Cheating has long been a persistent issue for gamers, especially those playing online. Almost every online game contends with cheaters, and Apex Legends is no exception, often causing significant frustration among its community.
Following the banning of at least 100,000 accounts monthly, Respawn Entertainment has made a notable decision. It has been revealed that Apex Legends will no longer support Linux operating systems and Steam Deck. What led to this?
Apex Legends Unavailable on Linux and Steam Deck
Recently, Respawn Entertainment made a significant announcement via their Twitter/X account. EA stated that users on Linux and Steam Deck would no longer be able to access Apex Legends.
The studio elaborated on the reasons behind this decision. They indicated that this move is part of their efforts to combat cheating in the game, noting that Linux OS has become a common platform for numerous exploits and cheating activities.
As a result, Respawn has opted to block access for Linux users, including those on the Steam Deck, despite Valve’s platform having the capability to implement anti-cheat measures.
Unfortunately, these measures proved insufficient to curb cheating. According to EA, detecting cheaters on Linux is more challenging, and data indicates that the number of cheaters is growing on this platform, warranting special attention from their team.
Moreover, some cheaters exploit the Windows version by emulating cheats similar to those on Linux, further complicating detection and prevention efforts by the anti-cheat system.
This situation is not unique to Apex Legends. Riot Games, the developer behind Valorant and League of Legends, has faced similar challenges, resulting in a lack of support for those platforms as well.
Is Apex Legends Still Playable on Steam Deck?
Despite discontinuing support for Linux and Steam Deck, EA clarified that this doesn’t mean Steam Deck users can’t play Apex Legends at all. They explained that players on this platform could still enjoy the game if they install Windows.
In essence, if users switch the operating system on their handheld device, they will regain access to this popular battle royale title.
Respawn and EA have officially closed off access to Apex Legends on Linux altogether. Now, it seems the developers are awaiting the results of this access removal before determining their next steps.
