How do I install custom GE-Proton builds using ProtonUp-Qt on Linux

Installing custom GE-Proton builds using ProtonUp-Qt is the easiest graphical way to manage custom compatibility layers on Linux. It handles downloading, extracting, and placing GE-Proton directly into Steam's (or Lutris/Heroic's) compatibility directories automatically.

1.Install ProtonUp-Qt:Prerequisite for graphical management.

The standard, distro-agnostic way to install ProtonUp-Qt is via Flatpak:

Bash

flatpak install flathub net.davidotek.pupgui2

Alternatively, download the standalone AppImage from the official ProtonUp-Qt GitHub releases page or install it through your distribution's package manager (e.g., protonup-qt on Arch/AUR or Fedora).

2.Select Your Game Launcher:

Launch ProtonUp-Qt. At the top of the window, locate the Install for: dropdown menu:

• Select Steam (or choose Heroic Games Launcher, Lutris, or Bottles if managing compatibility tools for non-Steam platforms).

3.Download and Install GE-Proton:

1. Click the Add version button at the bottom left.

2. Ensure Compatibility tool is set to GE-Proton (or Proton-GE).

3. Choose your desired release from the Version dropdown (typically the latest release).

4. Click Install.

ProtonUp-Qt will download and extract the files directly into your Steam compatibilitytools.d directory.

4.Restart Steam and Assign GE-Proton:Required for Steam to discover new compatibility tools.

Important: Completely exit and restart Steam so it can detect the newly added compatibility tool.

• For a Specific Game:

  1. Right-click the game in your Steam Library and select Properties.

  2. Open the Compatibility tab.

  3. Check "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool".

  4. Select your newly installed GE-Proton build from the dropdown menu.

• As Global Default for All Windows Games:

  1. Go to Steam > Settings > Compatibility.

  2. Enable "Enable Steam Play for all other titles".

  3. Select GE-Proton from the dropdown menu.