For most Steam Deck games, leave Proton on Steam’s default selection. If a game has a specific compatibility problem, you can try another version for that game alone: open its Library entry, press Menu, select Properties > Compatibility, enable Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool, and choose a version. Change one game at a time, then check whether the change actually helps.
Which Proton version should you choose?
Start with the default Proton selection supplied by Steam. Valve’s Proton documentation says, “Most users should use Proton provided by the Steam Client itself.” The default Stable flavor is released after extensive quality assurance and public release-candidate testing, making it the sensible choice when a game works normally.
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Choose another channel to investigate a particular game issue, not because a newer or less stable option is automatically better. Valve’s descriptions distinguish the channels by how they are tested and why they are released:
| Choice | When to use it | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Default / Stable | Leave this selected for ordinary play, or return to it if a test version causes trouble. | Valve describes Stable as the default flavor, released after extensive QA and public release-candidate testing. |
| Proton Experimental | Try it when a game-specific issue might be addressed by a newer fix or feature. | It is a public testing channel, not a universally better version. Valve says games listed as working only with Experimental in its changelog are tested for regressions before release. |
| Proton Hotfix | Use it when Valve has issued a targeted fix relevant to the game. | It addresses specific new or important games when a regular release cannot arrive in time, and is intended to be phased out as the fix matures. |
| Proton Bleeding Edge | Generally avoid it for routine troubleshooting. | Valve describes it as automated and untested, and warns it can damage a game prefix or saves. |
| Custom or local Proton build | Consider only if you have a specific reason and know how to install and manage a build. | Valve documents support for local builds in the user’s compatibility tools directory. Steam must be restarted to detect a newly installed tool. |
Steam’s available choices and a game’s behavior can change with updates to the game, Steam client, SteamOS, and Proton. The channel descriptions explain testing intent; they do not establish that a particular version will fix a particular title.
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- Carrying case with removable liner
Change Proton for one Steam Deck game
- Open the game’s entry in the Steam Deck Library.
- Press the Menu button and choose Properties.
- Open Compatibility.
- Enable Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.
- Select the Proton version you want to try. For a first comparison, use the default/Stable choice; try Experimental or a relevant Hotfix only when troubleshooting gives you a reason.
- Return to the game and launch it. If the behavior gets worse, revisit Properties > Compatibility and restore the previous choice or default behavior.
This setting applies to the selected game, so you can test a different choice without changing Proton for your whole library. The path and option name follow Steam Support’s Steam Deck guidance.
Check the result and troubleshoot carefully
After changing the setting, assess the actual outcome rather than assuming a version is better because it is newer. Compare the same game and situation, and change only that game’s setting while testing. Pay attention to whether it launches and reaches gameplay, whether stability or regressions change, and whether performance or graphics behavior improves.
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- If the game still will not launch: try a different official version only when there is a reason to suspect a compatibility fix, then revert if it does not help.
- If the problem is visual or performance-related: Steam Support also recommends checking the game’s Deck Verified status and adjusting graphics settings. A Proton change is not a guarantee of improved performance.
- If downloads change after forcing Proton: Steam Support notes that when only the Linux version is installed, forcing Proton may cause Steam to download the Windows version. Account for that before treating the additional download as unexpected.
- If considering Bleeding Edge: its automated, untested status and Valve’s warning about possible prefix or save damage make it a poor casual first step.
Advanced option: a custom Proton build
Most Steam Deck owners should first use the Proton choices Steam itself offers. Valve’s repository documents local builds installed under the user’s compatibility tools directory; restart Steam after installing a new tool so the client can detect it. This is an advanced route rather than a prerequisite for changing a game’s Proton version.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
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- Operating System: SteamOS 3.0
Official guidance
- Steam Support: Steam Deck – Software Info & Troubleshooting Guide
- Valve Software: Proton documentation
- Valve Software: Proton Versions (edited July 29, 2026)
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