No, not all Steam games run natively on Linux, though a significant and growing number are playable through various methods.
Steam, a leading digital distribution platform, offers games developed for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. While games specifically written for Linux will play on SteamOS (which is a GNU/Linux distribution) and other Linux systems, compatibility for titles originally designed for other platforms varies.
Native Linux Games on Steam
Many game developers create dedicated Linux versions of their games. These titles are designed to run directly on Linux distributions without requiring any additional software or compatibility layers, typically offering the best performance and stability.
Windows Games on Linux: Compatibility Layers
A substantial portion of the Steam library consists of games developed for Windows. To run these games on Linux, compatibility layers are often utilized:
- Proton: This is a compatibility layer developed by Valve, integrated directly into the Steam client. Built upon WINE (Wine Is Not an Emulator), Proton allows many Windows-only games to run on Linux. It simplifies the process for users and often provides performance comparable to running the games natively on Windows.
- WINE: For games that might not be fully optimized by Proton or for users who prefer more control, WINE can be installed independently on a Linux system. It translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls, enabling Windows applications and games to function on Linux. Many games originally written for Windows can be installed and played using WINE.
Game Compatibility Overview
| Game Origin | Linux Compatibility | Method / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Native Linux Game | Excellent | Runs directly on Linux distributions without extra software. |
| Windows Game | Varies (often good to excellent) | Primarily via Steam Proton or direct WINE installation. Performance and stability can vary by game. |
| macOS Game | None | Games developed for macOS are not compatible with Linux operating systems. |
macOS Games and Linux
Games specifically developed for macOS are not compatible with Linux operating systems. These titles are built to run within the macOS environment and cannot be played on a Linux PC, even with compatibility layers.
The Evolving Linux Gaming Landscape
Thanks to Valve's continuous development of Proton and the increasing number of developers providing native Linux versions, the number of Steam games playable on Linux has significantly expanded. Resources like ProtonDB allow the community to track and report on the compatibility of thousands of Windows games running on Linux via Proton.
