Linux gaming has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly following the launch of Valve’s Steam Deck. This handheld device has demonstrated that PC games can operate smoothly on Linux, despite the fact that many of these titles were not originally designed for the platform. In fact, it is uncommon for games to be specifically adapted for Linux, yet the Steam Deck provides an experience that belies this reality. The secret lies in Proton, Valve’s compatibility layer that enables Windows games to run on Linux with remarkable efficiency, often without any intervention from developers.
Most games don’t have Linux versions
Yet they still work
Upon examining my Steam library, it becomes apparent that distinguishing between games developed for Linux and those that are not is not straightforward. Only a handful, such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider, have explicit Linux versions, and discovering this requires a deliberate search. This highlights the impressive capabilities of Linux as a gaming platform today. Even titles designed exclusively for Windows, such as Elden Ring, run seamlessly on Linux. My experiences with both older games like Call of Juarez: Gunslinger and upcoming titles like Grip XR—which is currently available only as a demo—have been entirely positive. Thanks to Proton, I can install, launch, and enjoy these games without a second thought about their compatibility.
For instance, when I explored Serious Sam 3, I was curious to see if there would be a noticeable difference between its native Linux version and the Windows version running through Proton. Surprisingly, I found no discernible differences in performance. This older title ran smoothly on my gaming handheld, just like the more demanding Windows games I tested. In fact, Steam defaults to using Proton for this game, and I had to manually switch to the Steam Linux Runtime for the native version, which, ironically, seemed to perform less effectively.
Games often run better on Linux
Even through Proton
One might wonder if running Windows games on Linux compromises performance. While this can be true in certain cases, it largely depends on the specific game and the hardware in use. For example, during tests conducted with the Lenovo Legion Go S, we discovered that titles such as Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered, Cyberpunk 2077, Returnal, and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy performed better on the SteamOS version than on Windows. None of these games have dedicated Linux versions; they all rely on Proton, yet they achieved frame rates up to 75% higher on Linux. This is a testament to the capabilities of Proton.
Interestingly, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which does have a native Linux release, also performed admirably on Linux, but the performance metrics did not significantly distinguish it from the other titles that required Proton. My own experiences echo these findings; playing the Grip XR demo or Saints Row IV on Linux has resulted in a smoother experience compared to Windows, with fewer interruptions.
Even Windows to be more like Linux
What better compliment could there be?
The evolution of Proton and Linux gaming is underscored by reports suggesting that Microsoft is looking to align Windows gaming performance with that of Linux. According to a recent article from Windows Central, Microsoft is using SteamOS as a benchmark for gaming performance. This shift is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates that Windows, traditionally the dominant platform, is now striving to catch up with Linux.
While Proton cannot resolve every compatibility issue—some developers intentionally restrict their games from running on Linux due to concerns about cheating—the barriers to enjoying gaming on Linux are diminishing. Outside of competitive online environments, the experience of gaming on Linux has never been more accessible or enjoyable.
Gaming on Linux is better than you think
Thanks to Valve’s initiatives, gaming on Linux has reached a level of viability comparable to that of Windows. While developers may not be creating Linux-specific versions of their games, the effectiveness of Proton often results in Linux outperforming Windows in running these titles, sometimes even surpassing the native Linux versions. This remarkable progress reflects the growing acceptance and capability of Linux as a gaming platform.
