Project P.I.T.T. Native Linux vs Proton
Native Linux vs Proton: Native runtime is the recorded Deck recommendation.
Native runtime is the recorded Deck recommendation. Forcing a Windows build can change runtime and save-path assumptions; no universal faster choice is verified.
When to investigate Native Linux
The native Linux configuration uses XDG data paths and the native executable.
Choose by the observed task, not a tool name that merely sounds stronger. Retain the source scope when applying this comparison.
Evidence for this section (2)
OFFICIAL HISTORICAL · checked 2026-09-26
Valve's compatibility record lists Steam Deck Verified, native runtime and a note about manually selecting external controllers.
Build relevance: Valve compatibility test August 6, mirrored configuration checked September 26
Limit: Not a new performance benchmark of 1.0.8.
OFFICIAL HISTORICAL · checked 2026-09-26
The Steam UFS configuration names Windows, macOS and Linux roots plus save, backup and configuration file patterns.
Build relevance: Configuration mirrored by SteamDB, checked September 26
Limit: Configuration-derived locations, not a tested restore or corruption repair.
Steam app cloud-save configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ Steamworks — Auto-Cloud roots and overrides ↗
Sources: Steam app launch configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ · Steam app cloud-save configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ · Steamworks — Auto-Cloud roots and overrides ↗
When to investigate Forced Windows/Proton
If deliberately testing Proton, preserve saves and record the selected runtime; this guide does not invent its exact prefix path.
Keep the input and destination constant when comparing the alternative; a different product or target makes the result a different test.
Evidence for this section (2)
OFFICIAL HISTORICAL · checked 2026-09-26
Valve's compatibility record lists Steam Deck Verified, native runtime and a note about manually selecting external controllers.
Build relevance: Valve compatibility test August 6, mirrored configuration checked September 26
Limit: Not a new performance benchmark of 1.0.8.
OFFICIAL HISTORICAL · checked 2026-09-26
The Steam UFS configuration names Windows, macOS and Linux roots plus save, backup and configuration file patterns.
Build relevance: Configuration mirrored by SteamDB, checked September 26
Limit: Configuration-derived locations, not a tested restore or corruption repair.
Steam app cloud-save configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ Steamworks — Auto-Cloud roots and overrides ↗
Sources: Steam app launch configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ · Steam app cloud-save configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ · Steamworks — Auto-Cloud roots and overrides ↗
Decision record
Native runtime is the recorded Deck recommendation. Forcing a Windows build can change runtime and save-path assumptions; no universal faster choice is verified.
| Option | Use case | Not established |
|---|---|---|
| Native Linux | The native Linux configuration uses XDG data paths and the native executable. | Universal optimum / exact throughput |
| Forced Windows/Proton | If deliberately testing Proton, preserve saves and record the selected runtime; this guide does not invent its exact prefix path. | Universal optimum / exact throughput |
Evidence for this section (2)
OFFICIAL HISTORICAL · checked 2026-09-26
Valve's compatibility record lists Steam Deck Verified, native runtime and a note about manually selecting external controllers.
Build relevance: Valve compatibility test August 6, mirrored configuration checked September 26
Limit: Not a new performance benchmark of 1.0.8.
OFFICIAL HISTORICAL · checked 2026-09-26
The Steam UFS configuration names Windows, macOS and Linux roots plus save, backup and configuration file patterns.
Build relevance: Configuration mirrored by SteamDB, checked September 26
Limit: Configuration-derived locations, not a tested restore or corruption repair.
Steam app cloud-save configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ Steamworks — Auto-Cloud roots and overrides ↗
Sources: Steam app launch configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ · Steam app cloud-save configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ · Steamworks — Auto-Cloud roots and overrides ↗
Evidence and verification limits
Source retrieval confirms what a source says, not a new in-game replay. Patch notes retain their version; community observations retain their limitations.
Evidence for this section (2)
OFFICIAL HISTORICAL · checked 2026-09-26
Valve's compatibility record lists Steam Deck Verified, native runtime and a note about manually selecting external controllers.
Build relevance: Valve compatibility test August 6, mirrored configuration checked September 26
Limit: Not a new performance benchmark of 1.0.8.
OFFICIAL HISTORICAL · checked 2026-09-26
The Steam UFS configuration names Windows, macOS and Linux roots plus save, backup and configuration file patterns.
Build relevance: Configuration mirrored by SteamDB, checked September 26
Limit: Configuration-derived locations, not a tested restore or corruption repair.
Steam app cloud-save configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ Steamworks — Auto-Cloud roots and overrides ↗
Sources: Steam app launch configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ · Steam app cloud-save configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗ · Steamworks — Auto-Cloud roots and overrides ↗
Primary source: Steam app launch configuration, mirrored by SteamDB ↗. Scope: full game.
A source-check date is not an in-game test date. Historical fixes and community observations retain their stated scope.