CarX Street, the open-world racing title that’s been making waves among speed enthusiasts, has just shifted gears by rolling out official native support for Linux and Steam Deck. The update, released just before the weekend, promises better optimisation, a dedicated Steam Deck graphics preset, and a smoother experience for players on Valve’s handheld console.

From ‘Playable’ to ‘Verified’

Previously, the game relied on Easy Anti-Cheat with Proton compatibility, which earned it a “Steam Deck Playable” rating from Valve. With the new native integration, developers are confident CarX Street will soon sport the coveted green “Verified” tick. This means players can expect fewer compatibility issues and enhanced performance on both Steam Deck and Linux systems.

A sprawling playground for racers

CarX Street offers an expansive open world packed with high-octane activities:

  • Club races: Battle bosses from various city districts and climb the ranks to racing elite.

  • Freedrift rides: Rack up drift points in parking lots with complex, high-skill combos.

  • Drift races: Navigate winding serpentine roads, pushing your drift mastery to the limit.

  • Sprint races: Blaze through bustling urban districts, racing against both time and fierce competition.

  • Leaderboard mode: Compete globally for top rankings, tracking progress and unlocking exclusive rewards.

  • Delivery quests: Transport cars and parts across Sunset City while uncovering hidden routes.

  • City exploration: Discover scenic spots and hidden corners in a world designed for exploration.

    • Fan reactions still split

    Despite the performance boost and wider platform support, CarX Street continues to face mixed feedback. On Steam, over 12,000 user reviews currently average out to a Mixed rating, with praise for the drift mechanics but criticism over bugs, balance issues, and occasional performance dips.

    The road ahead

    Released on 29 August 2024, CarX Street has carved a niche in the street-racing scene, especially for fans craving deep customisation and varied race modes. Whether the Linux and Steam Deck update will shift public perception remains to be seen—but for now, the city streets of Sunset await those ready to burn rubber.