Baldur's Gate 3 gets a Native Linux version to improve it on Steam Deck

Larian have just released a fresh update for Baldur's Gate 3, which brings a Native Linux version made for the Steam Deck. I mentioned they were doing this in a recent GamingOnLinux article talking about an issue it had and now it's here.

Originally, it used Proton to run the Windows version (like a lot of games) but Larian say with the new Native version it should result in a "more stable framerate, lower loading times, and smoother gameplay".

Additionally, the work they put into this update benefits everyone as they said you should see "overall improvements to the way game models are streamed on all platforms, which should reduce framerate spikes in busy areas, such as the Lower City in Act 3".

For Steam Deck players, you won't lose any saves with the move, as long as your Steam Cloud is up to date. Larian also put up a dedicated guide for the transition to the new version. In short: if you wish to change it over before Valve re-run it through verification to swap it, go into the game Properties -> Compatibility, tick the "Force..." box and select "Steam Linux Runtime". Although, that should already be done by Valve.

As for Desktop Linux support, Larian gave a definitive no on that:

Now that there is a Steam Deck Native build, is Baldur’s Gate 3 supported on Linux?

Larian does not provide support for the Linux platform. The Steam Deck Native build is only supported on Steam Deck.

I'll refrain from moaning about the Steam Deck being treated like it's not Linux. But I get what they're saying, this is specifically for the Steam Deck as a device with SteamOS Linux. For all other Linux systems from PCs to different handhelds, you'll want to stick with Proton.

The issue for Desktop Linux is a bit confusing. Larian has set this for Linux + Steam Deck, so right now the Native Linux version will only download on Steam Deck and leave Desktop Linux with a broken empty download (or broken update if you had it installed already). You will need to manually force Proton until this is solved. I sent a bug report to Valve on it.

All the changes for this update below:

Crashes and Performance

• Fixed a potential crash related to the Slow condition during combat.
• Fixed a potential crash related to using the Find Familiar spell on Scratch and Boo during combat.

Gameplay

• Fixed the Hound of Ill Omen and the Accursed Spectre's HP being affected by difficulty modifiers for enemy characters.
• Fixed a bug causing the Apostle of Myrkul to regain Hit Points every time you load a savegame mid-combat in Tactician and Honour Mode.

Audio

• Fixed a bug causing the sounds that djinn summons make when they follow you to loop continuously, creating an uncharacteristic metallic thrum.
• When you're on the ground floor of Felogyr's Fireworks, the smokepowder explosions going off on the floor above will no longer sound like they're happening right next to you.
• Fixed the audio levels for a rat in the Lower City that you, tragically, couldn't hear squeak when it squoke.
• Fixed missing SFX when preparing to cast Wind Walk.
• Fixed an issue causing the SFX to play longer than they should when preparing to cast the Way of the Drunken Master's subclass-specific actions.
• Fixed missing SFX when preparing to cast Booming Blade.
• Fixed the SFX for preparing a Starry Form continuing to play if you cast the spell quickly after selecting it.
• Fixed missing SFX when Astarion taps Woe on the ground during a cinematic.
• Fixed missing SFX in the overhead dialogue between Minthara and the questioners in Moonrise Towers Prison.
• Fixed a sound resource for Photo Mode not being generated correctly.
• Fixed the rattling Moonlantern SFX continuing to play after you unequip it.
• Recovered some missing SFX when casting Speak with Dead on the mind flayer in the Shattered Sanctum.
• Reminded Halsin to actually yell when he gains barbarian Rage instead of silently miming it.
• Fixed the SFX during Vlaakith's appearance at camp getting cut off prematurely.

Cinematics

• Told one of the imps on the nautiloid to stop looking in the wrong direction.
• Fixed a super-mega-ultra-close-up shot during the dialogue with Raphael at Last Light.
• Removed a static pool of blood hovering mid-air in the cinematic with the gnolls on the Risen Road when playing as a short Dark Urge character.
• Fixed Karlach's line about Gale being a hero getting cut off prematurely.
• Fixed a bug causing party members to appear as floating torsos (or simply floating hair) when talking to Ketheric's dog, Squire.

Speaking on X, Larian's Swen Vincke said:

"The story of how this came to be really is one of true passion. The Steam Deck native build was initiated by a single engineer who really wanted a smoother version of the game on Steam Deck and so he started working on it after hours. When we tried it out, we were all surprised by how good it felt and so it didn't take much to convince us to put our shoulders behind it and get it released. It's this type of pure passion for their craft that makes me fall in love with my developers over and over again. Considering myself very lucky to have people like him on my team. Try it out!"