How to Play Squad on Linux With Steam Proton

You can play Squad on Linux through Steam Play using Proton, Valve’s compatibility layer for Windows games. Squad does not have a native Linux build. Its developer says the game can run through Proton, but anti-cheat is the main complication and Linux clients are not routinely tested, so an update can affect compatibility.

Before installing Squad

Use the Steam client for Linux and a system with current graphics drivers. The Squad Steam page lists Windows as the supported operating system and currently asks for 65 GB of storage. Check the listing before downloading because requirements can change, and leave extra free space for updates. Proton compatibility does not guarantee the same performance as a native Linux game.

Offworld’s Update 9.0 FAQ says Squad can be played through Proton and that Easy Anti-Cheat has Linux support. It also notes that the team does not usually test on Linux clients. Treat Proton as a workable route that may need to be rechecked after game or Steam updates.

1. Enable Steam Play for Windows games

1. Open Steam on your Linux desktop and sign in.
2. Open Steam > Settings > Compatibility.
3. Enable Steam Play for supported titles and for other titles. For the default tool for other games, choose Proton Experimental.
4. Restart Steam if it asks you to apply the change.

Steam Play lets the Linux client run many Windows-only games through Proton. Steam’s Linux support FAQ explains the feature and its compatibility limits.

2. Install Squad from your Steam Library

1. Open the Store tab, search for Squad, and open its Steam page. Buy the game if it is not already in your account.
2. Go to Library, select Squad, and choose Install.
3. Choose an install location with enough free space, then let Steam finish the download and any first-time setup.

The available disk space shown on the Steam store page can change. Use the current listing as your reference rather than relying on an older screenshot or guide.

3. Select Proton Experimental for Squad

1. In Library, right-click Squad and select Properties.
2. Open Compatibility.
3. Check Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool, then select Proton Experimental from the list.
4. Close the Properties window to save the selection.

Valve documents per-game Proton selection in its Steam Deck and Proton troubleshooting guide. The exact wording or layout may vary slightly between Steam client versions.

4. Launch the game and check anti-cheat

Return to the Library page and click Play. The first launch may take longer while the game prepares files or shaders. Once Squad opens, try joining a server normally. Easy Anti-Cheat compatibility is controlled by the game’s integration; there is no universal Linux-side switch that can make every anti-cheat configuration work.

Avoid old instructions that tell you to download or replace Squad’s anti-cheat files manually. Valve’s Proton documentation explains that game developers must enable and package Easy Anti-Cheat support for Proton. Use the current Steam build and official support channels if the game rejects the client.

Troubleshooting common Linux issues

• Squad will not start: Confirm Steam Play is enabled, set Squad to Proton Experimental in its Compatibility properties, restart Steam, and try again.
• The game files may be damaged: Open Squad’s Properties > Installed Files and select Verify integrity of game files. Steam’s verification instructions describe this repair.
• Easy Anti-Cheat blocks launch or server access: Verify the files, make sure the game is fully updated, and check the latest Squad announcement or ask in its official community channels. If the current build has an anti-cheat regression, changing unrelated launch options may not fix it.
• The game runs but performance is poor: Check that your GPU driver and Vulkan support are current. In Squad’s graphics settings, start with Defaults and adjust demanding options gradually. The developer’s FAQ says the Defaults control benchmarks the GPU to suggest a starting point.

If the problem persists after a game update, check the developer’s Squad Update 9.0 FAQ and its linked community support. Proton can make Squad playable on Linux, but compatibility depends on the game’s current build and anti-cheat configuration.