Ubisoft to restrict Linux and Steam Deck users from For Honor over anti-cheat concerns

Linux gaming has come a long way thanks to the introduction of the Steam Deck and, especially, the Proton compatibility layer, which has made most PC titles accessible to Linux gamers. Today, if a title doesn't work on Linux, it usually comes down to 2 reasons: either the game’s performance is far from optimal, or its anti-cheat isn't supported on Linux.

Ubisoft has unexpectedly chosen to bar Linux, and essentially Steam Deck users, from their 2017 title For Honor. What makes this surprising is that For Honor had been running on Linux without any issues. Linux gamers can no longer play For Honor starting from September 10.

An update that cuts off certain players

For Honor recently received a major update, adding the new Ranked Dominion mode and a rework of Ranked Duel. In a blog post announcing the update, Ubisoft said it plans to drop Linux support.

“To reinforce a fair competitive environment, the team is introducing additional player safety measures. We are removing For Honor from the Linux platform to ensure a safer environment for our players, as we cannot meaningfully deploy protection on this platform. This means that For Honor will no longer be playable on Steam Deck starting September 10th. We will continue to investigate different ways to improve our anti-cheat with the possibility of reopening the platform in the future."

From their statement, it seems Ubisoft ran into problems designing the anti-cheat for Linux and decided to drop support for the platform, at least for now. Fans hope they continue developing an anti-cheat for Linux.

For Honor is a third-person melee combat game from Ubisoft Montreal, released February 14, 2017, on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, later coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Nine years after its release, the title is still getting content, which is unusual for a game of its era, but it shows it remains a mainstay for many players.

Buy For Honor on Amazon here