Linux and Steam Deck gamers are looking forward to a significant update in the gaming compatibility landscape: GE-Proton 10-9 It is now available With improvements that can make a difference in the gaming experience, especially when it comes to running Windows titles on alternative operating systems. This project, known for being a community-developed solution rather than Valve's, continues to expand options and features for those who prefer the open Linux environment.
This release presents two main additions: NTSYNC support and improved FSR4 integration, two advancements that directly impact game stability and quality. Furthermore, improvements have been made multiple internal adjustments to keep GE-Proton as a preferred choice among fans of gaming on SteamOS and other distributions.
Improvements and new features included in GE-Proton 10-9
- Support for NTSYNC: Added option to enable NTSYNC via environment variable
PROTON_USE_NTSYNC=1. It is important to note that the system must have the kernel patched with the corresponding settings. For those who do not have the file /dev/ntsync, the system will not support this feature. Also, some 32-bit applications may require this option to be combined withPROTON_USE_WOW64=1. - FSR4 Integration: : FSR4 update can now be enabled with
PROTON_FSR4_UPGRADE=1, allowing automatic access to visual enhancements developed by AMD. - Technical updatesThe team has incorporated fixes from core development to address issues such as graphical stuttering and rendering errors when using Wine-Wayland.
- Code cleanupSeveral patch sections have been refactored, removing outdated fixes and improving internal change management.
- Updates to key componentsWine has been updated to its latest version, as have the dxvk and vkd3d-proton projects, which are essential for running DirectX graphics on Linux. Additionally, all Proton improvements from the mainline branch have been imported.
- Specific solutions: Fixes have been integrated for specific issues detected in certain prominent applications such as winetricks with wget and the well-known freeze when playing Sifu.
Clarifications on the use of NTSYNC
Despite the hype surrounding the introduction of NTSYNC, one of Valve's core developers, Pierre-Loup Griffais, recently recalled that the fsync feature, already included in Proton, offers equal or better performance in most cases. The development of NTSYNC aims to offer a suitable alternative for future integration into the main WINE repository, but There is no urgent need to incorporate it into SteamOS or Steam Deck at the moment..
Therefore, although more experienced developers and advanced users can experiment with NTSYNC, it is recommended to check that the system meets all the requirements before activating it and assess whether it is really necessary for everyday use.
This release demonstrates that GE-Proton 10-9 consolidates its position as a benchmark in the compatibility ecosystem for Windows games on Linux environments, adding small but significant steps to close the gap with native systems. Users who upgrade will enjoy a more polished experience, especially in titles that suffered from graphical errors or performance issues in previous versions. For a deeper dive into the possibilities, you can also explore The best Linux games for kids.
The continued advancement of these types of solutions demonstrates the community's commitment to supporting and improving Linux gaming tools, providing quick fixes and new features that benefit the entire user base.
