Valve has released a crucial Proton Hotfix update in March 2025, addressing compatibility issues that have been plaguing Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Edition (offline mode) and The Finals on Linux-based systems and Steam Deck. This update represents another step in Valve's ongoing commitment to improving the gaming experience for Linux users.
What Does the Proton Hotfix Fix?
The latest update specifically targets two popular titles that have experienced compatibility issues when played on Linux systems or the Steam Deck. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Edition can now run properly in offline mode, allowing players to enjoy the sprawling open world of Los Santos without an internet connection. Meanwhile, competitive shooter The Finals has also received compatibility improvements, ensuring smoother gameplay for Linux enthusiasts.
Understanding Proton and Its Importance
For those unfamiliar with Proton, it's Valve's compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux-based systems like the Steam Deck. This technology has been instrumental in expanding the library of games available to Linux users, who previously had limited options compared to their Windows counterparts.
Proton works by translating Windows API calls to Linux equivalents in real-time, essentially tricking games into thinking they're running on Windows while actually operating on Linux. This has opened up thousands of previously Windows-exclusive titles to Linux gamers, including major releases like Grand Theft Auto V.
Why Are These Fixes Significant?
The fixes for Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Edition and The Finals represent important progress for Linux gaming. Grand Theft Auto V, despite being initially released in 2013, remains one of the most popular games worldwide, with its Enhanced Edition bringing improved graphics and performance to newer platforms.
The offline mode fix is particularly valuable for Steam Deck owners who may want to play Grand Theft Auto V while on the go, without reliable internet access. Meanwhile, The Finals has gained significant popularity as a competitive shooter, and this fix ensures Linux gamers won't be left out of the action.
Valve's Ongoing Commitment to Linux Gaming
This Proton Hotfix is just the latest in Valve's series of updates aimed at improving Linux gaming compatibility. Since the release of the Steam Deck in 2022, Valve has significantly increased its investment in Proton development, working to ensure that more games run smoothly on Linux systems.
The company's commitment to Linux gaming extends beyond just the Steam Deck, benefiting the broader Linux gaming community as well. Each Proton update typically brings compatibility improvements for numerous titles, gradually closing the gap between Windows and Linux gaming experiences.
How to Get the Update
Steam users on Linux and Steam Deck should receive the Proton Hotfix update automatically through Steam. If you're experiencing issues with either Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Edition or The Finals, make sure your Proton installation is up to date through the Steam client.
For those who haven't tried running Windows games on Linux before, Proton can be enabled through the Steam Play settings in your Steam client. Once enabled, many Windows games can be installed and played directly, without additional configuration.
Looking Forward
As Valve continues to refine Proton, we can expect more games to become compatible with Linux systems and the Steam Deck. This ongoing development is gradually transforming Linux into a viable gaming platform, challenging the long-standing dominance of Windows in the gaming space.
The fixes for Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Edition and The Finals demonstrate that even years after a game's release, Valve remains committed to ensuring compatibility across platforms. This commitment benefits not only current Linux gamers but also potentially encourages more players to consider Linux as a gaming platform in the future.