Getting a Windows game to run through Steam on Ubuntu starts with Steam Play. Steam Play is Steam’s setting for using Proton, Valve’s tool for running Windows games on Linux.
I’ll show you how to enable Steam Play on Ubuntu and choose a Proton version for one game.
TL;DR
To run a Windows Steam game on Ubuntu, enable Steam Play and begin with Steam’s selected Proton tool.
- Steam Play is the Steam setting that uses Proton for Windows games on Linux.
- Choose a Proton version globally or override it for one game.
- Check ProtonDB before assuming a game will work on your hardware.
What Is Proton in Steam on Ubuntu?
Proton is Valve’s Wine-based compatibility tool for running Windows games through Steam on Linux.
Steam Play is the client setting for managing Proton releases.
If Steam is not installed, our Steam installation guide for Linux covers Ubuntu’s package route. Ubuntu lists the installer in multiverse, and Valve also maintains a Steam repository.
How to Enable Proton in Steam on Ubuntu
Use the Compatibility page to set whether Steam can launch Windows games with Proton.
Step 1: Install and open Steam
Ubuntu’s Software app can install the Steam installer package from its repositories. Search for Steam there, or use the terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install steam-installer
Ubuntu’s package listing shows steam-installer in multiverse. Launch Steam from the application menu and let its first update finish.
Step 2: Turn on Steam Play
Open Steam, choose Steam > Settings > Compatibility. Enable Steam Play for supported titles, then enable it for all other titles if you want Proton to try your Windows library too.
The all-titles option applies across your library, but it does not guarantee every game will launch. Keep the default tool until a game gives you a reason to change it.
Step 3: Choose Proton for one game
A per-game override changes one title without affecting your library. Open its Properties, choose Compatibility, check the option to force a specific Steam Play tool, and select a version. Clear the override to return to Steam’s default.
For a game-specific issue that points to GE-Proton, install it with the project’s instructions for your Steam type. Its folder differs between native and Flatpak Steam. Restart Steam after installing so the tool appears in the selector.
If you want a graphical tool manager instead of handling releases and folders yourself, our ProtonUp-Qt guide and ProtonPlus guide explain the current options.
Common Proton Issues and What to Check
When a game fails to start or an online feature does not work, check reports for that title and change its compatibility tool one version at a time.
| Case | What you may see | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Game does not start | Steam returns to the Play button or the game closes | Check recent ProtonDB reports, then test another Proton version for that game |
| Online play fails | The game launches but its online mode is unavailable | Check whether the publisher supports its anti-cheat system on Linux |
| A recent game update changes behavior | A title that worked before now has a launch or gameplay issue | Compare recent reports and try a different per-game tool. Revert if it makes things worse |
| Choice | Use it when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Steam default | New game setup | Steam manages the tool, but the game may still have an issue |
| Proton Experimental | A recent fix may help a game that fails on stable | It changes frequently, so behavior can shift |
| GE-Proton | A documented game-specific issue points to a GE patch | It is a community build maintained separately from Valve’s releases |
ProtonDB collects player reports that may include useful launch settings. Reports describe different systems and game versions, so they cannot guarantee a result on your Ubuntu setup. Online games can also depend on anti-cheat software the publisher has not enabled for Linux.
If a game does not start, test one compatibility version at a time. For games outside Steam, see our guides to Lutris, Bottles, or Steam settings and tweaks.
Conclusion: Keep Proton Changes Per Game
Keep a compatibility change limited to the title you are troubleshooting.
For current tool details, see Valve’s Proton documentation. Our ProtonUp-Qt guide covers a graphical manager for community tools.
FAQ
These answers cover the common Ubuntu and Steam Play questions.
Can I play Steam games on Ubuntu?
Yes. Linux-native games run with their Linux versions, and Proton can run many Windows Steam games. Check ProtonDB and any anti-cheat limitations for the specific title.
Do I need to install Proton separately?
No. Steam provides Proton compatibility tools through its Steam Play settings. You can add a separate community tool such as GE-Proton when you have a reason to use it.
Can I choose a different Proton version for one game?
Yes. Open the game’s Properties, choose Compatibility, enable the option to force a specific Steam Play compatibility tool, and select the version for that game.