What A Pain

Sorry, Steam Deck fans—Apex Legends won’t be making an appearance on your beloved handheld anymore, thanks to rampant cheating issues that have arisen on Linux systems. While the battle royale title was accessible via Steam, players are now left in the lurch: if you want to dive back into the fast-paced action of Apex Legends, get ready to switch your entire operating system to Windows.

Respawn’s latest announcement has left many players feeling frustrated and disheartened. The reason? Linux has proven to be a breeding ground for a vast array of cheats and exploits, leading Respawn to block access from Linux OS entirely. They stated in a recent blog post, “As a result, we’ve decided to block Linux OS access to the game. While this will impact a small number of Apex players, we believe the decision will meaningfully reduce instances of cheating in our game.” Such a move, while understandable from a developer’s perspective, hits casual gamers particularly hard. Not everyone wants to set up a Windows partition on their Steam Deck just to enjoy a few rounds of their favorite battle royale!

Could changes to battle passes be a coping mechanism for players?

In an age where cross-platform play is becoming more prevalent and developers strive to create inclusive gaming experiences, this decision seems counterproductive. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the need to combat cheating; it’s a cancer that threatens the integrity of competitive play. But let’s be honest: Linux players were always a small subset of the overall population, and one has to wonder if alienating this portion is truly necessary.

Apex Legends was the go-to title for many players on the Steam Deck, who loved kicking back on their couches or lying in bed, shooting enemies in high-octane matches. The allure of enjoying a portable gaming experience is something that has drawn countless players to handhelds, and unfortunately, this decision could dissuade others from even considering the Steam Deck as a viable platform. Other popular titles like Fortnite have also been absent from Valve’s handheld, but Apex Legends’ recent embrace seemed like a beacon of hope for enthusiasts.

The ripple effect of this restriction might be deeper than we think. Many casual players, who simply want to enjoy a game without the complexities of a different OS, are left abandoned. Will Respawn’s attempt to curb cheating lead to increased player dissatisfaction, or will it push developers to consider better support for Linux down the line?

“Even when Respawn backpedals, the damage has already been done.”

The Price of Progress

Switching to Windows is not trivial—especially for those who aren’t tech-savvy. If you’ve ever attempted to install a new operating system on a gaming device, you understand the potential for error that can lead to not only frustration but also data loss. This added barrier reflects poorly on a quintessential aspect of the gaming community that values inclusivity and accessibility. With Apex Legends nestled within the top 50 most played games — according to EA — does Respawn really want to risk losing part of this demographic just to tackle the bold moves of hackers?

With such a substantial player base left unserved, one has to wonder if future updates will reverse the course of action. Additionally, Respawn has expressed a commitment to share further anti-cheat measures, so perhaps there is a faint possibility that a workaround will surface for Steam Deck users in the future.

Steam Deck: the allure of portable gaming at its finest.

Navigating the Free-to-Play Landscape

The current response from players reflects a growing concern about how great titles must continually evolve to address issues that might not have been present at launch. Games like Apex Legends, which focus heavily on loot boxes and free-to-play mechanics, must also balance player experience against the reality of monetization. With recent controversies surrounding battle passes and the in-game economy, decisions like this create a tumultuous atmosphere that will undoubtedly affect engagement. Players have fun navigating the world of Apex while being challenged by others, but what happens when a crucial section of their community is effectively sidelined?

It’s a complicated situation, and not one that can be easily navigated without considering all perspectives. To further complicate things, the voice from the players is loud and clear: they want both integrity and access, but the path forward remains uncertain. Those who enjoy gaming with friends might find new avenues through platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming or PlayStation Now, but those willing to invest in a Steam Deck deserve the right to enjoy the games that they want.

Final Thoughts

Apex Legends’ departure from Steam Deck is certainly a painful chapter, and while the developers work to create a cheat-less environment, the players are left holding the bag. The hope remains that future anti-cheat updates will alleviate some of these needs for changes, but whether that option is ever on the horizon is up for debate. As a fan of portable gaming, I’m left wondering: are we witnessing a shift in how games will evolve across diverse platforms? Let’s hope for a favorable resolution sooner rather than later—and who knows, perhaps we’ll see Respawn change course when it realizes what it’s lost.

Favourite Free-to-Play Game?

What about you? Which free-to-play title captures your heart? Feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Whether you stick with Respawn’s offerings or explore other avenues, the landscape of gaming continues to change, and as consumers, we need to ensure our opinions are heard.

Are you holding on to that Steam Deck, or will you make the leap to Windows?