Proton Update Fixes Halo Infinite, Gears 5 on Steam Deck
Valve has just rolled out a significant update to Proton Experimental, delivering a wave of crucial fixes that restore and improve playability for several major titles on Steam Deck and Linux-based PCs. This latest patch, released in early November, directly addresses issues with popular Xbox Game Studios titles, gets the anticipated shooter *ARC Raiders* running, and squashes numerous bugs across a variety of other games, reaffirming Valve's commitment to its ever-growing PC gaming ecosystem.
For players on SteamOS and other Linux distributions, this update is a welcome sight, smoothing out the experience for some of the biggest games on the market. Let's dive into the details and see what this powerful new update brings to the table.
Major Fixes for Xbox Game Studios Hits
A huge focus of this Proton Experimental release was on titles from the Xbox Game Studios portfolio, several of which had been experiencing issues after recent game updates. Thanks to Valve's diligent work, these blockbuster games are back in action for Steam Deck players.
- Halo Infinite: Players who were recently unable to join multiplayer matches can rejoice. This update specifically targets and resolves the connectivity issues that plagued the game after its latest patch, allowing Spartans to jump back into the action.
- Gears 5: The multiplayer component of Gears 5 is now fully functional again. The update addresses a problem that prevented players from accessing the game's online services, restoring a core part of the experience.
- Sea of Thieves: Pirate crews can once again set sail. A recent regression that broke the game for Proton users has been fixed, ensuring that adventures on the high seas can continue without a hitch.
- Age of Empires IV: Strategy fans will be pleased to know that a nagging launch crash affecting some users has been resolved, making the historical real-time strategy game more stable for everyone.
These targeted fixes for first-party Microsoft titles highlight the strength of the Proton compatibility layer, demonstrating its ability to rapidly adapt to changes in complex, online-focused games.
ARC Raiders and Other Titles Now Playable
Beyond fixing existing games, this Proton update also opens the door for new ones. The highly anticipated free-to-play cooperative shooter, *ARC Raiders*, is now playable on Linux and Steam Deck. This is a significant milestone for the title ahead of its official release, allowing enthusiastic fans to get in on the action early.
The patch also includes a variety of other important fixes:
- EVE Online: The launcher for the iconic sci-fi MMO will no longer crash, providing a smoother startup process for capsuleers.
- The Wandering Village: Troublesome video playback issues within the city-building survival game have been corrected.
- BlazBlue Centralfiction: Audio problems in the fast-paced fighting game have been resolved.
- Starfield: An important fix was implemented to prevent the game from crashing on systems using older graphics drivers, broadening compatibility for players on varied hardware.
These improvements show that the development team is not only focused on AAA releases but is also dedicated to enhancing the entire gaming library available through Steam.
What This Means for Steam Deck and Linux Gaming
Each update to Proton Experimental serves as another building block in the foundation of Linux as a premier gaming platform. For Steam Deck owners, these continuous improvements are vital, creating a more seamless, console-like experience where games simply work as expected. The ability to play massive titles like *Halo Infinite* and *Sea of Thieves* alongside an ever-growing list of indies and upcoming releases without extensive manual tweaking is a testament to Valve's long-term vision.
These patches lower the barrier to entry, build confidence in the platform, and ensure that players who choose an open-source operating system are not left behind. By proactively fixing issues and expanding compatibility, Valve is solidifying the Steam Deck's position as a revolutionary handheld and a powerful advocate for the viability of PC gaming beyond traditional operating systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Proton Experimental?
Proton Experimental is the public testing branch of Valve's compatibility layer. It receives the very latest fixes and features before they are rolled into the main, stable versions of Proton. While it can sometimes be less stable, it's often the best way to play the newest games or get fixes for recently broken titles.
How do I get this update on my Steam Deck or PC?
To use Proton Experimental for all compatible games, you can select it in your main Steam settings under the "Steam Play" tab. Alternatively, to enable it for a specific game, navigate to that game in your library, open "Properties," go to the "Compatibility" tab, and check the box to "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool." From the dropdown menu, select "Proton Experimental." The update will download automatically.
Does this mean these games are now "Verified" on Steam Deck?
Not necessarily. A game becoming playable through a Proton update is different from it earning an official "Verified" or "Playable" rating from Valve. The Deck Verified program involves a thorough review of a game's performance, controller support, display, and system compatibility. While these fixes make the games functional, they may not yet meet all the criteria for an official rating.