Respawn has restricted access to Apex Legends on Linux platforms, including the Steam Deck

Respawn Entertainment has prevented players using Linux from accessing Apex Legends, which affects those playing on Steam Deck.

In a statement on their blog, the developer explained this was part of its anti-cheat strategy.

They noted, "Linux OS has been identified as a means for certain serious exploits and cheats."

Respawn elaborated, "Consequently, we have chosen to restrict Linux OS access to our game. Although a small segment of the Apex community will be affected, we believe this will significantly reduce cheating incidents."

The company stated the decision involved balancing legitimate Linux and Steam Deck players against the overall well-being of the Apex community, acknowledging that the presence of Linux installations affected numerous players through unintended consequences.

Given that Steam Deck uses Linux as its default OS, Respawn concluded there is no reliable method to distinguish between a genuine Steam Deck user and someone using Linux maliciously to cheat.

Nonetheless, players can continue using Steam Deck for Apex Legends by opting for Windows instead of Linux.

Respawn emphasized that PC players on Steam and users on other supported platforms are not impacted by this change.

Previously in 2019, Respawn reported having banned more than 355,000 cheaters from Apex Legends within a month after the game's release.