Linux has better Windows game compatibility at this stage than Windows does, and Proton is why
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Proton, Valve's Steam compatibility layer built on Wine and DXVK, has reached a point where Linux often runs Windows games better than Windows itself does. Older titles like Fallout: New Vegas, KOTOR, and Morrowind run more reliably on Linux via Proton because it preserves the original behavior games expect and translates it to modern APIs, rather than replacing underlying systems as Windows does. Over 30,000 games are supported through Proton, with nearly 10,000 verified playable on Steam Deck. GOG is also developing an official Linux client, expanding the classic game library available on Linux. While Proton isn't universally superior, it excels especially for retro and classic gaming.
Questions this post answers
How does Proton run Windows games on Linux?
Proton is a Steam compatibility tool built on Wine that translates Windows game behavior to Linux-compatible hardware and APIs. It uses DXVK to handle modern Direct3D calls and Wine for older DirectX versions. Rather than replacing underlying systems like Windows does, Proton preserves the original behavior games expect, which is why older titles often run more reliably on Linux than on modern Windows. Developers and gamers switching to Linux for gaming track Proton compatibility news on daily.dev.
How many games are supported by Proton on Linux?
More than 30,000 games are at least supported through Proton, with nearly 10,000 verified as completely playable on the Steam Deck. The list is continuously growing, with the community tracking compatibility through ProtonDB, where titles are re-evaluated whenever a Proton update affects support. Those deciding whether Linux can replace Windows for their game library find compatibility coverage on daily.dev.
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