Fix Marvel Rivals Black Screen And Unresponsive System After Kernel Update And GE Proton

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Introduction

The release of Marvel Rivals has been met with excitement, but some Linux users, particularly those on Steam Deck or desktop Linux distributions, have encountered frustrating issues. These problems primarily manifest as a black screen or a completely unresponsive system when launching the game via Steam, especially when using GE-Proton and after a kernel update. This article will delve into the causes of these issues, provide troubleshooting steps, and offer potential solutions to get you back into the action. We will cover everything from kernel compatibility to GE-Proton configurations and system-level adjustments.

Understanding the Problem: Kernel Updates, GE-Proton, and Marvel Rivals

To effectively troubleshoot the black screen and system unresponsiveness in Marvel Rivals, it's essential to understand the interaction between the kernel, GE-Proton, and the game itself. The kernel is the core of your operating system, managing the system's resources and hardware interactions. Kernel updates are crucial for security, performance improvements, and hardware compatibility. However, these updates can sometimes introduce regressions or conflicts with other software, including compatibility layers like Proton.

GE-Proton is a compatibility layer based on Valve's Proton, specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience on Linux. It often incorporates cutting-edge patches and fixes that may not yet be available in the official Proton releases. While GE-Proton can significantly improve compatibility and performance for many Windows games, it can also be more susceptible to issues due to its experimental nature. When a kernel update occurs, it can potentially disrupt the delicate balance between GE-Proton, the game, and the underlying system libraries, leading to a black screen or system lockups.

Marvel Rivals, like many modern games, relies heavily on DirectX and other Windows-specific APIs. Proton and GE-Proton translate these APIs into Vulkan, a cross-platform graphics API, allowing the game to run on Linux. This translation process can be complex, and any incompatibility between the kernel, GE-Proton, and the game's specific requirements can cause problems. For example, a kernel update might introduce changes that GE-Proton hasn't yet adapted to, or the game might rely on certain kernel features that are not functioning correctly after the update.

Furthermore, the system unresponsiveness issue suggests a deeper problem than just a graphical glitch. It indicates that the game is likely triggering a kernel panic or a similar critical error, causing the entire system to freeze. This can be caused by issues with memory management, driver conflicts, or other low-level system problems. Diagnosing this requires a systematic approach, starting with the most common causes and moving towards more advanced troubleshooting techniques.

Troubleshooting Steps for Black Screen and Unresponsive System

When facing a black screen or system unresponsiveness in Marvel Rivals after a kernel update, a systematic troubleshooting approach is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify and resolve the issue:

1. Verify Game File Integrity

Before diving into more complex solutions, it’s crucial to ensure that the game files are not corrupted. Steam provides a built-in tool to verify the integrity of game files:

  • Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your Linux system.
  • Navigate to Library: Click on the “Library” tab to view your installed games.
  • Right-Click Marvel Rivals: Find Marvel Rivals in your game list and right-click on it.
  • Select Properties: Choose “Properties” from the context menu.
  • Go to Installed Files: In the Properties window, click on the “Installed Files” tab.
  • Verify Integrity: Click the “Verify integrity of game files…” button.

Steam will then scan the game files and replace any that are missing or corrupted. This process can take some time, depending on the size of the game and the speed of your storage device. Once the verification is complete, try launching Marvel Rivals again to see if the issue is resolved. Corrupted game files are a common cause of launch issues, and this simple step can often save you from more complicated troubleshooting.

2. Try Different Proton Versions

GE-Proton is often the culprit behind compatibility issues, especially after a kernel update. However, it’s not the only Proton version available. Experimenting with different Proton versions can help pinpoint the source of the problem:

  • Switch to Proton Experimental: Proton Experimental is Valve’s bleeding-edge Proton version, which often includes the latest fixes and improvements. To use it:
    • Right-Click Marvel Rivals: In Steam, right-click on Marvel Rivals.
    • Select Properties: Choose “Properties.”
    • Go to Compatibility: Click on the “Compatibility” tab.
    • Check “Force the use…”: Check the box labeled “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.”
    • Select Proton Experimental: Choose “Proton Experimental” from the dropdown menu.
  • Try Other Proton Versions: If Proton Experimental doesn’t work, try other Proton versions, such as Proton 8.0 or Proton 7.0. You can select these from the same dropdown menu.
  • Test GE-Proton Versions: If you’re already using GE-Proton, try a different GE-Proton version. Newer versions may have fixes for the issue, while older versions may be more stable. You can download GE-Proton from the GloriousEggroll GitHub repository and install it by placing the extracted folder in your ~/.steam/debian-installation/compatibilitytools.d/ directory (create the directory if it doesn't exist).

By systematically testing different Proton versions, you can determine whether the issue is specific to a particular Proton version or a more general compatibility problem. If the game works with one Proton version but not another, it indicates a compatibility issue with that specific version.

3. Check Kernel Compatibility

A kernel update can sometimes introduce incompatibilities with certain software or drivers. If you suspect the kernel is the issue, consider these steps:

  • Reboot into an Older Kernel: Most Linux distributions keep older kernels installed after an update. You can select an older kernel from the boot menu (usually accessible by pressing the Esc or Shift key during startup). If the game works with an older kernel, it suggests a compatibility issue with the new kernel.
  • Check for Kernel-Related Issues: Look for reports of kernel-related issues with Marvel Rivals on online forums, Reddit, and the ProtonDB website. Other users may have encountered the same problem and found a solution.
  • Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues with newer kernels. Use your distribution’s package manager or the driver vendor’s website to update your drivers.

If reverting to an older kernel resolves the issue, it's crucial to report the incompatibility to your distribution's bug tracker and the Proton developers. This helps them identify and fix the problem in future updates.

4. Adjust Launch Options

Steam launch options can be used to modify how a game is launched, potentially fixing compatibility issues. Here are some launch options that might help with Marvel Rivals:

  • Add Launch Options:
    • Right-Click Marvel Rivals: In Steam, right-click on Marvel Rivals.
    • Select Properties: Choose “Properties.”
    • Go to General: In the Properties window, click on the “General” tab.
    • Set Launch Options: Click the “Set launch options…” button.
  • Try These Options:
    • PROTON_LOG=1 %command%: This option creates a Proton log file in your home directory, which can be helpful for debugging.
    • `WINEDLLOVERRIDES=