For many gamers, the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection on Steam Deck promised a portable slice of nostalgia. Yet, the collection was marred by a significant hiccup – Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater would crash during cinematic cutscenes. Considering that the franchise is known for its narrative-driven cutscenes, this problem was more than a minor inconvenience; it fundamentally undermined the gaming experience. However, the gaming community is known for its resilience and knack for problem-solving. A user-contributed solution on GitHub, associated with the Proton project, provided a beacon of hope.

Understanding the Core Issue

Investigations into the problem led to the realization that the issue stemmed from an absent audio DLL file – specifically, xaudio2_9.dll. This particular file was not being correctly installed on the Steam Deck. As a result, every time a game attempted to load a cinematic cutscene, the absence of this file would lead to a crash.

The Community Solution

The solution proposed involves a somewhat unconventional workaround – borrowing a file from a Windows system. The effectiveness of this fix relies on the versatility and openness of the Steam Deck’s operating system, which allows for such manual adjustments. The fix necessitates users to manually insert the missing DLL file into the game’s directory and adjust the launch settings within Steam.

Step-by-Step Fix Application

Here is a comprehensive guide to applying the community fix to run the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection on Steam Deck successfully:

  1. File Acquisition from Windows:
    • Access a Windows PC and navigate to the C:\Windows\System32 directory.
    • Locate the “XAudio2_9.dll” file within the System32 folder.
    • Transfer this file onto an external storage medium, such as a USB flash drive.
  2. File Transfer to Steam Deck:
    • Connect the external storage device to your Steam Deck.
    • Boot the Steam Deck into Desktop mode.
    • Navigate to the installed folders for MGS2 and MGS3 by right-clicking on the respective game within Steam, selecting “Properties,” going to “Installed Files,” and then clicking “Browse.”
  3. DLL Integration:
    • Paste the “XAudio2_9.dll” file into the directory containing the game’s executable files (.exe).
  4. Steam Launch Options Configuration:
    • In Steam, right-click on the game again and select “Properties.”
    • Navigate to the “General” tab and locate the launch options field.
    • Input the following command: WINEDLLOVERRIDES=“xaudio2_9=n” %command%.

After following these steps, players can launch the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection titles through Steam as normal. The presence of the “XAudio2_9.dll” file and the adjusted launch parameters should circumvent the cutscene crashing issue.

Caveats and Future Considerations

While this fix addresses the immediate crashing issue, it’s important to note that the ports of these classic titles may still exhibit other performance irregularities. Additionally, players should remain vigilant for updates from Proton or the game’s developer, which may offer more streamlined and official solutions.

Final Thoughts

This guide demonstrates the collaborative spirit of the gaming community, offering a temporary workaround for a persistent issue. As developers and users continue to navigate the complexities of game emulation and porting, such community-driven solutions serve as critical stopgaps that preserve the gaming experience. It is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of gamers worldwide.

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