# Steam

The popular game distribution platform and library management client from Valve.

<p class="callout info"><strong>NOTE:</strong> activate the <code>multilib</code> repository in <code>/etc/pacman.conf</code> to install Steam/Proton.</p>

~~~bash
pacman -S steam
~~~

## Manage Steam compatibility tools

Apart from Valve's Proton distribution, there are other compatibility tools available with patches and performance improvements for games.

[ProtonUp-Qt](https://davidotek.github.io/protonup-qt/) is a graphical utility to manage many different compatibility tools, not only for Steam but also other launchers like Heroic Games Launcher.

It's available from the AUR:

~~~bash
yay -S protonup-qt
~~~

Another management tool that integrates with the look & feel of the GNOME desktop is [ProtonPlus](https://protonplus.vysp3r.com/), also available in the AUR:

~~~bash
yay -S protonplus
~~~

## Where are my game saves for Proton-enabled games?

Games that are running via Steam Proton on Linux all use their own Wine prefix. The location of game data is here:

~~~
~/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/[game ID]/pfx
~~~

You can look up a game's ID by accessing its properties in the steam client:

1. Right-click on the game
1. Select "Properties..."
1. Go to "Updates"
1. Note down the "App ID"

Then navigate the directory structure in the `drive_c/` subdirectory that replicates a Windows directory structure. Personal files are under the `drive_c/users/steamuser/` directory.