Steam Deck: Proton Compatibility Features Guide

Steam Deck: Proton Compatibility Features Guide

The Steam Deck: Unlocking the Full Potential of Handheld Gaming

Steam Deck

If you’re a gaming enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the incredible Steam Deck. This handheld device is an absolute game-changer, offering stunning visuals, endless customization options, and a vast library of games that keeps on growing. However, like any gaming platform, it’s not without its quirks. Some games on the Steam Deck may face controller compatibility issues and performance hurdles. But fear not! We have a solution that will allow you to get the best out of every game – the Proton compatibility layer.

Updated by Michael Llewellyn on July 20, 2023, the Proton compatibility tools are an absolute godsend for Steam Deck users. These tools enhance game performance and compatibility, ensuring a seamless gaming experience. The best part? It keeps getting better with regular updates, constantly improving compatibility with various games. In this guide, we’ll show you how to find the best version of Proton for different games and optimize their settings on the Steam Deck.

How To Use Proton Compatibility on the Steam Deck

Cogwheel Icon

Let’s take the medieval open-world RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, as an example. This game is notorious for struggling to run smoothly, especially on consoles. But fear not! With Proton Compatibility on the Steam Deck, you can unleash its full potential. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to gaming bliss:

  1. Switch on your Steam Deck.
  2. Select the game that’s giving you trouble and hold off on starting it just yet.
  3. Look for the almighty cogwheel icon on the right side and give it a satisfying click.
  4. Now, highlight and select the Compatibility option.
  5. In the new menu, find and click on Properties.
  6. Check the box that says “Force The Use of a specific Steam Play Compatibility Tool.”
  7. In the dropdown menu, pick the most recent version of Proton or Proton Experimental for those brave souls among us.
  8. Now, let Kingdom Come: Deliverance work its magic on the Steam Deck, running at a smooth 40 FPS with occasional dips to 35 in busier areas.

Proton Compatibility tools are a fantastic way to overcome compatibility issues and unlock the full potential of graphically demanding games on the Steam Deck. However, it’s worth noting that Proton won’t solve the issue of small text readability, but we’ve got you covered on that front too!

Magnifier Tool

Some games were designed with larger screens in mind, so when played on the Steam Deck, the text can appear minuscule. To solve this problem, simply press the Steam and L1 buttons simultaneously to activate the Magnifier Tool. No more squinting at tiny text – we’ve got you covered!

Leveling Up Your Steam Deck with Decky Loader

Decky Loader

To truly take your Steam Deck experience to the next level, make use of the incredible side program called Decky Loader. Decky Loader offers a range of plugins that can supercharge your gaming sessions. One such plugin, ProtonDB Badges, provides invaluable information on which Proton versions to use and helpful settings for enhanced performance. Here’s how to install Decky Loader:

  1. Press the Steam Button beneath the left trackpad.
  2. Highlight Power and select Switch to Desktop Mode.
  3. To make things easier, connect a keyboard and mouse (you can use the in-game keyboard by pressing the Steam and X buttons if needed).
  4. Open your preferred browser in Desktop Mode and download Decky Loader from this link.
  5. Scroll down on the GitHub page and hit that download button.
  6. Select Recommended Install, and once the installation is complete, switch back to Gaming Mode.

Getting ProtonDB Badges for the Steam Deck

ProtonDB Badges

Now it’s time to take your Proton compatibility to new heights by downloading ProtonDB Badges. This plugin allows you to access recommended tools and settings directly from the game pages. Here’s how to install it:

  1. Press the QAM button with the three dots beneath the right trackpad.
  2. Highlight and select the shiny new plug icon.
  3. Click on the settings cogwheel and select Install Update.
  4. Once the installation is complete, click on the store icon.
  5. Scroll down until you find ProtonDB Badges and click Install.

Now, whenever you open a game page, you’ll spot a delightful little icon in the top left of the screen. Click on it, and you’ll be magically transported to the ProtonDB website. Here, you’ll find user suggestions, bug reports, and helpful guidance to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

The Steam Deck is available now from the official Steam Store. Don’t miss out on this revolutionary gaming device that’s taking the gaming world by storm!

More: Best Games For The Steam Deck