got linux mint up and running
Now that you have it up and running, download the Steam client for Linux and enable steam play for all titles.
Steam -> Settings -> Compatibility -> enable steam play for all titles. Will need to restart.
This will make it so Steam will play all games regardless if it's "Windows only" or not tested by Valve to work on Linux. Most games will work with a few exceptions. Switch to the "experimental" proton under compatibility if something does not work out of the box.
Do
not disable the steam overlay, it will tank performance (it's buggy and they won't fix it because they want everyone to use the overlay).