GE-Proton 10-25 Fixes Nioh 2, WoW, Rockstar Launcher on Steam Deck
The vibrant world of PC gaming on Linux and Steam Deck has received another crucial update, with the release of GE-Proton 10-25. This latest version of the community-developed compatibility tool brings a host of targeted fixes, resolving persistent issues in several popular titles, including Nioh 2, World of Warcraft, and games requiring the Rockstar Games Launcher. For players dedicated to running their favorite Windows games on open-source systems, this release is a welcome step forward in stability and performance.
Developed by the dedicated software engineer known as GloriousEggroll, GE-Proton serves as an essential alternative to Valve's official Proton compatibility layer. It often incorporates newer patches, experimental fixes, and media codec support that can take longer to arrive in the official builds. This agility allows it to solve specific gaming hiccups, making it an indispensable tool for many Steam Deck and Linux desktop users. The 10-25 update continues this tradition with a focused set of improvements.
Key Fixes Arriving in GE-Proton 10-25
This release, while not a massive overhaul, addresses several long-standing and frustrating bugs that have impacted the gameplay experience for many. The fixes demonstrate a keen awareness of the community's needs, targeting both blockbuster titles and specific use cases.
Here is a breakdown of the most significant changes:
- Nioh 2 Video Playback Restored: A major win for fans of the challenging action RPG, this update finally fixes broken video playback in Nioh 2: The Complete Edition. Previously, players on Linux and Steam Deck would encounter issues where cutscenes and other in-game videos would fail to render, appearing as blank screens or test patterns. This forced players to miss out on crucial story moments. With GE-Proton 10-25, these video files now play correctly, restoring the full cinematic experience as intended by the developers.
- Rockstar Games Launcher Texture Fix: A persistent and annoying visual bug affecting the Rockstar Games Launcher has been squashed. Users would often see corrupted or glitched textures within the launcher's interface, making navigation difficult. This update resolves the texture regression, ensuring the launcher for titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 displays properly.
- World of Warcraft (Older Clients) Texture Fix: In a nod to the dedicated private server community, this update also fixes the same texture regression issue that affected older World of Warcraft clients. Players who enjoy legacy versions of the iconic MMO on community-run servers will now have a much cleaner and more stable visual experience.
- Genshin Impact Launcher Fix: The update includes a patch that resolves an issue preventing the Genshin Impact launcher from running properly. This removes a significant barrier for players wanting to enjoy the massively popular free-to-play title on their Linux or Steam Deck hardware.
Beyond these specific game fixes, GE-Proton 10-25 has been rebased and synced with the latest upstream developments from both WINE and Proton Bleeding Edge. This ensures the build benefits from the newest general performance tweaks, compatibility enhancements, and bug fixes from the wider development community, providing a more stable foundation for all games.
Why This Update Matters for Steam Deck Owners
For the millions of Steam Deck users, GE-Proton is more than just a piece of software; it's a key to unlocking the full potential of their handheld gaming PC. While the default version of Proton that ships with SteamOS is incredibly capable, GE-Proton often provides the missing piece of the puzzle for games that have specific, nagging issues.
The fix for the Rockstar Games Launcher, for example, is a massive quality-of-life improvement. Getting games like Red Dead Redemption 2 running smoothly is a rite of passage for many Deck owners, and a glitchy launcher adds an unnecessary layer of friction. By ensuring the launcher is stable and visually correct, this update makes the process of diving into Rockstar's epic worlds that much simpler.
Similarly, resolving the video playback in Nioh 2 makes the Steam Deck a more viable platform for playing the game from start to finish. Players no longer have to compromise on the story or pull out their phones to watch a cutscene on YouTube. It’s these kinds of targeted fixes that elevate the handheld experience from "workable" to "excellent."
How to Install and Use GE-Proton 10-25
If you're new to the world of custom Proton builds, getting started is surprisingly simple, especially on the Steam Deck. The most popular method involves an application called ProtonUp-Qt.
- Switch your Steam Deck to Desktop Mode.
- Open the Discover software center (the shopping bag icon on your taskbar).
- Search for and install ProtonUp-Qt.
- Launch ProtonUp-Qt from your application menu.
- Click the "Add version" button. Ensure "Steam" is selected as the compatibility tool, and choose "GE-Proton" from the list.
- The latest version, GE-Proton10-25, should be at the top of the version list. Select it and click "Install."
- Once the download and installation are complete, you can close ProtonUp-Qt and return to Gaming Mode.
- To use the new version, navigate to a game in your library, press the Menu button (the one with three horizontal lines), and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab and check the box that says "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool."
- Select GE-Proton10-25 from the dropdown list.
The next time you launch the game, it will use the newly installed GE-Proton build, applying all the latest fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is GE-Proton?
A: GE-Proton is a community-maintained version of Proton, the compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux-based operating systems like SteamOS. It often includes newer fixes, media codecs, and patches not yet available in Valve's official Proton releases.
Q: Is it safe to use GE-Proton?
A: Yes, GE-Proton is widely considered safe and is used by a large portion of the Linux and Steam Deck gaming community. It is an open-source project managed through reputable platforms like GitHub.
Q: Why would I use this instead of the official Proton from Valve?
A: You should typically start with the official version of Proton. However, if a game has specific issues—like non-functional cutscenes, launcher problems, or other bugs—GE-Proton may contain a fix that resolves the problem. It's an excellent tool for troubleshooting and enhancing compatibility for problematic titles.