New data shows most Windows games now work on Linux – and I hope the same will soon apply to anti-cheat titles

The moment this happens, goodbye Windows...

29 Oct 2025, 11:57 · TechRadar

News By Isaiah Williams published 29 October 2025

(Image credit: Shutterstock / DC Studio)

New data shows that most Windows games now work on Linux
Almost 90% of Windows games now 'manage to launch' on Linux
However, anti-cheat multiplayer games remain a notable problem

Gaming on Linux has come a long way since Valve launched its Steam Deck, with SteamOS leading the way for a handheld-friendly gaming experience. Linux is also getting stronger on desktop PCs and laptops, too, and a fresh revelation shows just how many Windows games are now compatible with the alternative platform - even if one major flaw remains.

As highlighted by Boiling Steam, almost 90% of Windows games now 'manage to launch' on Linux, according to data drawn from ProtonDB. In short, it's now the case that when gaming on Linux - specifically on an operating system like SteamOS - people will find only a few games are completely incompatible (meaning they won't run at all).

It's also worth noting that some of the games listed as 'unsupported' titles on Steam Deck Verified are perfectly playable on Valve's handheld, or other portables running SteamOS like the Lenovo Legion Go S (or even a custom gaming PC). An example of this is Silent Hill 2, which Valve still lists as unsupported.

So with that in mind, ProtonDB provides a fairly accurate assessment of Linux game compatibility through its 'Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze' ranking system, which is what Boiling Steam's report is based on. (It's worth noting, too, that you can find plenty of these games with huge discounts applied in Valve's fourth Steam Scream Fest sale, and the upcoming Winter Sale as well, no doubt).

There is still one big issue for Linux, though - games that use anti-cheat tools remain steadfastly incompatible. And as you may have guessed, these include some of the most popular multiplayer titles. Both Activision's Call of Duty franchise, and EA's recent hit in Battlefield 6 cannot run on Linux due to their kernel-level anti-cheat systems that are implemented for Windows users.

Fortunately, there are examples of games with anti-cheat systems that do run on Linux, notably Helldivers 2 and Splitgate 2, with the developer of the latter title having worked on compatibility with Linux after its launch.

So, it's not in the realm of the impossible for anti-cheat games to work on Linux distros eventually. However, EA's Javelin and Activision's Ricochet anti-cheat systems have notoriously never played nice with Linux, and it doesn't seem like there are any plans to make these tools work with the alternative OS.

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