Back in October 2024, Respawn announced they were blocking Apex Legends on Linux platforms (including Steam Deck). Apparently this has worked quite well for them.

The developers of Apex Legends have announced that they're going to be blocking the game completely on Linux platforms including Steam Deck.

Respawn and EA have today released a major update for the popular battle royale shooter Apex Legends, which gives it an anti-cheat upgrade. Sadly it's causing issues for Steam Deck / Linux players. ARTICLE UPDATED

One of the most popular titles on Steam, Apex Legends, has been left broken on Linux / Steam Deck for over a week now after the Ignite Update. You can fix it yourself though, if you want to risk it. ARTICLE UPDATED.

It's been a bit of a saga for Apex Legends players using the Proton compatibility tool to play it on Steam Deck and Linux desktop but it seems Respawn continue their ban investigation.

Around five days ago I reported on Apex Legends doing a ban wave which for the second time hit a bunch of players on Linux and Steam Deck playing it with Proton. Now at least the developer Respawn is looking into it.

Even though Apex Legends was marked officially Steam Deck Verified by Valve on March 9, that we covered in an article, it's now been updated and it's broken on Steam Deck and Linux desktops.