Proton Experimental Update Enhances Forza Horizon Playability on Steam Deck

A recent update to Proton Experimental has improved the gaming experience for racing enthusiasts on the Steam Deck by fixing frustrating black screen issues in popular titles. Players can now enjoy uninterrupted gameplay in Forza Horizon 4, 5, and 6 on SteamOS beta, enhancing usability for those who prefer gaming on portable devices.

The Proton Experimental update, which downloads automatically for users already using the experimental layer, includes several important fixes beyond just the Forza series. It now supports Xalia for Batman: Arkham City Game of the Year Edition, making this classic title more accessible. Additionally, Worms Armageddon has resolved issues that allow for proper language selection based on the system locale, further refining the user experience.

Key Fixes and Enhancements

The changelog for the Proton Experimental update released on May 20, 2026, highlights several significant improvements:

• Forza Horizon Series: Black screen issues have been resolved for Forza Horizon 4 and 5 on SteamOS beta, and for Forza Horizon 6 on both desktops and SteamOS beta. This fix is essential for players who have encountered frustrating gameplay interruptions.
• Batman: Arkham City: Xalia is now enabled in the settings window, providing enhanced configuration options.
• Worms Armageddon: The game now respects the system locale when suggesting languages during team creation, promoting a more user-friendly interface.
• KeepUp Survival: Performance issues and crashes on non-NVIDIA GPUs have been addressed, broadening compatibility for players with different hardware configurations.
• Otherworld Legends: This title is now playable, adding to the growing library of compatible games for Steam Deck users.

These fixes are crucial for the vibrant community of Steam Deck users who depend on Proton for gaming compatibility. The ability to play high-demand titles like Forza Horizon without technical issues significantly boosts the device's appeal as a gaming platform.

Availability and Future Outlook

To benefit from these updates, users should ensure they have the Proton Experimental layer installed, available in the Steam store. As Valve continues to refine its Proton technology, the gaming experience on portable devices is expected to expand, potentially leading to smoother play across various genres.

With NVIDIA's ongoing support and updates like this one, the Steam Deck is poised to become an even more attractive option for gamers seeking a portable yet powerful gaming experience. Staying informed about these enhancements will be essential for maximizing gameplay enjoyment as new titles and updates are released.