Introduction

This guide simplifies the installation process of Proton-GE, based on the official steps provided by GloriousEggroll. Proton-GE is a powerful optional tool for Linux gamers who need more from their gaming setup. It’s especially helpful if you face compatibility issues or need better performance than what standard Proton offers. For more details and the latest updates, check out the Proton-GE GitHub repository.

What is Proton-GE?

Proton-GE, or Proton - GloriousEggroll Edition, is a special version of the Proton software used by many Linux gamers to play Windows games on Linux systems. It includes additional tweaks and improvements over the standard Proton provided by Steam, thanks to a dedicated community developer known as GloriousEggroll.

Why Choose Proton-GE Over Standard Proton?

Proton-GE is favored among Linux gamers for several key reasons:

  • Better Game Support: Proton-GE works with some games that don’t run well on the standard Proton. This lets you play more games on Linux without waiting for official updates.
  • Improved Game Performance: Games may run faster or more smoothly on Proton-GE due to specific optimizations not yet in the standard version. This is great for those with older or less powerful computers.
  • Quick Updates: Proton-GE gets updates more often, bringing new fixes and improvements faster for a better gaming experience.
  • Special Fixes for Games: Proton-GE includes specific tweaks needed for some games to run correctly, saving you the hassle of making these adjustments yourself.

Installing Proton-GE

Enhance your Linux gaming by installing Proton-GE. It improves game compatibility and performance. Here’s how to get it set up:

Step 1: Install Prerequisites

  1. Open a Terminal: You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in your application menu or pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard.

  2. Install Vulkan Drivers: Vulkan drivers are necessary for optimal graphics performance. In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:

    sudo apt install mesa-vulkan-drivers vulkan-tools
    • You might be asked for your password. Type it in and press Enter (note that the characters won’t show up as you type).
    • If prompted, confirm the installation by typing y and pressing Enter.

Step 2: Download and Install Proton-GE

  1. Set Up the Directory: Proton-GE needs to be placed in a specific directory to work with Steam. In the terminal, type:

    mkdir -p ~/.steam/root/compatibilitytools.d/
    • This command creates the necessary directory for Proton-GE if it doesn’t already exist.

  2. Download Proton-GE:

    • Go to the Proton-GE GitHub Releases page in your web browser.
    • Scroll down to the “Assets” section and find the latest tarball file (a file ending in .tar.gz). Click on it to download.
    • Example filename: GE-Proton9-11.tar.gz (the numbers might be different depending on the latest release).

  3. Download the Checksum File:

    • On the same GitHub page, download the checksum file that ends in .sha512sum. This file helps verify the integrity of the tarball you just downloaded.

  4. Verify the Download:

    • Open your terminal again and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the tarball and checksum file. For example, if they are in your Downloads folder, type:
      cd ~/Downloads
    • Use the following command to check if the tarball file is intact:
      sha512sum -c GE-Proton*.tar.gz.sha512sum
      • If everything is correct, you should see an “OK” message. If not, try downloading the files again.

  5. Extract the Tarball:

    • Now, you need to extract the tarball to the directory you created earlier. In the terminal, type:
      tar -xf GE-Proton*.tar.gz -C ~/.steam/root/compatibilitytools.d/
      • This command unpacks the Proton-GE files into the Steam compatibility tools directory.

Step 3: Restart Steam

  1. Close and Restart Steam:
    • If Steam is running, close it completely by right-clicking the Steam icon in your system tray (usually in the top or bottom corner of your screen) and selecting “Exit.”
    • Restart Steam by either clicking its icon in your application menu or typing steam in the terminal and pressing Enter.

Step 4: Enable Proton-GE in Steam

You can enable Proton-GE either for individual games or globally across all games. Here’s how:

Option 1: Set Up Proton-GE for Individual Games

  1. Right-click on any game in your Steam library.
  2. Select “Properties”.
  3. Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
  4. Check “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool”.
  5. From the dropdown menu, select the version of Proton-GE you installed.

Option 2: Set Up Proton-GE Globally for All Games

  1. Open Steam and go to “Settings” (found under the “Steam” menu in the top-left corner).
  2. Select “Steam Play” from the left-hand menu.
  3. Check “Enable Steam Play for supported titles” and “Enable Steam Play for all other titles”.
  4. From the dropdown menu, select the version of Proton-GE you installed.
  5. Click “OK” to apply the changes.
  • By choosing Option 2, Proton-GE will be used for all games automatically, without needing to set it up individually for each game.