[DRAFT/UNDER EDIT] Step-by-Step Guide: Adding Games to Steam (Proton) and Installing Dependencies through Protontricks using information from SteamDB

In the world of gaming on Linux, using tools like Steam with Proton and Lutris with Wine can significantly enhance your experience by allowing you to play Windows-exclusive games. However, sometimes games require specific dependencies to run smoothly. This guide will walk you through the process of adding games to both Steam and Lutris, as well as how to install the necessary dependencies using information from SteamDB.

Part 1: Adding Games to Steam with Proton

1. Install Steam:

• If you haven't already, download Steam from the Steam website. Install, run and login.

2. Get the game

• To be able to add and run the game on Steam, you need have the games files ready. You are responsible for how you get the files. I prefer these two places: -Place ONE -Place TWO

3. Add the Game:

• Go to your "Library" and click on "Add a Game" at the bottom left.
• Select "Add a Non-Steam Game". -Browse and select the game you want to add, or click "Browse" to find the .exe file for the game.

4. Launch the Game with Proton:

• Right-click on the game in your library and select "Properties".
• Click Compatibility --> Tick the box for "Force use of a specific SteamPlay-compatibility tool".
• You will see a list of different items called Proton 9.X, Proton Experimental, etc. Choose the latest Proton 9.X version
• The game will now launch properly if it doesn't need a specific dependency. If it does, an error message will pop up telling you so.

Part 3: Installing Dependencies via SteamDB

1. Go to SteamDB:

• Visit SteamDB and search for the game you want to install dependencies for.

2. Navigate to the "Depots" Tab:

• Click on the "Depots" tab to see a list of dependencies that the game uses.

3. Identify Dependencies:

• Note the names and IDs of the dependencies required by the game.
• In the image below, the dependency we are looking for is called VC 2022 Redist. It is a common dependency often required by modern games.
  

Part 4: Installing Dependencies with Protontricks

1. Install Protontricks:

• If you don't have Protontricks installed, you can install them via the Discovery Store:
  

2. Run Protontricks/Winetricks:
3. Install Dependencies:
   • When you run Protontricks , select "Install a Windows DLL or component".
   • Search for and select the dependencies that match those you noted from SteamDB.
4. Launch the Game:
   • After installing the necessary dependencies, launch the game again via Steam or Lutris.