Saburo
Ubisoft just dropped a bomb on Steam Deck owners: For Honor will no longer run on Linux or SteamOS starting September 10, 2026. The game was previously labeled as ‘Playable’ on the Deck — but that’s about to change. The reason? Anti-cheat tech limitations. Here’s what you need to know, why it’s happening, and what you can do about it.
For Honor Is Getting Blocked on Steam Deck
On September 1st, Ubisoft quietly announced that For Honor will cut support for Linux and SteamOS on September 10th. That’s just five days from now — and it coincides with the launch of Ranked Season 0. The game has been playable on the Steam Deck through Proton, with a ‘Playable’ rating on the compatibility checker. But that’s ending, and the move is baffling.
Here’s the kicker: For Honor uses Easy Anti-Cheat, which does officially support Linux. But Ubisoft says it can’t ‘meaningfully deploy protection on this platform’. That’s the official line — and it’s not just affecting Steam Deck users. It’s a full Linux block.
Why Now? Ranked Season 0 and Anti-Cheat
The timing isn’t random. September 10 marks the start of For Honor’s Ranked Season 0 — a major competitive update. Ubisoft likely wants to lock down the playing field to prevent cheating, especially in ranked modes. But the decision to cut Linux users entirely, instead of just banning them from ranked play, feels extreme.
This isn’t the first time a game has pulled Linux support over anti-cheat concerns. Apex Legends did the same back in 2023/2024. And while that move was understandable, For Honor’s situation is different: EAC supports Linux, so the block feels more like a policy decision than a technical necessity.
What Can Steam Deck Players Do?
Ubisoft isn’t completely leaving Linux players in the lurch. The company suggested using cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming as an alternative. That’s a workaround — not a full solution — but it’s better than nothing.
If you’re a competitive fighter fan and need your fix, here are some alternatives:
- Mortal Kombat 1 – Solid Steam Deck performance, deep combat system
- Street Fighter 6 – Fully playable on Deck, even in online mode
- TEKKEN 8 – Heavy on PC, but runs on Deck with graphical tweaks
Is This the End of Linux Support for Games?
Not necessarily. Ubisoft said it will continue to explore ways to improve its anti-cheat approach and may bring Linux support back in the future. But no timeline was given. And given how few players use Linux for gaming, this might not be a priority.
Still, this move raises questions. If anti-cheat tech exists for Linux, why block the platform entirely? Why not just ban Linux users from ranked play? It feels like a step backward for Linux gaming — and for Steam Deck owners who were finally getting a decent library of playable titles.
Verdict: A Frustrating Move, But Not a Death Sentence
Yes, this sucks. For Honor was one of the few competitive fighters that ran decently on the Steam Deck. Now it’s gone. But it’s not the end of the world. You can still try Xbox Cloud Gaming, or switch to another fighter that runs natively on the Deck.
If you’re a For Honor diehard, this is a hard pill to swallow. But if you’re just looking for a good fight, the Steam Deck still has plenty to offer. Just don’t expect Ubisoft to save your seat at the table — not yet, anyway.