Yes. Baldur’s Gate 3 gained a native Steam Deck build in Hotfix #34, announced by Larian on September 23, 2025. Larian says the native version uses less CPU and memory than the Proton version and is intended to improve frame-rate stability, loading, and smoothness. The benefits are not backed by a quantified Steam Deck performance comparison in the cited official material, and Larian supports this native build on Steam Deck only—not Linux generally.
What the native build changes
Before the native build, the Steam Deck ran Baldur’s Gate 3 through Proton, Steam’s compatibility layer. Hotfix #34 introduced a version built to run natively on the Deck. Larian said the update was intended to provide a more stable frame rate, shorter loading times, and smoother gameplay, and noted that improvements to model streaming across platforms should reduce frame-rate spikes in busy areas such as the Lower City in Act 3. These are Larian’s stated outcomes, not independently measured results. Larian’s Hotfix #34 announcement gives the date and update details.
Larian’s native-version FAQ says Proton requires extra CPU processing, while the native build uses less CPU and memory overall. The FAQ does not provide numerical comparisons for frame rate, loading time, battery life, or memory use, so there is no official figure to use when estimating how large the improvement will be on an individual Deck.
Who the build is supported on
The word “native” does not mean Larian has added general Linux support. Larian states that it does not support the Linux platform and that the native build is supported only on Steam Deck. Linux desktop users and owners of other Linux handhelds should not treat the Deck-specific build as a supported Linux release.
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How to select the native build or return to Proton
- In Steam, open Baldur’s Gate 3’s Properties, then select Compatibility.
- Enable Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.
- To use the native build, choose a compatibility-tool entry that includes Linux Runtime. Allow the game to update if Steam prompts you.
- To return to Proton, revisit the same setting and select Proton 8 or higher.
This is the switching method in Larian’s support FAQ; Steam or game updates may change the available labels or behavior.
What happens to saves and mods
Saves
The two builds use different save locations. Proton saves are stored in the game’s compatdata directory; native-build saves are stored at /home/deck/.local/share/Larian Studios/Baldur's Gate 3/PlayerProfiles/Public. With Steam Cloud saves enabled, Larian says the most recent saves sync automatically to the native save folder. Older saves remain in compatdata and may need to be copied manually in Desktop Mode. If you do not plan to return to Proton, Larian says you can delete the old folder after copying anything you want to keep.
Mods
If you are signed into a Larian Account connected to mod.io, Larian says your subscribed mods should download when you transition. Otherwise, you can download mods through the in-game Mod Manager or move them manually.
Settings and later Deck-specific fixes
Larian’s Steam Deck support page recommends the official “Gamepad with Joystick Trackpad” controller layout, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and fullscreen mode. Its older performance guidance recommends default medium video options and balanced FSR 1.0, but the native-build default subsequently changed: Hotfix #35, dated November 20, 2025, changed the native build’s default upscaler from FSR 1 to FSR 2.2 for sharper visuals. The same Hotfix #35 notes also report improved loading in some cases, fixes for external controllers after switching between Desktop and Gaming modes, and certain crash fixes.
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If installing to a microSD card, Larian’s support page recommends a 256 GB Class 4 card with high read/write speeds (UHS-I to UHS-III). This is optional storage advice, not a requirement for the native build.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Native build vs. Proton
| Consideration | Native build | Proton build |
|---|---|---|
| Official support | Supported by Larian on Steam Deck only. | Larian describes Proton as the compatibility-layer version for Steam Deck; its FAQ directs players to Proton 8 or higher to revert. |
| CPU and memory | Larian says it uses less CPU and memory overall than Proton; no quantified comparison is provided. | Larian says the Proton compatibility layer requires extra CPU processing power; no quantified comparison is provided. |
| Save location | /home/deck/.local/share/Larian Studios/Baldur's Gate 3/PlayerProfiles/Public |
Game compatdata directory; older saves may remain there after switching. |
| Use if troubleshooting | Choose a Linux Runtime compatibility tool. | Choose Proton 8 or higher in the same Steam Compatibility setting. |
The native build is the Deck-specific option Larian introduced to reduce the overhead it attributes to Proton. If you encounter a problem or need to access a Proton save, the compatibility setting provides a way to switch back. The official sources cited here establish no FPS uplift or battery-life comparison, so those should not be assumed.
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