protonscr

Add an option to re-cache Vulkan Shaders on the properties of a game

steamopen Feature RequestSteam client
ValveSoftware/steam-for-linux#12708 · opened 2026-02-04 by NIICKTCHUNS · updated 2026-05-29 · 2 comments · github
NNIICKTCHUNS 2026-02-04 github

I recently downloaded Deadlock, and after changing the ingame setting to enable Vulkan, the game runs horribly, it would make sense to add an option to re-cache or force re caching the shaders on the properties of a game.

The idea is to have a button on the Properties > Installed Files tab, to force Steam to cache the shaders again, I know this is already possible using a specific command over Steam's console tab, but this isn't user friendly at all

A option to do this and also an option to clear the cache would be very appreciated

NNIICKTCHUNS 2026-02-04 github

This would also benefit Windows users, with games like CS2 having the option to switch to Vulkan with -vulkan, when doing this the game also runs horribly at first, you need to wait for several minutes to compile something

AAdvokat-Babayki 2026-05-29 github

I fully support this. Currently, when a game updates or after system graphics driver updates on Linux, the pre-compiled shaders can get corrupted or freeze the pre-compilation process on launch.

Manually finding the game's AppID and deleting the folder in ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/shadercache/ instantly fixes the issue, and the next pre-compilation runs unexpectedly fast and smooth. Having a simple "Clear/Re-cache Shaders" button right in the game properties would save users from digging through the filesystem manually. This is a much-needed UX improvement for both Linux and Windows players using Vulkan.

PS: message generated by AI, my English is wary bad)