Is Apex Legends Playable on Steam Deck? Here’s What You Need to Know

Apex Legends has firmly established itself as a fan-favorite in the battle royale genre since its unexpected debut in 2019. Widely available across various gaming platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, many players are eager to explore the possibility of enjoying this game on the increasingly popular Steam Deck handheld device.

Can You Play Apex Legends on Steam Deck?

Yes, Apex Legends is playable on the Steam Deck. However, players must install Windows on the device to do so. This requirement arises from Respawn’s decision to restrict access to Linux operating systems to mitigate cheating risks.

The Steam Deck, which uses Linux as its default operating system, will encounter issues with accessing Apex Legends unless Windows is installed. This change was announced by Respawn on October 31, 2024, in a statement highlighting the delicate balance between player participation and the integrity of the game’s ecosystem. They stated, “To eliminate this cheat vector, we have made the decision to prevent access to the game for Linux users.”

Prior to this restriction, Apex Legends was fully compatible and functioned well on the Steam Deck, allowing players to experience the game seamlessly on the go.

For those interested in the latest updates, be sure to check out our insights on the upcoming Season 23, character tier lists, optimal weapon selections, player counts, and pick rates.