this post was submitted on 18 Dec 2024
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Does Steam ever deliver Linux-native builds instead of running games through Proton?
Yes. There are some games where the Linux-specific bugs don't get fixed and it's better to just run the Windows version thru Proton and take like a 10-20% performance hit so it runs with more stability.
Sometimes the Windows versions just run better than the Linux build because of bad optimization on the Linux build of a given game, as well (OpenGL vs Vulkan drivers, etc etc)
there's no way it's a 10-20% performance hit
Is it usually more or less than this?
Way less, even better performance than native in some cases
Flightless Mango used to have some good comparisons, but they're about four years out-of-date, now. Even then, you'd expect between 10% worse and 5% better on Linux. https://flightlessmango.com/benchmarks/
Forbes article here is from this year; expect between 5% worse and 25% better when running on Linux. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2024/08/21/linux-scores-a-surprising-gaming-victory-against-windows-11/
General experience is that generally there's no noticeable difference at all; some games that use new features might have bad performance until the new features are implemented. Last game I really had a problem with was Horizon Zero Dawn. Elden Ring had bad performance on launch day, but was fixed the next day I think.
These are solid sources to cite, but for the record I was talking about a Linux native build vs a Windows build running under Proton, not a Windows build running in Windows vs running in Proton. Linux is a more efficient OS and well-optimized builds made for it can really fly.
Linux Native builds generally have better performance than Windows builds running on Windows. That's what I was comparing between
i don't think that's 10-20% either
I did say it varies and sometimes the Windows build runs better than the Linux build depending on optimization
I agree it varies, but even a 10% difference is a lot
https://store.steampowered.com/search/?os=linux
Yes, I’ve run several games native. ProtonDB will indicate if it runs natively (though some people will report using proton on natively supported games out of habit)
EDIT: some games are supported natively, but should use proton for mods. For example, Mount and Blade Warband runs just fine without proton, but if using mods it should be run with proton. This will also be indicated on ProtonDB in my experience
When you see the Windows and Apple icons on a game, that indicates native Windows and MacOS support. The Steam logo is native SteamOS/Linux. You'll also see a "SteamOS/Linux" section on the system requirements.