**Here’s what I’ve done:**

1. Downloaded the game from a website on my PC (Trails in the Sky SC).
2. Ran the setup on my PC.
3. Copied the game files to a USB drive.
4. Moved the files from the USB to my Steam Deck (onto the SSD, not the microSD).
5. Added the `.exe` file (specifically `config2_DX9`) to Steam.
6. Changed the compatibility layer to Proton Experimental.
7. The game launches to the start menu, but when I try to run it, the screen is mostly black with only 3–4 sprites loaded.
8. Checked SteamDB for dependencies (VC 2022 Redist & DirectX Jun 2010 Redist).
9. Used ProtonTricks to install the dependencies (`d3dx10` & `vcrun2022`) following a guide.
10. Still launches to the start menu, but the game remains mostly black with only a few sprites.
11. Used ProtonTricks to manually add the `.dll` files from the game folder (there were a bunch, so I added screenshots followed a guide).
12. Same result: start menu loads, but the game is mostly black with 3–4 sprites.
13. Tried using Lutris, but got the same result (followed a guide).

I’ve tried other newer games and haven’t had this issue usually I just add the `.exe` to Steam and switch the compatibility layer to Proton Experimental.

**Anything else I can try?**  
P.S. I’ve learned a lot about cracked PC games while doing this, so thanks for all the guides. It made me realize how much easier this process is on Windows compared to Linux.

Game it Mostly Black