SteamOS Compatibility ratings now provide a straightforward answer to one of the most persistent questions in PC gaming: Will my game actually work on this device running SteamOS? Valve’s latest update moves beyond the Steam Deck, introducing a system that marks games as “SteamOS Compatible” or “SteamOS Unsupported” for any device running their Linux-based operating system. This shift is a direct response to the growing range of handheld PCs and custom desktops using SteamOS, not just Valve’s own hardware.
The new blue checkmark for SteamOS Compatibility appears alongside the familiar green Steam Deck Verified badge, but it serves a different purpose. While Steam Deck Verification focuses on performance, controls, and display at the Deck’s native resolution, SteamOS Compatibility zeroes in on whether a game launches, its launcher works, and anti-cheat systems are functional under SteamOS. This means users of devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S or Asus ROG Ally with SteamOS can quickly see if a game is expected to run, regardless of their device’s form factor or hardware quirks.
How SteamOS Compatibility Ratings Work
Valve’s process for SteamOS Compatibility is tightly integrated with their existing Steam Deck testing. When a game is reviewed for Steam Deck support, it’s simultaneously checked for SteamOS Compatibility. If a game passes the Steam Deck’s technical hurdles, it’s almost always marked as SteamOS Compatible—unless it relies on hardware-specific features or anti-cheat systems that lock out non-Deck devices. For developers, this means no extra hoops: the process is automated and leverages existing verification data.
These ratings are not performance benchmarks. A game marked as SteamOS Compatible has passed functionality checks, but its frame rate or visual quality will still depend on the hardware you’re using. The rating is especially valuable for users of new handhelds and desktops who want to know if a game will launch and run at all, not just how well it plays on Valve’s reference hardware.
What the Ratings Mean for Gamers
Previously, Linux and SteamOS users had to rely on community-driven sites like ProtonDB, sifting through user reports and workarounds to figure out if a game would boot. The new system streamlines this with an official, at-a-glance indicator. Over 18,000 games already carry the SteamOS Compatible marker at launch, with more added as Valve updates their testing pipeline.
This approach also addresses a growing pain point: as the Steam Deck ages and more devices enter the market, the “Deck Verified” label has become less reliable for users on non-Deck hardware. The SteamOS Compatibility badge signals to both gamers and developers that Valve is committed to supporting a broader Linux gaming ecosystem, not just their own products.
Limitations and Edge Cases
Despite the broad coverage, SteamOS Compatibility ratings have some caveats. They don’t account for specific GPU driver issues, particularly with Nvidia graphics cards, which have a history of lagging behind AMD in Linux driver maturity. Some games with aggressive anti-cheat or hardware detection may still refuse to run on anything but the Steam Deck. Valve has acknowledged these outliers, and the community continues to document them, but the vast majority of SteamOS Compatible games should run as expected on any supported device.
It’s also important to note that the rating does not guarantee flawless performance or input support. Games are not tested for optimal frame rates or controller layouts outside the Steam Deck, so users may still need to tweak settings or controls for the best experience on their particular hardware.
Installing and Running SteamOS
SteamOS itself is a Linux distribution designed for gaming, with a focus on a console-like experience through “Gaming Mode” and a full desktop environment via KDE Plasma. The current version, based on Arch Linux, supports a wide range of x86-64 hardware, with official system requirements recommending:
- Intel or AMD 64-bit processor.
- 4GB RAM or more.
- 200GB or larger hard drive.
- AMD, Nvidia, or Intel graphics card (with at least OpenGL 2.1 support).
- UEFI firmware and a USB port for installation.
Valve provides two installation methods for SteamOS: Automated and Expert. The Automated method wipes the target drive and installs the default configuration, while the Expert method allows for custom partitioning and setup. After installation, SteamOS boots directly into Steam, ready for game downloads. The OS supports both native Linux games and Windows titles through the Proton compatibility layer, which Valve co-develops with CodeWeavers and the broader Wine community.
Why SteamOS Compatibility Matters Now
As more handheld PCs and desktops ship with or support SteamOS, the need for clear, device-agnostic compatibility information has become urgent. The new ratings system simplifies the buying decision for gamers who want to avoid Windows, offering a transparent way to see if their favorite titles will work without manual research or trial and error. It also signals to hardware makers and developers that Valve is serious about Linux gaming as a platform, not just an experiment tied to a single device.
SteamOS Compatibility ratings mark a significant step forward for Linux gaming, offering clarity and confidence for users and developers alike. As the ecosystem grows, these ratings will help shape a more accessible, reliable future for gaming beyond Windows.
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