton GE

Before we delve into the installation process, let’s establish a solid foundation by understanding what Proton GE is and why it benefits your Steam Deck. We’ll also guide you through switching to Desktop Mode, which is the necessary environment for installing Proton GE.

Understanding Proton GE: A Compatibility Champion

The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming marvel running on the Linux-based SteamOS. However, some games designed specifically for Windows might encounter compatibility issues. This is where Proton comes in!

Developed by Valve, Proton acts as a compatibility layer, translating Windows system calls for Linux and allowing many Windows games to run smoothly on your Steam Deck.

Proton GE takes this concept a step further. It’s a custom version of Proton, built upon the official release but incorporating additional patches and tweaks.

These enhancements improve compatibility for a broader range of games, potentially resolving issues you might encounter with the standard Proton version. While Valve officially maintains Proton, GloriousEggroll, the developer behind Proton GE on Steam Deck, frequently updates it with these experimental modifications.

Switching to Desktop Mode: A Familiar Interface

Most of the installation process for Proton GE on Steam Deck will occur within Desktop Mode. Desktop Mode provides a familiar interface similar to a traditional computer desktop, allowing for easier interaction with applications like ProtonUp-Qt, the tool we’ll use to manage Proton versions.

Here’s how to switch to Desktop Mode:

1. Locate the Power Button: The power button is on the top right edge of your Steam Deck.
2. Hold and Select: Press and hold the power button for a few seconds. A menu will pop up on your screen.
3. Choose Wisely: Use the directional buttons on the right side of your Steam Deck to navigate down the menu. Then, select “Switch to Desktop” using the A button.

Your Steam Deck will now transition to Desktop Mode, displaying a familiar desktop environment with a taskbar at the bottom for easy access to applications. Now that you understand the purpose of Proton GE and have switched to Desktop Mode, we’re ready to proceed with the installation process!

Installing ProtonUp-Qt: The Gateway to Proton GE

Now that we’ve grasped the power of Proton GE on Steam Deck and switched to Desktop Mode, it’s time to install the critical tool: ProtonUp-Qt. This application acts as a manager for various Proton versions, including Proton GE on Steam Deck. Let’s navigate through the installation process step-by-step.

Accessing Discover: Your One-Stop Shop for Apps

The Discover app store is your gateway to installing applications on your Steam Deck. It functions similarly to app stores you might be familiar with on smartphones or tablets. Here’s how to find and launch Discover:

1. Spot the Blue Shopping Bag: In Desktop Mode, look for a blue shopping bag icon on the taskbar at the bottom of your Steam Deck screen. This icon represents the Discover app store.
2. Click to Launch: To launch the Discover application, simply click on the blue shopping bag icon with your finger or use the left touchpad on your Steam Deck.

Installing ProtonUp-Qt: The Key to Managing Proton Versions

With Discover launched, we’re on the verge of installing ProtonUp-Qt, the application that will allow us to manage and install Proton GE on Steam Deck. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the remaining steps:

1. Finding ProtonUp-Qt:

• Search Bar Power: Locate the search bar within the Discover application. It’s typically situated at the top of the window.
• Type with Care: Using the on-screen keyboard (accessible by pressing the Steam button and then the X button) or a connected keyboard, carefully type “ProtonUp-Qt” into the search bar. As you type, suggestions might appear below the bar. Select “ProtonUp-Qt” from the suggestions if it pops up, or press “Enter” on your keyboard to initiate the search.

2. Identifying ProtonUp-Qt:

• Search Results: The search results will populate the central area of the Discover window. Look for an ” ProtonUp-Qt ” entry with a corresponding icon (it might resemble a gear or a shield).

3. Initiating Installation:

• Click to Install: Once you’ve identified the correct entry, use your finger or the left touchpad on your Steam Deck to click on the “ProtonUp-Qt” search result. This action will display the application’s details page.
• The Install Button: On the application’s details page, locate the button labeled “Install.” This button is typically situated prominently, often near the window’s top right corner.

4. Installation Progress (Optional):

• Click to Install: Click the “Install” button to initiate the download and installation process for ProtonUp-Qt.
• The Waiting Game (Optional): The installation might take a few seconds or minutes, depending on your internet connection speed. While the installation progresses, you might see a progress bar or a message indicating the download and installation status.

5. Confirmation (Optional):

• Success Message (Optional): Once the installation is complete, Discover might display a confirmation message or notification indicating a successful installation.

Now that ProtonUp-Qt is installed, we’re one step closer to unlocking Proton GE’s potential for enhanced game compatibility on your Steam Deck!

Launching and Using ProtonUp-Qt: The Gateway to Proton GE Management

We’ve successfully installed ProtonUp-Qt, the application that allows us to manage and install Proton versions like Proton GE. Now, let’s navigate through launching ProtonUp-Qt and using it to install your desired Proton GE version.

A. Opening ProtonUp-Qt: Unveiling the Management Tool

1. Finding ProtonUp-Qt: There are two primary ways to locate ProtonUp-Qt after installation:
   • Recent Discover Results: If you haven’t closed Discover, you might still see “ProtonUp-Qt” under recent searches. Click on the existing search result again to launch the application.
   • Applications List: Alternatively, you can access your applications list on your Steam Deck. This list typically resembles a menu and might be located on the taskbar or accessible through the Steam button menu. Locate “ProtonUp-Qt” within your applications list and click on it to launch.
2. Launching the Application: Once you’ve identified ProtonUp-Qt using either method, click on it with your finger or the left touchpad on your Steam Deck. This action will launch the ProtonUp-Qt application.

B. Adding Proton GE: Embracing Compatibility Enhancements

1. The “Add Version” Button: Within the ProtonUp-Qt interface, locate the button labeled “Add Version.” This button is typically situated prominently, often near the top of the window. It might resemble a plus sign (+) or have text indicating adding a new version.
2. Selecting the Compatibility Tool: Upon clicking “Add Version,” a new window or menu might appear. This menu lets you choose the compatibility tool you want to add a version. Since we’re aiming for Proton GE, look for the dropdown menu labeled “Compatibility tool” or something similar.
3. Choosing GE-Proton: From the “Compatibility tool” dropdown menu, navigate the options using the up and down arrow keys on your Steam Deck. Select “GE-Proton” from the list.

C. Choosing Proton GE Version: Picking the Right Fit

1. The Version Dropdown: After selecting “GE-Proton” in the compatibility tool menu, you’ll likely see another dropdown menu labeled “Version” or something similar. This menu displays the available Proton GE versions you can install.
2. Selecting a Version (Recommended): Typically, the latest version of Proton GE on Steam Deck is recommended for optimal compatibility. However, you can also choose a specific version for a particular reason (referring to online resources or community discussions). Use the up and down arrow keys to navigate the available versions and select your desired choice.

D. Installing Proton GE: Bringing Compatibility to Life

1. The “Install” Button: Once you’ve chosen the compatibility tool (“GE-Proton”) and your desired version, locate the button labeled “Install” within the ProtonUp-Qt window. This button is usually situated prominently near the window’s bottom.
2. Initiating Installation: Use your finger or the left touchpad to click the “Install” button. This action will initiate the download and installation process for the chosen Proton GE version.
3. Installation Progress (Optional): Similar to the installation of ProtonUp-Qt, the installation of Proton GE might take a few seconds or minutes, depending on your internet connection speed. You might see a progress bar or a message indicating the download and installation status.

E. Verification and Management:

• Success Message (Optional): ProtonUp-Qt might display a confirmation message or notification upon successful installation.
• Installed List: Within the ProtonUp-Qt interface, you should see the chosen Proton GE version listed under a section labeled “Installed” or something similar. This signifies that Proton GE is now available with your Steam Deck games.

Setting Proton GE for a Specific Game: Unlocking Compatibility

We’ve installed Proton GE on Steam Deck using ProtonUp-Qt, but its true power lies in enhancing compatibility for specific games in your Steam Deck library. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to configure Proton GE for a chosen game:

A. Accessing Game Properties: Setting the Stage

1. Choosing Your Mode: On your Steam Deck, you can configure Proton GE for a game in either Gaming or Desktop Mode. Whichever mode you’re comfortable with will work.
2. Launching Steam: Open the Steam application on your Steam Deck. You can do this by clicking on the Steam icon in Gaming Mode or locating it within your applications list in Desktop Mode.
3. Finding Your Game: Navigate through your Steam library to locate the game you want to use Proton GE on Steam Deck with. You can utilize the search bar or browse through your library categories.
4. Right-Clicking the Game: Once you’ve identified the target game, use your finger or the right touchpad on your Steam Deck to right-click on the game title. This action will display a context menu.
5. Selecting “Properties”: From the context menu that appears, locate and select the option labeled “Properties.” This will open a new window displaying various settings related to the chosen game.

B. Enabling Compatibility Mode: Unlocking the Option

1. Navigating Tabs: The game’s “Properties” window has several tabs at the top. Locate the tab labeled “Compatibility” and click on it. This tab houses settings related to the game’s compatibility options.
2. Finding the Checkbox: Within the “Compatibility” tab, look for a checkbox labeled something similar to “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.” This checkbox allows you to override the default compatibility settings and utilize a specific tool like Proton GE on Steam Deck for the chosen game.
3. Ticking the Box: Click on the checkbox to activate it. This action will enable the option to select a specific compatibility tool.

C. Selecting Proton GE Version: Choosing Your Champion

1. The Dropdown Menu: Once you’ve ticked the checkbox in Step B2, a dropdown menu should appear below it. This menu lets you choose the compatibility tool you want for the game.
2. Selecting Proton GE: Navigate through the options in the dropdown menu using the up and down arrow keys on your Steam Deck. Look for the entry labeled “Proton-GE” or a similar variation depending on the specific version you installed earlier. Select the Proton GE version you want to use with this game.

D. Saving Changes: Making it Official

1. Confirmation is Key: After selecting the desired Proton GE on Steam Deck version, locate the “Close” button at the bottom right corner of the “Properties” window.
2. Click to Save: Use your finger or the left touchpad on your Steam Deck to click the “Close” button. This action will save your changes and confirm your selection of Proton GE on Steam Deck for the chosen game.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully configured Proton GE for a specific game in your Steam Deck library. The next time you launch this game, it will attempt to run using the chosen Proton GE on Steam Deck version, potentially improving its compatibility and overall gaming experience. Remember, you can repeat this process for other games in your library if you encounter compatibility issues.

Conclusion

Following this comprehensive guide equipped you with the knowledge and steps to install and utilize Proton GE on your Steam Deck. As a custom version of Proton, Proton GE on Steam Deck offers the potential to enhance compatibility for a wider range of games in your library.

Now, you can explore using Proton GE with specific games that might have been experiencing compatibility issues. While Proton GE on Steam Deck aims to improve compatibility, it might not be a guaranteed solution for every game. However, it provides a valuable tool for expanding the playable library on your Steam Deck.

So, dive into your Steam library, identify games that might benefit from Proton GE on Steam Deck, and unlock their full potential on your powerful handheld gaming device! Happy gaming!

FAQ

1. What is Proton GE?

Proton GE (GloriousEggroll) is a customized version of Valve’s Proton compatibility tool for Steam Play. It includes various enhancements and fixes for running Windows games on Linux systems.

2. Why Install Proton GE on Steam Deck?

Proton GE on Steam Deck might offer better compatibility or performance for certain games compared to the default Proton version provided by Steam. Installing it on your Steam Deck can improve your gaming experience with a broader range of titles.

3. Is Proton GE Officially Supported on Steam Deck?

As of now, Proton GE on Steam Deck is not officially supported by Valve on Steam Deck. However, you can still install it using community-driven methods.

4. How to Install Proton GE on Steam Deck:

Step 1: Accessing the Steam Deck Terminal:

• Press the Steam button to open the Steam Deck menu.
• Select “Settings” and navigate to “System.”
• Choose “Advanced” and then “Enable Terminal.”

Step 2: Accessing the Terminal:

• Press and hold the Steam button, then select “Exit Steam.”
• Select “Power Off” to turn off the Steam Deck.
• Press and hold the Steam button again to boot into the desktop mode.
• Enter the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + F2.
• Step 3: Downloading and Installing Proton GE on Steam Deck:
• Once in the terminal, type the following commands:
• SQL
• Copy code
• sudo apt update
• sudo apt install proton-ge-custom

Step 4: Configuring Proton GE:

• After installation, open Steam by typing steam in the terminal and pressing Enter.
• Go to “Steam” > “Settings” > “Steam Play.”
• Check the box next to “Enable Steam Play for all other titles” and select “Proton-6.x-GE-x” from the dropdown menu.

Step 5: Testing Proton GE on Steam Deck:

5. Launch a Windows game on your Steam Deck to test if Proton GE functions correctly. Are There Any Risks Involved?

While Proton GE on Steam Deck is widely used in the Linux gaming community, installing it on your Steam Deck might have unforeseen consequences, such as compatibility issues or system instability. Proceed with caution and consider creating a backup before proceeding.

6. Can I Revert to the Default Proton Version?

Yes, you can easily revert to Steam’s default Proton version. Simply go back to Steam” > Settings” > Steam Play” and select the desired Proton version from the dropdown menu.

7. Where Can I Get Support or Updates for Proton GE on Steam Deck?

Proton GE on Steam Deck Since Proton GE on Steam Deck is not officially supported, community forums, Linux gaming communities, or the Proton GE developer’s channels might be the best places to seek assistance or updates regarding its usage.

For more tips and guidance on managing your website, visit protonge.com. They offer great resources for website management and security.

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