Activating upscaling and frame generation technologies like AMD FSR and NVIDIA DLSS on Linux games significantly improves frame rates and visual quality, especially when running demanding titles or gaming on hardware with limited resources. These features, long available on Windows, are now accessible on Linux through various methods, primarily via Proton, Proton-GE, and related tools.

Enable NVIDIA DLSS and Frame Generation on Linux

Step 1: Update to the Latest NVIDIA Driver and Proton Experimental

DLSS and its frame generation features require recent NVIDIA drivers (at least version 545 or newer is recommended) and the latest version of Proton Experimental or a custom Proton build such as Proton-GE. Upgrading ensures compatibility with DLSS APIs and frame generation support. Use your distribution’s package manager or official NVIDIA installer to update drivers, then select Proton Experimental in Steam’s game compatibility settings.

Step 2: Confirm Hardware Compatibility

DLSS upscaling is available on NVIDIA RTX cards (20 series and newer), but DLSS 3 frame generation is exclusive to RTX 40 series GPUs due to dedicated optical flow hardware. Attempting to enable frame generation on unsupported hardware will result in the option being unavailable or non-functional.

Step 3: Enable DLSS in Game Settings

With compatible hardware and drivers, launch the game through Steam using Proton Experimental. In supported games, navigate to the graphics settings and select DLSS as the upscaling method. For frame generation, look for a separate toggle (often labeled “Frame Generation” or “DLSS 3”) and enable it. Some games may require additional steps, such as applying recommended settings or editing configuration files to activate frame generation.

Step 4: Adjust Environment Variables for Specific Games

Certain games, like Portal RTX or No Man’s Sky, may require hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling, which is managed via environment variables in Proton. If the frame generation option is greyed out, set the following launch option in Steam:

WINE_DISABLE_HARDWARE_SCHEDULING=0 %command%

Be aware that enabling hardware scheduling can cause instability in some titles. If you experience black screens or crashes, revert this change and consult Proton’s issue tracker for updates or workarounds.

Step 5: Troubleshoot Performance and Quality

DLSS upscaling generally provides superior image quality compared to FSR, but results can vary by game and resolution. If you notice input lag, stuttering, or visual artifacts, try adjusting the DLSS quality preset or disabling frame generation. Some users report better results on Windows for certain games, so performance parity may not be perfect across all titles.

Enable AMD FSR System-Wide on Linux Games via Proton

Step 1: Install Proton-GE (Glorious Eggroll) or Latest Proton Build

AMD FSR support is integrated into community Proton builds like Proton-GE, which can be downloaded from GitHub and added to Steam’s compatibility tools. This build includes a fullscreen upscaler that can apply FSR to any game running through Proton, regardless of whether the game natively supports FSR.

Step 2: Set FSR Environment Variables in Steam Launch Options

To activate FSR, add the following variable to the game’s launch options in Steam:

WINE_FULLSCREEN_FSR=1 %command%

This instructs Proton to apply FSR upscaling when running the game in fullscreen mode. For more granular control, use additional parameters to specify quality modes:

WINE_FULLSCREEN_FSR=1 WINE_FULLSCREEN_FSR_MODE=ultra %command%
  • ultra – Ultra Quality (least upscaling, best image)
  • quality – Quality
  • balanced – Balanced
  • performance – Performance (most upscaling, highest FPS gain, lowest image quality)

You can also define a custom resolution for upscaling:

WINE_FULLSCREEN_FSR=1 WINE_FULLSCREEN_FSR_CUSTOM_MODE=2560x1080 %command%

Step 3: Lower In-Game Resolution for Upscaling

In the game’s video settings, set the resolution below your monitor’s native value (for example, 720p on a 1080p display). FSR will upscale this lower-resolution output to fill your screen, boosting frame rates while maintaining acceptable visual quality. The lower the base resolution, the greater the performance gain—but also the higher the risk of image softness or blurry UI elements.

Step 4: Verify FSR Activation and Fine-Tune

Check for FPS improvements and image quality changes during gameplay. If the UI or HUD appears blurry, consider increasing the in-game resolution or selecting a higher FSR quality mode. Note that, unlike native FSR integration, this method upscales the entire frame, including HUD and post-processing effects, which may lead to less crisp interface elements.

Step 5: Troubleshoot Crashes or Compatibility Issues

If games crash when enabling FSR, ensure you are not using Wine desktop mode, and verify your GPU is supported (FSR works on most modern AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, but very old cards may have issues). Check that Proton-GE is up to date and review Proton logs for error messages. Some users report instability with certain games or driver combinations; switching display servers (X11 vs. Wayland) or updating drivers may help.

Use FSR 2.1 in DLSS-Enabled Games via DLL Replacement

For games that support DLSS but not FSR, it’s possible to substitute the DLSS DLL with a wrapper that calls FSR 2.1 instead. This approach allows non-NVIDIA users to benefit from upscaling in DLSS-only titles, though compatibility is not universal.

Step 1: Download a DLSS-to-FSR Wrapper

Find a reputable DLSS-to-FSR wrapper (such as the “DLSS2FSR” mod) from trusted sources. Extract the replacement DLL according to the mod’s instructions.

Step 2: Replace the DLSS DLL in the Game Directory

Navigate to the game’s install folder and back up the original nvngx_dlss.dll file. Replace it with the wrapper DLL. Some games may require additional configuration or engine variable tweaks for the wrapper to function correctly.

Step 3: Launch the Game and Select DLSS

Start the game and choose DLSS as the upscaling option in the graphics settings. The wrapper will intercept DLSS calls and apply FSR 2.1 instead. Results vary by game; some titles may not work or may require further adjustments.

Note: This method is less reliable than system-wide FSR via Proton and may cause crashes or visual artifacts in some games. It is best suited for advanced users willing to troubleshoot on a per-game basis.

Additional Tips and Considerations

  • FSR upscaling applies to the entire output frame, including HUD and post-processing, which may cause blurry interface elements. Native FSR or DLSS support within the game engine delivers better results by upscaling before UI rendering.
  • DLSS generally produces higher image quality than FSR, especially at lower resolutions or with aggressive upscaling settings.
  • Performance gains are most noticeable when upscaling from moderate resolutions (e.g., 720p to 1080p or 1440p to 4K). Upscaling from very low resolutions can make the image noticeably soft.
  • On handheld devices like Steam Deck, FSR can make demanding games playable, but image clarity may suffer at the lowest settings.
  • Always use the latest drivers and Proton versions to maximize compatibility and performance.

Applying AMD FSR or NVIDIA DLSS on Linux games through Proton and related tools streamlines performance improvements and visual upgrades, making it easier to enjoy demanding titles on a wider range of hardware. With regular updates and growing community support, these features continue to expand Linux gaming possibilities.