Battlefield 6 is expected to launch later this year with smooth performance and manageable PC specs, but it won’t support Valve’s Steam Deck.
That decision is not about graphics power because the game’s minimum specs require an RTX 2060 and recommend a 3060 Ti for 1440p at 60 FPS, which is close to what modern handhelds aim for.
The real issue lies deep under the hood, in a place where the Deck’s Linux-based setup simply can’t keep up with EA’s demands.
What’s the Real Barrier Keeping Battlefield 6 Off Steam Deck?
The problem comes down to EA’s Javelin anti-cheat system, a kernel-level tool that needs Secure Boot and full access to the operating system to work as intended.
Steam Deck runs SteamOS, built on Linux, and uses Proton to run Windows games.
While Proton enables near-perfect performance for many top Steam games, it doesn’t provide the kernel-level access needed by Javelin.
Without that, EA’s anti-cheat can’t operate to the same standard, and for a competitive online shooter like Battlefield 6, that’s non-negotiable.
What Has EA Said About Handheld Compatibility?
EA’s executive vice president, Vince Zampella, gave a direct answer on Steam Deck support: “It does not work on Steam Deck.”
He noted that some Windows handhelds, such as ASUS ROG Ally or AOKZOE A1X, might run the game, but he wasn’t convinced they’d deliver the best overall experience.
These devices don’t face the same OS barrier, so Javelin runs normally, but they may still hit performance walls depending on the game’s demands.
This position has upset certain players, particularly those using Linux and Steam Deck, who note that other anti-cheat tools like EasyAntiCheat run on Linux with little developer work.
Some argued that EA is choosing not to support Linux rather than being unable to, while others countered that kernel-level systems are inherently harder to adapt and are far more effective at keeping cheaters in check.
For EA, ensuring a cheat-free Battlefield 6 is more important than catering to a limited number of players.
Is the Steam Deck Powerful Enough for Battlefield 6?
This isn’t about the Steam Deck being too weak to run the game at all, since with lower settings and resolution tweaks, the hardware could theoretically handle it.
The decision is instead tied to software compatibility and security. EA has made it clear that they won’t launch Battlefield 6 without their full anti-cheat measures in place, and that means devices using Linux-based systems are left out — at least for now.
For those set on portable play, the best chance lies with Windows-based handhelds, though even then, performance might not match a desktop setup.
As for Steam Deck owners, unless EA finds a way to make Javelin work on Linux or loosens its anti-cheat requirements, Battlefield 6 will remain firmly out of reach.
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