Steam Deck & Linux status LIVE TRACKER

Status Aug 8 (pre-launch): unconfirmed but promising. No official Deck/Linux statement exists — yet the open beta demonstrably ran under Proton, and the original HLL flipped EAC's Linux switch in 2023. Day-one verdict will be posted here within hours of unlock.

What we actually know

The anti-cheat is kernel-level Easy Anti-Cheat. The Steam page carries the disclosure "Easy Anti-Cheat — requires manual removal after game uninstall". Kernel-level EAC blocks Linux unless the developer enables Proton support — it's a per-game switch, not a hard wall.
The beta ran on Linux. Full gameplay recordings exist of the June open beta running on Fedora 44 (KDE) under Proton 10.0-4 — meaning EAC's Proton runtime was active during at least the playtest builds (video evidence).
The franchise precedent is positive. The original Hell Let Loose enabled EAC for Linux/Steam Deck in Nov 2023 (install "Proton EasyAntiCheat Runtime", Proton 8+) — GamingOnLinux.
No official word for Vietnam. Neither Dev Q&A mentions Deck/Linux. Playtest EAC config can differ from launch config — this is the open question.

If you're buying primarily for Deck: wait for our launch-day check (or Valve's official Deck Verified review) before purchasing. Steam refunds cover <2h played within 14 days if it ships blocked.

Launch-day checklist (what we'll test & report)

Does the launch build boot under Proton (Experimental + latest stable)?
Does EAC authenticate into live servers — or kick at connect?
ProtonDB early reports: protondb.com/app/3079210
Deck-specific: performance target on a 50v50 server, control layout notes.

Last verified Aug 8, 2026 · next update: launch day (Aug 13).