The developers of Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Game Studios, have migrated the game’s anti-cheat away from GameGuard and towards Easy Anti-Cheat, plus “additional security tools”. Both are kernel-level solutions, but that hasn’t stopped Helldivers 2 from being compatible with Linux-based operating systems such as SteamOS, which runs on Valve’s popular Steam Deck handheld. It’s also used on the new Steam Machine and Steam Frame. Luckily, it is going to remain this way on EAC.

In an announcement post today, Arrowhead confirmed the switch, saying “GameGuard for HELLDIVERS 2 wasn’t as effective as it could have been, and in the end we decided to take another path with EAC.” As you may already know, Easy Anti-Cheat is a go-to solution for many developers and publishers; it’s an industry standard currently in use in more than 200 games.

Easy Anti-Cheat is coming to Helldivers 2

Q. Does the implementation of EAC in HELLDIVERS 2 impose any new hardware requirements?

A. No, there are no changes in hardware requirements.

Q. I play HELLDIVERS 2 on Steam Deck / Linux. Will I still be able to play?

A. Yes, you can still play. Steam Deck and Linux compatibility remains unchanged.

Source: Arrowhead Game Studios

It’s also important to address the issue of modding. “We know mods are part of the DNA of PC gaming and gaming communities as a whole,” says Arrowhead, but the switch to EAC will come with some compatibility issues for some modders. This seems to be a necessary evil, as the developers say they’re cracking down on cheat mods circulating online, but as a side effect, this may mean “some non-malicious cosmetic mods may require updates from their individual creators in order to keep working.”

Some of the mods supposedly being shut down by the switch to EAC relate to unfair advantages in the battlefield, as well as mods that tamper with pick-up rates. Arrowhead invites any modders affected by the switch (those who aren’t creating anything malicious) to contact its official support team, but ultimately it’s on the creators to manage their mods’ compatibility – just like any other system update.

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Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.