The Steam Deck is undoubtedly impressive, but since it runs on Linux instead of Windows, you might encounter some compatibility hiccups. Sometimes this is due to issues like anticheat systems or other technical quirks. It’s not always as straightforward as playing on an ROG Ally, which can make you wonder if your favorite game will work.
Valve has made a commendable effort in testing and listing game compatibility for the Steam Deck, but these listings aren’t always exhaustive. Even games marked as “Verified” haven’t been immune to problems in the past.
For the best insight on how a game functions on the Steam Deck, ProtonDB is your go-to resource. The community’s feedback is invaluable, offering guidance on any tweaks needed for an optimal gaming experience.
Thanks to a fantastic plugin via Decky Loader, you can get ProtonDB information integrated directly into your Steam library. Here’s how to make that happen.
### How to Install Decky Loader and the ProtonDB Badges Plugin
To bring ProtonDB into your Steam Deck setup, you’ll begin by installing Decky Loader. If you’re unsure how to go about this, we have a complete guide that walks you through the installation. It’s quite straightforward, but having a keyboard and mouse handy will make the process easier since you’ll be handling it on desktop mode. Essentially, it’s just about downloading and installing a file.
Once everything is set up on your Steam Deck, press the QAM button—the three dots—and you’ll notice a new icon for Decky Loader at the bottom. Tap on it, then hit the shop-like icon.
Look for the “ProtonDB Badges” plugin in the list, or search for it using the box at the top. Once located, just tap “Install.”
What this plugin does is add a ProtonDB rating badge to each game in your library. The games don’t even need to be installed on your Steam Deck.
When you tap on this badge, it opens ProtonDB’s relevant listing page in a web view, right within Steam. This means you don’t have to launch an external browser, allowing you to quickly find the information you need without switching devices.
It’s also compatible with games under your “Non-Steam” tab, such as those from Epic that you might have installed using another Decky Loader plugin, like Junk-Store.
There are a few customizable settings. You can choose from three different badge sizes—I opted for small in the examples you see here—and decide whether they appear in the top left or right corner.
Though a small addition, it’s a significant quality-of-life improvement. For someone who’s been gaming on Linux for years, ProtonDB is indispensable. This integration simply makes using it with the Steam Deck even more convenient.
