HELLDIVERS 2 switches to Easy Anti-Cheat, keeps Steam Deck compatibility
Arrowhead Game Studios confirmed that HELLDIVERS 2's switch from GameGuard to Easy Anti-Cheat does not affect Steam Deck or Linux compatibility.
Summary
HELLDIVERS 2 moved its anti-cheat system from GameGuard to Easy Anti-Cheat to address recent cheat mods. Developer Arrowhead Game Studios explicitly confirmed in an FAQ that Steam Deck and Linux compatibility 'remains unchanged.' The studio continues to allow mods that do not create unfair advantages. The game has remained one of the most-played titles on Steam Deck despite performance challenges during intensive combat sequences.
What changed in HELLDIVERS 2's anti-cheat
- Previous system: GameGuard, which Arrowhead described as not sufficiently effective against recent cheat mods
- New system: Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), which supports Linux/Proton via Epic's compatibility layer
- Steam Deck impact: None confirmed; FAQ explicitly states 'compatibility remains unchanged'
- Mod policy: Mods still permitted if they don't grant unfair advantages or negatively impact other players; some mods may require updates to function with EAC
Why it matters
EAC's established Proton compatibility makes it a lower-risk choice for Linux gaming than other anti-cheat solutions, reducing the likelihood of Steam Deck bans that have affected titles using more restrictive systems.
Original reference: steamdeckhq.com →