Valve's Proton 11 beta boosts Linux gaming with better performance and classic game support

[Roboyt0]

I'm guessing your a Linux Finantic or something... as the REALITY is that if you have Nvidia GPU Linux gaming SUCKS so bad you'd might as well merely LOCK DOWN your WIN10/11 system and use it only for gaming.

The thing is that for MANY that are still on WIN10 our systems CAME WITH <=xTX2xxx series GPU's (IE: Laptops!) that run ALL SORTS of Games wonderfully on WIN10 however those of us with GTX hardware are mostly OUT OF LUCK when it comes to Linux and the performance HIT with even RTX4xxx hardware is simply to much to bear!

Then there's the "Steamdeck Compatibility" nonsense. While THERE IS "grading" involved there is ZERO accountability to that grading/rating. As an example Games that are listed with the Highest Rating might in reality ONLY APPLY TO current generation AMD GPU's and drivers and surely NOT Nvidia RTX or GTX hardware. Even THEN a title which might perform with >80FPS under WIN10 & ZERO stuttering might be a < 30FPS stuttering mess on Linux.

Back on Topic, I DID however grab my Odin2-Mini out in hopes that I could get the Steam Client to install and play some games. Currently to no avail.

Maybe if you haven't tried recently. Things are actually quite good with Nvidia on Cachy.

Pragmata just released and runs marvelously maxed out in 4K with a RTX 4080 Super.

You're not wrong that it can be more work with Linux, but Windows is so far from perfect that it boils down to tradeoffs and where you're going to exert your effort.

My privacy, and the telemetry debate, aside, I was beyond fed up with Windows Update overwriting display drivers no matter what I did; this includes disabling updates via group policy. This is even in LTSC/Enterprise versions of Windows. My PC's randomly waking from sleep for no reason; wake events shows nothing, WoL is disabled and I've gone as far as disconnecting wireless mice/keyboards. True HDR support is locked behind SpywareOS, oh I mean Windows, 11. I wonder what basic function a Windows update will break, or will it just erase my drive entirely? File explorer should not be a slug with drives that can read/write data at the rate of GB/s. Intel Wi-Fi (AX 210/211) & LAN (I-225/226) drops/disconnects are atrocious in Windows; no amount of reinstalling or trying different drivers fixes this. I could go on...

This is anecdotal, and I can't speak for everyone, or all mixtures of hardware...but I am not going back lol.

This seems to be the case for a growing number of others out there on the internet as well.

 

[LimyG]

Although it's nice - it still has quite a way to go. Linux still has serious issues with "effects" like Ray Tracing, Path tracing etc. without significant tweeks. It works great on Raster games, but we need native Linux games on a much broader scale, that would finally close the gap

Yes, the current reality is that you are correct.

But, on a positive note, after almost 2 decades, this is (I hope) another step to bringing NON windows slop OS to gaming PCs without needing to be a tech expert.

It taken ages, and we are not really there yet, (for the masses who want to turn on, and play without fiddling around too much.) But I think this is a genuine step away from the Slop OS.

The question which I can't answer is when will this, or any other Linux distro approach the ease of use for the average - none technically minded gamer, and other users of course.

When the day arrives that any other OS is as easy to use, but without the huge bloat frustration of winslop, in other words a sleek and fast interface that just works, then the decades+ prediction of increased linux use should actually happen. Business (except for French) probably will stick to windows, but home users, especially gamers will have no reason to stick with the bloated abomination that is W11. I dream of the day when the masses abandon M$. That would be justice!!

Anyone prepared to make a rough timeline guess as to when we will get there. (or if)

 

[LimyG]

I'm intrigued! Can you cite your sources for the serious issues you mentioned?

Fair question, but he did say without significant tweaks which qualifies the statement, IMHO.
In other words, difficulties with modern techs like ray tracing crop up, but for those who know how they can be overcome.

Until the average user doesn't have to fiddle and twiddle to get everything running well, the market share of any distro will be limited.

Folks who are really good with Linux, and understand it very well, naturally after sometime it's second nature and easy for them. That's great.

But by average user I mean people who probably wouldn't belong to a forum like this, and simply are not prepared or willing to spend time and effort learning about it.

 

[LimyG]

Microsoft has certainly gone downhill fast in recent years. Linux though has its own set of problems: every time a new distro begins to gain traction, half its developers quit to fork off a new one, the core kernel crew is a couple of greybeards who aren't generating replacements, and its primary evangelists persist in maintaining 1970s-era design philosophies that don't really make sense in the modern era.

Yes, this is one of the problems with linux to date. But it's better than, say 10 years ago. Do you think so? I admit I'm not 100% sure.

Regardless, you make a good point.

The strange thing with a small percentage of linux users (no one on these forums) treat Linux like a religion. They speak like missionaries - never could understand that.

 

[Endymio]

Yes, this is one of the problems with linux to date. But it's better than, say 10 years ago. Do you think so?

Undoubtably, yes. It's just the rate of progress is so slow that at the current rate of progress I don't see it supplanting Windows for another half-century.

The strange thing with a small percentage of linux users (no one on these forums) treat Linux like a religion. They speak like missionaries - never could understand that.

Yeah, it's the anti-capitalist GNU/FSF crowd. Contradict one and they'll nail you up to a cross faster than you can say "no fences, no gates".

 

[georges01]

Maybe if you haven't tried recently. Things are actually quite good with Nvidia on Cachy.

Pragmata just released and runs marvelously maxed out in 4K with a RTX 4080 Super.

You're not wrong that it can be more work with Linux, but Windows is so far from perfect that it boils down to tradeoffs and where you're going to exert your effort.

My privacy, and the telemetry debate, aside, I was beyond fed up with Windows Update overwriting display drivers no matter what I did; this includes disabling updates via group policy. This is even in LTSC/Enterprise versions of Windows. My PC's randomly waking from sleep for no reason; wake events shows nothing, WoL is disabled and I've gone as far as disconnecting wireless mice/keyboards. True HDR support is locked behind SpywareOS, oh I mean Windows, 11. I wonder what basic function a Windows update will break, or will it just erase my drive entirely? File explorer should not be a slug with drives that can read/write data at the rate of GB/s. Intel Wi-Fi (AX 210/211) & LAN (I-225/226) drops/disconnects are atrocious in Windows; no amount of reinstalling or trying different drivers fixes this. I could go on...

This is anecdotal, and I can't speak for everyone, or all mixtures of hardware...but I am not going back lol.

This seems to be the case for a growing number of others out there on the internet as well.

So like you had ONE game function well with ONE high end (desktop) RTX card. Hardly a usable or worthwhile endorcement.
For Linux gaming I assembled a ALL AMD system as Linux Gaming with Nvidia hardware mostly sucks. Honestly it is not like the WIN systems 'must be' abandoned. I've 'nutured' my WINBoxes where there is ZERO 'telemetry' or other nonsense going on. They are only used for Gaming these days so don't need/require much of anything.

 

[Notmare]

Fair question, but he did say without significant tweaks which qualifies the statement, IMHO.
In other words, difficulties with modern techs like ray tracing crop up, but for those who know how they can be overcome.

Until the average user doesn't have to fiddle and twiddle to get everything running well, the market share of any distro will be limited.

Folks who are really good with Linux, and understand it very well, naturally after sometime it's second nature and easy for them. That's great.

But by average user I mean people who probably wouldn't belong to a forum like this, and simply are not prepared or willing to spend time and effort learning about it.

Thanks, I don't share your honest opinion, but I haven't given up on trying. I think I would have agreed with that opinion last year, but this year has been much more stable than years prior. Maybe my experience is a-typical, but Steam gaming for me lately has been as easy as it is on Windows.

I'm bummed that you also chose not to provide any examples. I was only hoping to understand the scope of those sentiments through factual examples from recent months/releases.

 

[georges01]

Thanks, I don't share your honest opinion, but I haven't given up on trying. I think I would have agreed with that opinion last year, but this year has been much more stable than years prior. Maybe my experience is a-typical, but Steam gaming for me lately has been as easy as it is on Windows.

I'm bummed that you also chose not to provide any examples. I was only hoping to understand the scope of those sentiments through factual examples from recent months/releases.

I'm glad that you seem to have something that works for YOU. However you did NOT include a Apples/Apples compare. IE: That EXACT same game running on same hardware but with WIN11 and current Nvidia drivers.
(Odds are worse then same & rarely better)

Back ON TOPIC the ARM driver including a x86 emulation layer can&will open up "PC Gaming" on inexpensive ARM devices! This is BIG news for gamers!

 

[Notmare]

I'm glad that you seem to have something that works for YOU. However you did NOT include a Apples/Apples compare. IE: That EXACT same game running on same hardware but with WIN11 and current Nvidia drivers.
(Odds are worse then same & rarely better)

Back ON TOPIC the ARM driver including a x86 emulation layer can&will open up "PC Gaming" on inexpensive ARM devices! This is BIG news for gamers!

In all fairness, I was aware of Nvidia's proprietary driver issues on Linux. When it came time to upgrade from my 8700k/2070super, I intentionally put together an all AMD rig before bothering to even give Linux a try. Where AMD has driver issues on Windows, Nvidia has driver issues on Linux.

It's all good, I'm happy and I just want other people to be happy, too. Regardless of the OS they choose to use.

I'm also extremely excited about the Proton ARM support. I suspect this is why Google is trying to close down Android and prevent installs from outside the Play store. They'll want a cut of every Steam purchase made on their platform in the future.

 

[georges01]

I'm also extremely excited about the Proton ARM support. I suspect this is why Google is trying to close down Android and prevent installs from outside the Play store. They'll want a cut of every Steam purchase made on their platform in the future.

THIS is the real exciting news. By adding a x86 emulation layer to ProtonARM Valve opens up "PC Gaming" to ARM devices so that not only are we not limited to ONE vendors operating system but not limited to Intel/AMD CPU platforms.
I have a few octacore+ ARM devices that I'm going to toss ProtonARM11 at!

 

[LimyG]

Thanks, I don't share your honest opinion, but I haven't given up on trying. I think I would have agreed with that opinion last year, but this year has been much more stable than years prior. Maybe my experience is a-typical, but Steam gaming for me lately has been as easy as it is on Windows.

I'm bummed that you also chose not to provide any examples. I was only hoping to understand the scope of those sentiments through factual examples from recent months/releases.

Thanks for the good natured reply.

You kind of got me TBH. I haven't used any Linux distro since Jan of this year. The list of minor annoyances I had is pretty long so I wont' list them.

I'll just say that I DO share your enthusiasm, and will following closely. I'll surely be trying out, at some point, and after others have, ha ha.

If it all works out, and seems I was overly negative going by old experiences, then this really is great.

In the end I think we are on the same page.

Edit: I should have read your second post before replying. You mention about NV proprietary driver issues on Linux.

That's more or less what I was on about, plus a few other niggles. But I'm still on Intel/NV system.

Glad it's working out on AMD better.

Repeating myself, but this is good news and I'm all for it. Thanks to your post I'm now more eager to follow this. Please update if you have any goodies to share about it!

 

[LimyG]

So like you had ONE game function well with ONE high end (desktop) RTX card. Hardly a usable or worthwhile endorcement.
For Linux gaming I assembled a ALL AMD system as Linux Gaming with Nvidia hardware mostly sucks. Honestly it is not like the WIN systems 'must be' abandoned. I've 'nutured' my WINBoxes where there is ZERO 'telemetry' or other nonsense going on. They are only used for Gaming these days so don't need/require much of anything.

My experience, as of Jan 2026 is at least as problematic as yours. (re: Linux) Plus this was on Intel/NV hardware. It was a waste of time, although at least I learn't some stuff.

So as of late April 2026 going forward, certainly for AMD only systems things look to have a bright future. I hope NV issues will somehow be sorted as I don't plan on changing my hardware anytime soon.

I am using a highly modified Win 10pro build. No store. Update components for windows - gone. For almost a year the settings, update and security page just say, we are experiencing problems right now, please try later.

Like you, I've also nailed telemetry. It has been an ongoing project. Literally TWO years of testing first GPO, then reg tweaks and firewall adjustments (all blocks), and then taking ownership of system files.

Of course I cannot get extended security support, but couldn't careless. I have a sleek really fast small core Win 10pro OS. Of course remote is off. I scan regularly with realtime protection from Malwarebytes premium. Plus two other on demand scanners. But there is not really much to "infect," so although I am watchful and careful, security does not concern me.

In fact, I'd say going by reading about W11 patches they are the most prolific "viruses."
My OS wont' change at all, but I keep ALL software fully up to date. I have not experienced a single hiccup, let alone a blue screen or malware for as long as I can remember.

I could go on, but I think I've said enough. Oh wait, gaming is great too. CPU overhead on desktop is always less than 1 %. (0.4% backgroud CPU usage according to HW Info 64 Pro.)

I'll move over to what this whole thread is about when I am confident I'll have a hassle free experience, or until my PC turns to charred rust. Whichever comes first.

Apologies for the text wall. I know most won't bother to read it!

 

[georges01]

I am using a highly modified Win 10pro build. No store. Update components for windows - gone. For almost a year the settings, update and security page just say, we are experiencing problems right now, please try later.

Apologies for the text wall. I know most won't bother to read it!

Forgetting for the moment the Linux Zealots, honestly WIN10/11 users that know what they are doing have ZERO reasons for moving to Linux especially if (like many) have Nvidia GPU hardware.
It is far easier and a better experience to merely HACK your WIN10/11 and operate it responsibly in a non-hostile environment then suffer with the Linux nonsense.
I do have a handful of different Linux builds installed on systems and those with all AMD hardware seem to fair fairly well.

Back on topic, I have a Odin2-mini that I'm excited to play PC games NATIVELY on with Proton11-ARM. I have a number of other ARM systems that might be able to emulate PC games that I'm excited to try!
Proton11-ARM MAY make the "Win-on-ARM" systems actually attractive to some folks - if they can tolerate WIN11!! LOL!

 

[LimyG]

Forgetting for the moment the Linux Zealots, honestly WIN10/11 users that know what they are doing have ZERO reasons for moving to Linux especially if (like many) have Nvidia GPU hardware.
It is far easier and a better experience to merely HACK your WIN10/11 and operate it responsibly in a non-hostile environment then suffer with the Linux nonsense.
I do have a handful of different Linux builds installed on systems and those with all AMD hardware seem to fair fairly well.

Back on topic, I have a Odin2-mini that I'm excited to play PC games NATIVELY on with Proton11-ARM. I have a number of other ARM systems that might be able to emulate PC games that I'm excited to try!
Proton11-ARM MAY make the "Win-on-ARM" systems actually attractive to some folks - if they can tolerate WIN11!! LOL!

Yeah, I agree as things are now. With the caveat you mentioned (and I'll add to it) Hack, NO REMOTE, (off in CP, GP, and port 3389 blocked.) taking ownership, carefully of certain system files. I have NO store for instance. Research and block ALL tememetry (if possible).
Update all third party progs. Remove the whole windows update components, which takes a while.
Most importantly, use common sense. This all was an ongoing project for me, but I have a fast, totally trouble free PC. (Woops, I probably repeated stuff from my last post which is too long to read.)

Back on topic:

Finally, I am interested in Valve/Steam/Proton Linux going forward. I hope by the time I do change OS, Intel and NV will work with it.

Back off topic:

The pile of garbage W11, will never be on anything but my test PC. It doesn't even feel secure to me, although that's just my feeling. My locked down W10 pro is at least as secure.
Plus, patches are a bit like malware sometimes, glad I haven't had to patch (and could not anyway) for over six months. Bliss, and good gaming to boot!!

 

[georges01]

The pile of garbage W11, will never be on anything but my test PC. It doesn't even feel secure to me, although that's just my feeling. My locked down W10 pro is at least as secure.
Plus, patches are a bit like malware sometimes, glad I haven't had to patch (and could not anyway) for over six months. Bliss, and good gaming to boot!!

Hint: With merely a few registry hacks, uninstalls & "Hosts" file additions any WIN systems ownership can be recovered. MY WIN-Boxes could not contact MS even if they wanted to. <g>

Keep in mind that its been historically proven that the weakest link in any systems 'security' is between the operator chair and keyboard. <g>

Frankly as far as ARM goes IMHO a x86 emulator OUGHT to be sourced/supplied by Microsoft for their Win-on-Arm systems. (much like Apple did for their Mac's)

However if Valve is willing to toss one in with Proton I'm not going to complain/***** about it. <g>

There are MANY very capable ARM powered systems on the market these days that are FAR LESS expensive than any x86 based 'gaming' systems and I feel opening THOSE systems up for "PC Games" could be a real "boon" for the gaming market. <g>

While I may never get "Crimson Desert" running on my Odin2 I bet that: Skyrim, Tombraider2013, RDR2, Witcher3 & CP2077 might be running on it before 2026 is over.

 

[LimyG]

Hint: With merely a few registry hacks, uninstalls & "Hosts" file additions any WIN systems ownership can be recovered. MY WIN-Boxes could not contact MS even if they wanted to. <g>

Keep in mind that its been historically proven that the weakest link in any systems 'security' is between the operator chair and keyboard. <g>

Frankly as far as ARM goes IMHO a x86 emulator OUGHT to be sourced/supplied by Microsoft for their Win-on-Arm systems. (much like Apple did for their Mac's)

However if Valve is willing to toss one in with Proton I'm not going to complain/***** about it. <g>

There are MANY very capable ARM powered systems on the market these days that are FAR LESS expensive than any x86 based 'gaming' systems and I feel opening THOSE systems up for "PC Games" could be a real "boon" for the gaming market. <g>

While I may never get "Crimson Desert" running on my Odin2 I bet that: Skyrim, Tombraider2013, RDR2, Witcher3 & CP2077 might be running on it before 2026 is over.

Yeah, about those hints, I know, been doing it for ages. Anyway, thanks.

Glad to hear what you wrote about ARM. I haven't really researched it that much.

For the time being I'm happy with my setup.

Finally, like you, my WIN -Boxes couldn't contact MS even if they wanted to. Way to go!

Edit: I'm in the process of doing some of the hacks etc etc on my W11 test system. So far so good. It's an old PC so if I break the OS no problem. It comes broken out the box anyway.
Currently updates work perfectly on that Box. Surprising, it can't sync anything, has all A.I. removed and a lot of other stuff. It's notably faster than after first install.

Thing is I just can't stand W11 so have no plan to use even a debloated version of it on my main PC.

 

[georges01]

Thing is I just can't stand W11 so have no plan to use even a debloated version of it on my main PC.

The thing is that most seemingly ignore is that an "OS" ought to merely provide a platform to launch applications and allow the management of resulting data files. <g>
The #1 issue with WIN is if you allow it to contact MS it will be constantly changing. I keep a handful of WIN-Boxes around as I have applications (mostly games) that run best on Windows.
Here the 'daily driver' is OSX but really it could be ANYTHING as the handful of applications I use daily are not platform(OS) specific.
With Valve releasing a 'Quest Clone' (IE: ARM powered VR headset) getting PC games to run on ARM is a priority while getting studios to release ARM native games might be far to much to ask for.
My guess is that Valve might release ARM native content for their new headset however they NEED to have a 'catalog' of games that can run on that platform. The GOOD NEWS here is that many of us have ARM based platforms that can also benefit from being able to play PC games on them.

 

[LimyG]

The thing is that most seemingly ignore is that an "OS" ought to merely provide a platform to launch applications and allow the management of resulting data files. <g>
The #1 issue with WIN is if you allow it to contact MS it will be constantly changing. I keep a handful of WIN-Boxes around as I have applications (mostly games) that run best on Windows.
Here the 'daily driver' is OSX but really it could be ANYTHING as the handful of applications I use daily are not platform(OS) specific.
With Valve releasing a 'Quest Clone' (IE: ARM powered VR headset) getting PC games to run on ARM is a priority while getting studios to release ARM native games might be far to much to ask for.
My guess is that Valve might release ARM native content for their new headset however they NEED to have a 'catalog' of games that can run on that platform. The GOOD NEWS here is that many of us have ARM based platforms that can also benefit from being able to play PC games on them.

Your first sentence, exactly.