Valve has recently announced the release of Proton 9, the definitive compatibility layer for Linux that is revolutionizing the gaming experience on this platform. In this article, we will explore the key features and improvements introduced with Proton 9, and how they impact gaming on Linux.
Support for a Wide Range of Games
The new version of Proton introduces support for a wide range of new games, providing Linux users with broader access to the available game library. Games such as Far Cry 4 and The Witcher 2, optimized to utilize a high number of cores, can now be run smoothly even on high-end CPUs thanks to the removal of core usage limits.
Improvements for Multi-Core CPUs
One of the highlights of Proton 9 is the performance improvement on high-end hardware, thanks to optimization for multi-core CPUs. This ensures greater computing power for games optimized to utilize multiple cores, such as the Warhammer series and Far Cry.
NVAPI Enabled for Enhanced Performance
Another significant enhancement is the default enabling of NVAPI for all games, resulting in better performance for users with NVIDIA graphics cards. This translates to a smoother and more responsive gaming experience for titles leveraging these cards.
Simplified Access on Steam Deck
With Proton 9, access on Steam Deck has been made even simpler: just search in the Steam library, and the system will automatically update for those already using the Beta version.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Proton 9 represents a significant step forward in making Linux an even more competitive platform for gaming. With increased compatibility, improved performance, and an overall better gaming experience for Linux users, Proton 9 establishes itself as the new standard for gaming on this platform.
For further information and to view the complete changelog, it is recommended to visit the dedicated Proton 9.0 GitHub page.
Thanks to the ongoing commitment of Valve and the Proton developers, the future of gaming on Linux looks increasingly promising. Stay tuned for further updates and news!
Changelog Proton: 9.0-1
Here's what Valve said were previously only playable on Proton Experimental:
Dinogen Online
Photography Simulator Demo
George McGeehan Gamer Hero
The Finals
True Reporter. Mystery of Mistwood
Road to Vostok Demo
WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
Lord of the Rings: Gollum
Sonic Colors: Ultimate
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 and Yuri’s Revenge
Command & Conquer Tiberian Sun and Firestorm
Aisling and the Tavern of Elves
Snares of Ruin 2
Insanity's Blade
Bloody Walls
Additionally, the number of CPU cores seen by these games have been limited, to make them actually playable on newer CPUs with high core counts:
Far Cry 2
Far Cry 4
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Chaos Rising
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Retribution
Outcast - Second Contact
Prototype
All the other changes:
Enabled nvapi by default for most games.
Started ignoring system mouse acceleration in games using raw input API.
Fixed Brawhalla showing a security certificate warning.
Fixed audio in BOOMEROAD, DORONKO WANKO, NOTTOLOT.
Fixed Civilization V Touch Only option in the launcher not working.
Improved cutscene synchronization in Immortals Fenyx Rising.
Fixed TouHou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part I and II crashing during boss fights.
Fixed crash in Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories epilogue.
Improved video playback in BIOMUTANT.