That frustrating “Sorry, Something Went Wrong” message can disrupt your gaming experience. But don’t worry—you’re not alone! This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix the issue so you can get back to gaming in no time. Whether you’re using Protonge or another Proton version, these steps will help resolve the problem.
Understanding the “Sorry, Something Went Wrong” Error in Proton
Before jumping into the fixes, let’s understand why this error occurs. The Error in Proton can be triggered by several reasons, including outdated Steam or Proton versions, incompatible game settings, corrupt cache files, or even missing dependencies. Sometimes, issues with graphics drivers can also contribute to the error.
To resolve this, we’ll go step by step, testing different solutions to get your game running smoothly again.
Update Steam and Proton to the Latest Version
One of the simplest and most effective fixes is to ensure that both Steam and Proton are up to date. Outdated software often leads to compatibility issues, resulting in errors.
How to update Steam:
- Open Steam and navigate to Settings > Steam Play.
- Check for updates and install any available ones.
- Restart Steam and try launching your game again.
How to update Proton (or Protoge):
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click your game and select Properties > Compatibility.
- Choose the latest Proton version and restart your game.
This simple step can often resolve the issue instantly!
Clear Cache Files in Proton and Steam
Sometimes, accumulated cache files can cause the Error in Proton by storing outdated or corrupt data. Clearing these files can refresh the system and potentially fix the issue.
How to clear Steam’s cache:
- Open Steam and navigate to Settings > Downloads.
- Click Clear Download Cache.
How to clear Proton’s shader cache:
- Navigate to
~/.steam/root/compatibilitytools.d/. - Delete old Proton or Protoge folders.
- Restart your system.
Fresh cache = fewer errors!
Try Using a Different Proton Version
Not all games work perfectly with the same Proton version. If one version causes issues, switching to a different one might fix the problem.
How to change Proton versions:
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click your game and select Properties > Compatibility.
- Enable Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.
- Choose a different Proton or Protoge version.
- Restart your game and check if the error is resolved.
Experimenting with different releases can help find the best fit for your game!
Add Custom Launch Options for Proton
Some games require additional launch options to bypass compatibility issues. If you’re still encountering the Error in Proton, try using custom launch options.
How to add launch options:
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click your game and go to Properties > General > Launch Options.
- Enter one of these commands:
PROTON_USE_WINED3D=1 %command%(For OpenGL rendering)DXVK_ASYNC=1 %command%(To improve DirectX performance)PROTON_NO_ESYNC=1 %command%(To disable Esync and prevent crashes)
Test different settings to see which one works best for your game.
Check and Update Graphics Drivers
Graphics drivers play a crucial role in gaming performance and compatibility. If your drivers are outdated, they can cause errors in Proton.
How to update graphics drivers:
- NVIDIA users: Run
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade nvidia-driver - AMD users: Install the latest Mesa drivers from your Linux distribution’s repository.
- Intel users: Ensure the latest i915 drivers are installed.
After updating, restart your system and try launching the game again.
Verify Integrity of Game Files
If the error is game-specific, corrupt game files might be the issue. Steam has a built-in tool to verify and repair missing or damaged files.
How to verify game files:
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click the game and select Properties > Local Files.
- Click Verify Integrity of Game .
Steam will scan and replace any problematic files automatically. This fix is quick and often effective!
Reinstall Proton (or Protoge) to Fix Persistent Issues
If none of the previous fixes work, reinstalling Proton or Protoge might be the solution. A fresh installation can remove any underlying issues causing the Error in Proton.
How to reinstall Proton:
- Navigate to
~/.steam/root/compatibilitytools.d/. - Delete all Proton-related folders.
- Restart Steam and reinstall Proton or Protoge from Steam Play Settings.
After reinstalling, try launching your game again.
Final Thoughts
Fixing the Error in Proton can be a process of trial and error, but with these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the “Sorry, Something Went Wrong” error and get back to gaming.
Whether it’s updating software, clearing cache files, or tweaking settings, one of these fixes is bound to work for you! If you’re still experiencing issues, checking ProtonDB can provide community-tested solutions for your specific game.