SteamOS Compatibility Ratings: What They Mean

SteamOS compatibility ratings are Valve’s system for telling you how well a game will run on SteamOS and Steam Deck hardware, and they now apply to any device running SteamOS. The ratings—Verified, Playable, Unsupported, and Unknown—give you a quick, at-a-glance answer to whether a game will install and run acceptably, so you can avoid buying something that won’t work. Here’s what each rating means, how Valve determines it, and how it affects your choice of games on any SteamOS device.

Background: Why Valve Created Compatibility Ratings

When Valve launched the Steam Deck in 2022, it faced a big problem: the device runs Linux, but the vast majority of PC games are built for Windows. While Proton—Valve’s compatibility layer that translates Windows API calls to Linux—had been improving for years, it wasn’t guaranteed to work perfectly for every game. Some games had anti-cheat software that blocked Proton, others had videos that wouldn’t play, and some had text that was too small to read on a handheld screen.

Instead of leaving players to discover problems after purchase, Valve introduced a rating system that categorizes games based on how well they run on SteamOS. The system was originally designed for the Steam Deck, but it now applies to any device running SteamOS, including the Steam Deck OLED, the Steam Deck LCD, and any future SteamOS-powered handhelds or PCs. The ratings are visible on the Steam store, in your library, and on the game’s store page.

How the Ratings Work

Valve tests games against a set of criteria and assigns one of four ratings. The criteria cover four main areas: functionality (does the game run without crashes or major bugs?), controls (are gamepads supported and are the on-screen buttons correct?), display (is the text readable and does the game support the device’s resolution?), and system support (does it run under Proton without needing extra steps?).

Here’s what each rating means in practice:

• Verified: The game runs flawlessly, has full controller support, readable text, and works out of the box. No tweaks needed. You can expect a console-like experience.
• Playable: The game runs but has some issues—maybe you need to use the touchscreen for some menus, or the text is small, or you have to launch it with a specific Proton version. It’s still playable, but you might need to make adjustments.
• Unsupported: The game does not run at all, or has major problems that prevent gameplay (e.g., anti-cheat blocks you from online multiplayer, or the game crashes on launch). Valve does not recommend buying it for SteamOS.
• Unknown: Valve has not yet tested the game. This is the default for new releases or games that haven’t been reviewed. It might work perfectly, or it might not—no guarantee.

How Valve Determines the Ratings

Valve’s testing process is a mix of automated checks and manual playtesting. Automated tests check for things like whether the game launches, whether it can render frames, and whether it supports a controller. Human testers then play the game to evaluate more subjective factors like text readability and whether the gamepad controls are comfortable.

The ratings are not static. Valve regularly re-tests games as Proton improves and as game developers update their titles. A game that was once “Unsupported” might later become “Playable” or even “Verified” after a Proton update fixes a bug. Conversely, a game that was “Verified” might become “Playable” if a game update introduces a regression. You can see the current rating on the game’s store page, and it’s worth re-checking if you have a game that was previously unsupported.

What the Ratings Mean for Different Devices

The ratings were originally designed for the Steam Deck’s specific hardware and screen size, but they apply to any SteamOS device. However, the experience can vary based on your hardware:

• Steam Deck (LCD and OLED): Ratings are most accurate here because Valve tests on this hardware. If a game is Verified, it will run well on both models.
• Other handhelds (e.g., ROG Ally, Legion Go) running SteamOS: These devices have different GPUs, CPUs, and screen resolutions. A game that is Verified on the Deck might run better or worse on a different device. For example, a game that runs at 30 FPS on the Deck might run at 60 FPS on a more powerful handheld, or a game that requires specific GPU features might have issues on a different GPU.
• Desktop PCs running SteamOS: The ratings assume a gamepad and a small screen. On a desktop, you might have a keyboard and mouse and a large monitor, so some “Playable” issues (like small text) might not be problems. Conversely, a game that is Verified on the Deck might have issues on a desktop if it doesn’t support keyboard and mouse well.

In short, the ratings are a good baseline, but they are not a guarantee for non-Deck hardware. It’s always a good idea to check community reports (like ProtonDB) for specific hardware configurations.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that “Unsupported” means the game is bad or won’t ever work. That’s not true—it just means Valve hasn’t gotten it to work reliably. Some unsupported games can be made to work with tweaks, such as forcing a specific Proton version or using a community patch. However, for most users, an unsupported game is not worth the hassle.

Another misconception is that “Verified” means the game runs at 60 FPS. The rating does not guarantee a specific frame rate; it only means the game runs acceptably. Some Verified games run at 30 FPS or lower, especially on the Deck’s hardware. If you care about performance, check reviews or benchmarks for the specific device you’re using.

A practical problem is that some games have different ratings for different modes. For example, a game might be “Playable” in single-player but “Unsupported” in multiplayer because of anti-cheat. The store page usually notes this, but it’s not always obvious. Always read the notes under the rating.

How to Use the Ratings When Choosing Games

When you’re browsing the Steam store on a SteamOS device, you can filter by compatibility rating. This is helpful if you want to avoid the hassle of troubleshooting. Here’s a practical approach:

1. If you want a hassle-free experience, only buy games rated “Verified.”
2. If you’re willing to tweak settings or use the touchscreen occasionally, “Playable” games are often fine and can be great deals.
3. If a game is “Unsupported,” check ProtonDB or community forums to see if there’s a known workaround. If not, skip it unless you’re willing to experiment.
4. If a game is “Unknown,” look at recent reviews and ProtonDB to get a sense of whether it works. Many new games are “Unknown” at launch but become “Verified” or “Playable” after a few weeks.

Also, remember that the ratings are for the game as it exists today. If a game is updated, the rating can change. If you already own a game, you can check its rating in your library and re-test it after updates.

Costs and Alternatives

The ratings themselves are free—they’re just a label on the store. But they have an indirect cost: you might pass on a great game that’s “Playable” because you want “Verified,” or you might buy an “Unsupported” game and not be able to play it. To avoid wasting money, use the ratings as one factor among many, and consider alternatives:

• ProtonDB: A community-driven site where users report how well games run under Proton on various hardware. It’s often more detailed than Valve’s rating, with user-submitted reports and recommended Proton versions.
• Steam refunds: If you buy a game and it doesn’t work, you can request a refund within 14 days of purchase if you’ve played for less than 2 hours. This is a safety net, but it’s not a substitute for checking ratings.
• Cloud gaming: If a game doesn’t run on your SteamOS device, you can sometimes stream it from a cloud service (like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming) via the browser. This is a workaround, not a native solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do SteamOS compatibility ratings apply to all Steam games? Yes, every game on Steam has a rating, but it might be “Unknown” if Valve hasn’t tested it. The rating is visible on the game’s store page and in your library.

Can I make an “Unsupported” game work on SteamOS? Sometimes. You can try forcing a different Proton version (via the game’s properties in Steam), using ProtonGE (a community build), or running the Windows version via a virtual machine. But there’s no guarantee, and online multiplayer with anti-cheat is often the hardest to bypass legally.

Does a “Verified” game run at 60 FPS on the Steam Deck? Not necessarily. “Verified” means the game runs acceptably, but the frame rate depends on the game’s demands and the Deck’s power. Many Verified games run at 30 FPS or require lower graphics settings.

Why does a game have different ratings on Steam Deck and desktop? The ratings are based on the Steam Deck’s hardware and controls. On a desktop, you might have a keyboard and mouse, so a game that is “Playable” due to small text might be perfectly fine. Valve doesn’t provide separate ratings for desktop, so you have to use your judgment.

How often are ratings updated? Valve updates ratings as they re-test games, which happens regularly, especially after Proton updates. There’s no set schedule, but you can check the game’s store page for the current rating.

What should I do if a game’s rating changes after I buy it? The rating doesn’t affect your ability to play the game—it’s just a recommendation. If the game stops working, you can try troubleshooting, or request a refund if you’re within the refund window.

Related

• Use Own Headphones in Flight? Rules & Tips
• Check Screen Time & App Usage on Samsung Galaxy
• Cat6 vs Cat6a: Which Cable for Long Runs?