SteamOS game compatibility guide: check before you install

SteamOS compatibility is not a single yes-or-no answer. It combines the game, Proton, anti-cheat, controller support, launcher behavior, and the device you are using. Start with the game page, not a general claim that SteamOS runs everything or nothing.

Use Deck Verified as the first check

For the Anti-Cheat-specific detail relevant to this step, read Anti-Cheat.

For the Why Some Games Do Not Work on SteamOS-specific detail relevant to this step, read Why Some Games Do Not Work on SteamOS.

Read the four categories correctly

Valve uses Verified, Playable, Unsupported, and Unknown to describe Steam Deck behavior. Verified means the game works by default; Playable may require user changes; Unsupported is not currently considered playable; Unknown means it has not been tested.

Read the reason, not only the label

For Playable and Unsupported games, the Steam store's compatibility section explains which criteria are not met. That note is more useful than a green or yellow badge in isolation.

Know what Proton does

For the Proton-specific detail relevant to this step, read Proton.

For the FSR Updates-specific detail relevant to this step, read FSR Updates.

It runs many Windows games on Linux

Valve describes Proton as a compatibility layer based on modified Wine and graphics API implementations. It is why many Windows games can launch on SteamOS without a separate Linux port.

It does not override game decisions

Proton cannot make a developer-supported limitation disappear. Anti-cheat, launchers, DRM, and game updates can all affect a title independently.

Test the setup you will use

For the Compatible Games-specific detail relevant to this step, read Compatible Games.

Start with stock SteamOS

Install updates, restart, and launch the game before adding desktop tools. Then test controller input, display output, audio, and online play in the setup you plan to use.

Separate a game problem from a network problem

A connection issue may affect online play, but it does not explain a game that fails Deck Verified requirements. Test the game locally where possible before changing router or VPN settings.