# Helldivers 2 swaps GameGuard for Easy Anti-Cheat, keeps Proton support

> **Key takeaway:** Arrowhead moved Helldivers 2 from GameGuard to Easy Anti-Cheat on October 20th and explicitly confirmed Steam Deck and Linux compatibility remains unchanged.

**Published:** 2026-10-20T10:14:11+00:00 
**Source:** GamingOnLinux (Steam, Proton & Deck) 
**Category:** open-gaming 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/helldivers-2-swaps-gameguard-for-easy-anti-cheat-keeps-proto.html 

## Summary
Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead Game Studios replaced the game's anti-cheat system from GameGuard to Easy Anti-Cheat as part of update 7.2.0 "Devoid of Liberty." The studio stated the change targets cheat mods affecting multiplayer fairness, while cosmetic mods may need creator updates. Notably, Arrowhead confirmed Proton and Steam Deck compatibility is preserved—a contrast to past anti-cheat migrations that have broken Linux support. The game remains unavailable in the UK due to an unresolved Steam backend issue since mid-September.

## What changes for Linux players
- **Anti-cheat migration**: GameGuard replaced by Easy Anti-Cheat with "additional security tools" layered on top
- **Proton compatibility explicitly maintained**: Arrowhead FAQ states "Steam Deck and Linux compatibility remains unchanged"
- **Mod impact**: Cheat mods blocked; some cosmetic mods may need updates from creators
- **Update verified**: GamingOnLinux confirmed working on Fedora KDE 45 post-update
- **Regional lockout persists**: UK and some other regions still cannot access store pages due to unresolved Steam backend issue since mid-September

## Why it matters
The explicit Proton compatibility commitment is significant for Linux gaming, as anti-cheat transitions have historically caused sudden breakage. Arrowhead's transparency may set a useful precedent for other studios.