# Bazzite 45 rebases to Fedora 45, adds Linux EAC V2 readiness checker and handheld support

> **Key takeaway:** Bazzite 45 introduces Epic Games-recognized signing key status and an automated Linux EAC V2 readiness checker that validates kernel signing, Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and other anti-cheat prerequisites.

**Published:** 2026-11-05T15:23:23+00:00 
**Source:** TechPowerUp 
**Category:** open-hardware 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/bazzite-45-rebases-to-fedora-45-adds-linux-eac-v2-readiness-.html 

## Summary
Bazzite 45 has launched with a rebase to Fedora 45, shipping GNOME 51.1 and KDE Plasma 6.8.2 alongside updated OGC Linux kernels—version 7.2.15 for AMD and Intel systems and 6.18.60 for NVIDIA hardware. The release expands handheld and peripheral compatibility to include the Acer Predator Atlas 8, ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20, and Logitech TrueForce racing wheels, while updating Mesa to 26.2.6 and moving CoolerController to an official Docker container.

The most significant change is Bazzite's acceptance by Epic Games as a signing key provider, which accompanies a new Linux EAC V2 readiness checker. This tool automatically pulls current anti-cheat requirements and audits local kernel and BIOS configurations—including module signing, Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, measured boot, IOMMU, kernel lockdown, kexec, and BPF LSM—alerting users to any incompatibilities. Behind-the-scenes improvements include an updated extest library for Steam 64-bit client input support and Chunkah implementation that has reduced update payloads to approximately 100 MB.

## Kernel, anti-cheat, and infrastructure changes in Bazzite 45
- **EAC V2 readiness checker:** Automatically updates Linux EAC V2 requirements and validates kernel and BIOS configurations including kernel and module signing, Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, measured boot, IOMMU, kernel lockdown, kexec, and BPF LSM, notifying users of mismatches.
- **Epic Games signing key provider status:** Bazzite is now accepted by Epic Games as a signing key provider, a prerequisite for trusted anti-cheat operation on the distribution.
- **OGC Linux kernel versions:** AMD and Intel systems receive kernel 7.2.15, while NVIDIA systems remain on 6.18.60, indicating divergent kernel tracks based on graphics vendor.
- **Container infrastructure:** CoolerController has been migrated to an official Docker container, while XWaylandVideoBridge was removed to address stability issues and KDE bugs.
- **Build and delivery optimization:** Chunkah implementation and other build system changes have reduced image update sizes to as little as 100 MB and improved reliability.

## Why it matters
Bazzite's Epic Games signing key acceptance and EAC V2 readiness checker represent a meaningful step toward making Linux a viable target for anti-cheat-dependent multiplayer games, addressing a longstanding barrier for Steam Deck and desktop Linux gaming. The automated validation of security-sensitive kernel configurations reduces support burden for both users and developers while establishing a template other gaming-oriented distributions may follow. For handheld Linux users, the expanded hardware support and reduced update sizes improve the practical viability of Bazzite as a console-like operating system.