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Bugsnax, originally a console exclusive for PlayStation and an Epic Exclusive on PC, was just released on Steam. Thankfully it works well on Steam Deck but on Linux desktops you need a small adjustment for the Windows version running through Proton.

By default, the game uses DirectX 11 which is a bit broken, for the Steam Deck the developer did a tweak to automatically change it over to DirectX 9 - so on Deck it works well out of the box. For Linux desktops though, you need to manually force it to DX9. There's two ways to do this either by editing the config file to change it over found here:

/SteamLibrary/steamapps/compatdata/674140/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/Saved Games/Bugsnax/Settings/Config.xml

Inside here, you can edit this line to have a "4" instead of a "6": int name="System_VideoDriver" value="6"

Or, you can set this as a Steam launch option: PROTON_NO_D3D11=1 PROTON_NO_D3D10=1 %command%

Back earlier this month, the developer noted on Steam they will look into sorting that for Proton overall but it's not yet fixed so that is needed for now. Again though, that's not needed on Steam Deck but once done Bugsnax looks great on a Linux desktop too.

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You can buy it on Steam.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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6 comments

Lofty Apr 28, 2022
Do you get worse graphics running DX9 though ? I mean its great that it works on the Deck and kind of meh that you have to enter commands on Linux desktop (hope this is not a trend ). But having to go back in time to DX9 seems a bit extreme. Hopefully this will get fixed up shortly.
Liam Dawe Apr 28, 2022
Quoting: LoftyDo you get worse graphics running DX9 though ? I mean its great that it works on the Deck and kind of meh that you have to enter commands on Linux desktop (hope this is not a trend ). But having to go back in time to DX9 seems a bit extreme. Hopefully this will get fixed up shortly.
This will happen now and then with Proton, since it's a compatibility layer and not 100% accurate. There will always being weird edge cases for new releases that need a workaround, until Proton is updated or developers put in a direct fix.
Lofty Apr 28, 2022
Quoting: Liam Dawe
Quoting: LoftyDo you get worse graphics running DX9 though ? I mean its great that it works on the Deck and kind of meh that you have to enter commands on Linux desktop (hope this is not a trend ). But having to go back in time to DX9 seems a bit extreme. Hopefully this will get fixed up shortly.
This will happen now and then with Proton, since it's a compatibility layer and not 100% accurate. There will always being weird edge cases for new releases that need a workaround, until Proton is updated or developers put in a direct fix.

Sure, but im concerned with the idea that there becomes a focus from game devs (and perhaps valve devs) on getting a title to launch on the steam deck and the Linux desktop gets (ironically) pushed to the back of the cue with the need for patches or command lines like above. Im sure it's a rare case, but i guess we will have to wait and see if the desktop becomes an afterthought now there is so much focus on the deck.


Last edited by Lofty on 28 April 2022 at 3:00 pm UTC
Liam Dawe Apr 28, 2022
Quoting: Lofty
Quoting: Liam Dawe
Quoting: LoftyDo you get worse graphics running DX9 though ? I mean its great that it works on the Deck and kind of meh that you have to enter commands on Linux desktop (hope this is not a trend ). But having to go back in time to DX9 seems a bit extreme. Hopefully this will get fixed up shortly.
This will happen now and then with Proton, since it's a compatibility layer and not 100% accurate. There will always being weird edge cases for new releases that need a workaround, until Proton is updated or developers put in a direct fix.

Sure, but im concerned with the idea that there becomes a focus from game devs (and perhaps valve devs) on getting a title to launch on the steam deck and the Linux desktop gets (ironically) pushed to the back of the cue with the need for patches or command lines like above. Im sure it's a rare case, but i guess we will have to wait and see if the desktop becomes an afterthought now there is so much focus on the deck.
A valid concern, but as Proton continues to mature I'm sure it will be fine.
TheSHEEEP Apr 28, 2022
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Ahh, Bugsnax.

Body horror, but cute.
Philadelphus Apr 30, 2022
I note that, once you get in using the fix in the article, OpenGL is an option for graphics driver.
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