To make games that are Windows OS only run on the Steam Deck, Valve helped to create a way to bridge the gap and allow these games to be run and work on Linux OS. That is the Proton compatibility layer. Currently, we are on version 8.0-5 in the stable branch, but it looks like a release for the next update is coming soon, as Proton 9 has officially entered open beta!

This version of Proton is still being worked on, hence the open beta, but it does come with some new playable games, like Dinogen Online, Wine 9.0 improvements, and new fixes, like better video playback for Lords of the Fallen and getting rid of some crashes from Bayonetta. All of these are super welcome, and I am excited to see what other fixes/regressions will be implemented before the final release!

To download the new update for yourself on Deck, head over to your search bar and just search for "Proton 9." You should see the layer and install it as you please. You will need to force compatibility with it on a per-game basis by going into the Compatibility tab under Preferences.

Proton9Beta

And here is the current changelog for the first open beta:

Proton 9.0 Beta 11 Changelog:

  • Now playable:
    • Dinogen Online
    • Photography Simulator Demo
  • Previously playable on Proton Experimental:
    • George McGeehan Gamer Hero
    • The Finals
    • True Reporter. Mystery of Mistwood
    • Road to Vostok Demo
    • WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
    • Lord of the Rings: Gollum
  • Fixed Brawhalla showing a security certificate warning.
  • Started ignoring system mouse acceleration when using raw input API.
  • Fixed TouHou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part I and II crashing during boss fights.
  • Fixed crash in Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories epilogue.
  • Improved video playback in BIOMUTANT.
  • Fixed Imperiums: Greek Wars launcher.
  • Fixed memory leaks that caused Final Fantasy XIV Online launcher crash over long time.
  • Fixed crash in Microsoft Flight Simulator when live weather is enabled.
  • Improved support for input devices with 8+ axes.
  • Fixed Savant - Ascent REMIX hitching during certain animations.
  • Fixed Super Robot Wars 30 crashing with languages other than English.
  • Fixed Doom Eternal audio crackling on certain setups.
  • Fixed Lethal Company, Phasmophobia and other Unity games crashing when a controller with a hat switch is plugged in.
  • Improved video playback for the following titles: Lords of the Fallen, Harvestella, and Wayfinder, Sea of Thieves, KING OF FIGHTERS XV.
  • Default scaling fixed for The Last Game on Steam Deck
  • Fixed audio issues when playing intro video in Airborne Kingdom.
  • Fixed Bayonetta crashing on certain systems.
  • Fixed Escape from Monkey Island getting minimized on a mouse click.
  • Fixed audio controls and spatialization in VRChat with AVPro.
  • Updated file distribution method to save disk space.
  • Rebased on top of upstream Wine 9.0.
  • Updated vkd3d-proton to v2.11.1-49-g32ff676b.
  • Updated dxvk to v2.3-47-ge2a46a34.
  • Updated dxvk-nvapi to v0.6.4-48-g0951afb.

If you enjoyed this article, check out the rest of the content on SteamDeckHQ! We have a wide variety of game reviews and news that are sure to help your gaming experience. Whether you're looking for news, tips and tutorials, game settings and reviews, or just want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, we've got your back.

Noah Kupetsky
A lover of gaming since 4, Noah has grown up with a love and passion for the industry. From there, he started to travel a lot and develop a joy for handheld and PC gaming. When the Steam Deck released, it just all clicked.
Steam Profile