WARDOGS on Steam Deck and Linux: does it work?
Not at launch. WARDOGS ships with kernel-level Easy Anti-Cheat and BULKHEAD has not enabled EAC's Linux/Proton module, so the game exits before the menu on Steam Deck and desktop Linux. There's no launch option or Proton version that gets round it; it's a developer switch.
Why it fails
EAC has a Proton-compatible mode that developers opt into. Without it, the anti-cheat driver can't load under Wine and the game closes. Games like Apex and Fall Guys work on Deck because their developers flipped that switch; WARDOGS hasn't.
What doesn't work
- Proton Experimental, GE-Proton, any launch option. The block is the anti-cheat, not compatibility.
PROTON_EAC_RUNTIMEtricks. Those only help when the developer has already enabled EAC for Proton.
What does, technically
Dual-boot Windows on the Deck runs it, but the Deck's APU sits under the minimum spec and a full 100-player match won't hold 30 FPS at 800p Low. It's a demo, not a way to play.
Steam Deck verified status
Unsupported. If BULKHEAD enables the EAC Proton module during Early Access it'll show up in the Deck compatibility rating on the store page; this page will update the same day.
Desktop Linux
Same block. Keep an eye on the EAC-enabled list on ProtonDB; when WARDOGS appears there it's playable.
Minimum spec for reference
Full system requirements. The Deck's RDNA2 APU is roughly a GTX 1050 Ti in this class of game, under the GTX 1660 floor.
FAQ
Does WARDOGS run on Steam Deck?
No. Easy Anti-Cheat's Proton/Wine support has to be enabled by the developer and BULKHEAD hasn't at launch, so the game fails to start.
Will it ever?
Possibly. Enabling EAC for Proton is a developer-side toggle. BULKHEAD hasn't announced it; when they do, this page changes.
Can I dual-boot Windows on the Deck?
Yes, Windows on Steam Deck runs the game technically, but the Deck's APU is below the minimum spec (GTX 1660 / i5-8600) and 100-player matches will be a slideshow.
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