A new analysis reveals that 90 percent of Windows games now run properly on Linux, marking the highest compatibility level ever recorded. This boom is driven by advancements in tools like Proton and WINE, alongside Valve's efforts. The findings come from user reports on ProtonDB, as detailed by Boiling Steam.
The surge in Linux gaming compatibility stems from a detailed analysis by Boiling Steam, which draws on user-submitted data from ProtonDB. These reports track how Windows games perform on Linux using compatibility layers such as Proton and WINE. Games are categorized into five tiers: Platinum, which works perfectly out of the box; Gold, requiring minimal settings; Silver, playable but with issues; Bronze, intermediate functionality; and Borked, which does not work at all.
According to the report, approximately 90 percent of Windows games now fall into the Platinum and Gold categories, allowing them to run properly on Linux. This represents a steady increase over time, with the graph showing consistent growth in high-compatibility ratings. Conversely, the percentage of non-functional Borked games has reached an all-time low of about 10 percent.
These improvements are largely credited to ongoing development by the teams behind Proton and WINE, as well as Valve's initiatives to collaborate with publishers for Steam Deck compatibility before game releases. While the ProtonDB ratings differ somewhat from Steam Deck's Verified system—which evaluates performance on specific hardware—the overall trend points to broader accessibility.
Challenges persist, however. Some titles, like the MOBA March of Giants, refuse to launch due to developer-imposed bans, as noted in ProtonDB reports. Others, such as Blade and Soul NEO, have improved from non-functional to partially compatible. Manual interventions remain necessary for certain games, including visual novels like Sickly Days and Summer Traces, which require tools like protontricks to install DLL libraries.
Anti-cheat software incompatible with Linux continues to pose a hurdle, which Boiling Steam suggests could be addressed through wider adoption of Linux-based devices. On the hardware side, gaming systems now offer 80 percent full support for popular titles, and Linux often outperforms Windows on AMD processors. Enhancements in HDR support, rendering quality, and driver stability are further closing the gap with traditional gaming platforms.
The Boiling Steam authors conclude: "five years ago, few believed in gaming on Linux, but now its success is becoming impossible to ignore." This growing reliability is making Linux and SteamOS more appealing to manufacturers and gamers alike.