diff --git a/proton b/proton
index 945de1d8..2c05effa 100755
--- a/proton
+++ b/proton
@@ -445,12 +445,7 @@ class CompatData:
                 os.symlink("/", self.prefix_dir + "/dosdevices/z:")
 
             # collect configuration info
-            if "STEAM_COMPAT_CLIENT_INSTALL_PATH" in os.environ:
-                #modern steam client sets this
-                steamdir = os.environ["STEAM_COMPAT_CLIENT_INSTALL_PATH"]
-            else:
-                #linux-only fallback, really shouldn't get here
-                steamdir = os.environ["HOME"] + ".steam/root/"
+            steamdir = os.environ["STEAM_COMPAT_CLIENT_INSTALL_PATH"]
 
             use_wined3d = "wined3d" in g_session.compat_config
             use_dxvk_dxgi = "WINEDLLOVERRIDES" in g_session.env and "dxgi=n" in g_session.env["WINEDLLOVERRIDES"]