Squad from Offworld recently released the 9.0 upgrade bumping it up to Unreal Engine 5, which came with some issues but it should be working well again.
Overall it was a huge update for the popular online shooter, one of the few with anti-cheat that actually do try to keep it compatible with Linux / SteamOS. It features a new Commendation System, a big remake to the Al Basrah map, a new lighting system for all maps, new weapons and equipment were added, a new physics system and so much more.
Unfortunately, it initially rolled out with the Easy Anti-Cheat broken on Linux. This has since been fixed, and they've addressed Linux compatibility in a new official FAQ post:
Squad doesn’t have a native Linux build, but can be played through Proton. The challenge with Proton is anti-cheat. EAC has Linux support, and we do our best to integrate the latest updates as needed. Sometimes, we miss a step there as we don’t usually test on Linux clients, so we appreciate the Linux gaming community reporting any issues. The best place to provide feedback and bug reports is on the Squad Community Discord.
It's great to see at least this level of effort, while so many just block Linux like GTA Online and Apex Legends. See more on our dedicated anti-cheat page.
The update trailer is below:
Direct Link
See more from me
You can also find comments for this article on social media: Squad doesn’t have a native Linux build, but can be played through Proton. The challenge with Proton is anti-cheat. EAC has Linux support, and we do our best to integrate the latest updates as needed. Sometimes, we miss a step there as we don’t usually test on Linux clients, so we appreciate the Linux gaming community reporting any issues.
im probably wrong here or missing something but .. doesn't it take like 10 mins (literally) to install Linux Mint, And furthermore another 10 mins to install Steam + their own game (possibly a beta channel) to test EAC on Linux Via proton ?
it's not like you need to do it every time, just install once & update the laptop before the test (about 2mins). even an old crusty laptop from their stock cupboard would do.. it's an EAC test via proton not a performance test.
Thinking along those lines couldn't they just have a steamdeck on one of the Dev's desks ?
like i said, it's probably hugely more complicated than that in terms of time & training than i anticipate.
Last edited by Lofty on 8 Sep 2025 at 11:26 am UTC
Patreon
PayPal
Why some games on Linux, SteamOS / Steam Deck have broken videos and what you can do
How to install Battle.net on Linux, SteamOS and Steam Deck for World of Warcraft and Starcraft