- New data shows that most Windows games now work on Linux
- Almost 90% of Windows games now ‘successfully launch’ on Linux
- However, anti-cheat multiplayer games are still a notable problem
Gaming on Linux has come a long way since Valve launched its Steam Deck, with SteamOS leading the way for a handheld-friendly gaming experience. Linux is also getting stronger on desktops and laptops, and a new revelation shows just how many Windows games are now compatible with the alternative platform – although there’s still a big bug.
As highlighted by Boiling Steam, “almost 90% of Windows games now successfully launch” on Linux, according to data obtained from ProtonDB. In short, it’s now the case that when gaming on Linux – specifically on an operating system like SteamOS – people will only find a few games that are completely incompatible (meaning they won’t run at all).
It’s also worth noting that some of the games listed as ‘unsupported’ titles on Steam Deck Verified are perfectly playable on Valve’s handhelds or other laptops running SteamOS such as the Lenovo Legion Go S (or even a custom gaming PC). An example of this is Silent Hill 2which Valve still lists as unsupported.
So with that in mind, ProtonDB provides a fairly accurate assessment of Linux game compatibility through its ‘Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze’ ranking system, which is what Boiling Steam’s report is based on. (It’s also worth noting that you can find plenty of these games at huge discounts applied in Valve’s fourth Steam Scream Fest sale, and no doubt the upcoming Winter Sale as well).
Windows Games compatibility on Linux is at an all-time high: #linux #linuxgaming #update #gaming #steam #proton #steamplay #wine #compatibility #windows pic.twitter.com/e598JNzqgP26 October 2025
However, there is still a big problem for Linux – games that use anti-cheat tools remain constantly incompatible. And as you might have guessed, these include some of the most popular multiplayer titles. Both Activision Call of Duty franchise, and EA’s latest hit in Battlefield 6 cannot run on Linux due to their kernel-level anti-cheat systems implemented for Windows users.
Fortunately, there are examples of games with anti-cheat systems running on Linux, in particular Helldivers 2 and Split Gate 2, with the developer of the latter title working on compatibility with Linux after launch.
So it’s not in the impossible realm for anti-cheat games to work on Linux distros eventually. However, EA’s Javelin and Activision’s Ricochet anti-cheat systems have notoriously never played well with Linux, and there don’t appear to be any plans to make these tools work with the alternative OS.
Analysis: Core-level anti-cheat is one of the worst things to happen to online multiplayer
It’s quite ironic that core-level anti-cheat systems put in place by the likes of Activision in an attempt to prevent cheaters don’t actually stop cheating. This was clearly made clear during the Call of Duty Black Ops 7 beta, which was filled with a ton of cheats that I saw myself while in the game (and via several videos online).
And although there are cases where anti-cheat works effectively, hackers always discover new vulnerabilities to bypass the mentioned systems. This makes anti-cheat solutions feel more like a punishment inflicted on all players as a result, especially since kernel-level access potentially leaves systems open to security vulnerabilities, and these tools can sometimes negatively impact game performance as well.
The fact that these tools also make many popular online games incompatible with Linux PCs and handhelds further rubs salt into the wound, and to me it means that anti-cheat is more of a detriment to multiplayer gaming than it is a benefit.
This is arguably in the same category as DRM as Denuvo, in terms of penalizing all consumers – with an impact on game performance – to counter the actions of a minority of would-be pirates.
I just hope that the growth of Linux, specifically SteamOS, forces EA, Activision and other publishers to push for compatibility on the OS – because there is certainly a significant portion of especially handheld gamers, and also desktop PC owners waiting for this.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can too follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, video unboxings, and get regular updates from us on WhatsAppalso.
The best PC games
