Classic Capcom Horror Games Now Playable on Steam Deck and Linux via Proton Experimental
Fans of retro survival horror have a new reason to fire up their Steam Decks. A recent update to Proton Experimental has significantly improved compatibility for several classic Capcom titles, making some of the most influential horror games in history playable on Linux and Valve’s handheld console.
For years, these titles struggled to run smoothly on Linux because they didn’t “gel” with Proton—the compatibility layer Linux uses to translate Windows-based games into a compatible format. Thanks to ongoing work by the Proton community, these barriers are coming down, allowing players to experience these atmospheric classics without needing a Windows machine.
Which Capcom Classics Are Now Playable?
The latest Proton Experimental build has promoted several “old-but-gold” survival horror titles to playable status. The primary Capcom games receiving these fixes include:
- Resident Evil (1996)
- Resident Evil 2 (1998)
- Dino Crisis
- Dino Crisis 2
While the focus is on Capcom’s horror library, the update isn’t limited to these titles. According to PC Gamer, other games promoted to “playable” status in the same patch include Metal Gear Survive, From Dust, and Warhammer: Vermintide 2.
How to Enable These Games on Steam Deck and Linux
Because these fixes are currently part of the Experimental branch, they aren’t enabled by default. To try these games before the fixes land in the main Proton builds, you’ll need to manually adjust your settings. As detailed by XDA, follow these steps:
- Open your Steam Library.
- Right-click the game (or press the Options button on Steam Deck) and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.”
- Select Proton Experimental from the dropdown menu.
Current Limitations and Performance
It’s important to note that using Proton Experimental means the experience may not be perfect, as the games aren’t yet fully “Deck Verified.” For instance, Steam Deck HQ reports that the FMV (Full Motion Video) cutscenes in Dino Crisis 2 still don’t work as intended without the use of community-made fixes.
Key Takeaways for Players
- Expanded Library: Resident Evil (1996), Resident Evil 2 (1998), and both Dino Crisis games are now playable on Linux/Steam Deck.
- Manual Setup Required: You must enable “Proton Experimental” via the game’s compatibility properties to access these fixes.
- Community Driven: These improvements are the result of the Proton community’s effort to preserve and translate classic Windows titles for Linux.
- Minor Bugs Persist: Some elements, such as FMVs in Dino Crisis 2, may still require additional community fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Proton Experimental?
Proton Experimental is a testing branch of Proton, the compatibility layer developed by Valve. It allows users to test the latest fixes and compatibility updates for Windows games on Linux and Steam Deck before those updates are rolled out to the stable version of Proton.
Are these games officially verified for Steam Deck?
No, they are not yet officially verified. However, they are now considered “playable” when using the Proton Experimental build.
Do I need to buy these games again?
No, as long as you own the Steam versions of these titles, you can simply change the compatibility settings in your library to commence playing them on your Linux-based device.