1 day ago7 min read

Can You Play Apex Legends on Steam Deck? Everything You Need to Know

Apex Legends, Respawn’s hit battle royale, has been one of the most popular games since its surprise release in 2019. With its fast-paced gameplay, unique characters, and dynamic maps, it's become a staple in the battle royale genre. As the gaming community expands, new platforms are continuously emerging, and Valve's Steam Deck has captured the attention of gamers who are eager to take their favorite games on the go. But can you play Apex Legends on the Steam Deck? The answer is not as simple as a straightforward yes or no. While Apex Legends is available on the Steam Deck, it comes with certain limitations. In this blog post, we'll break down everything you need to know about playing Apex Legends on the Steam Deck, from installation requirements to troubleshooting tips. If you’re considering playing on your Steam Deck, keep reading to find out how to get started!

Can Apex Legends Be Played on Steam Deck?

Before you get too excited, it’s important to understand that playing Apex Legends on Steam Deck isn’t as simple as just downloading it and starting the game. The game is compatible with Steam Deck, but there is a crucial requirement: Windows needs to be installed. Why is this? The reason comes down to Respawn’s decision to block LinuxOS access to Apex Legends, which is the default operating system of the Steam Deck. In a bid to combat cheating, Respawn has restricted Linux access to Apex Legends, making the game unplayable for those running this operating system.Since Linux is the native OS on Steam Deck, players who want to play Apex Legends must switch to Windows. It’s a step-by-step process, and without installing Windows, players won’t be able to access the game at all. Here’s what you need to know about the situation, how to get the game running on Steam Deck, and what it means for the future of handheld gaming.

Why Did Respawn Block Linux Users from Playing Apex Legends?

On October 31, 2024, Respawn Entertainment made a significant announcement regarding Apex Legends and Linux users. The developers shared that they had been analyzing the number of legitimate players on Linux, particularly on Steam Deck, and determined that Linux players were contributing to a rise in cheating. In their official statement, Respawn emphasized that they had to weigh the impact of this decision on players versus the overall health of the Apex Legends community. The studio decided that to preserve the integrity of the game, it was necessary to prevent Linux users from accessing Apex Legends. While this decision undoubtedly affected a segment of players who were using Steam Deck and Linux, it was made with the goal of protecting the wider community from cheating and improving the overall player experience.

How Does This Affect Steam Deck Players?

Steam Deck, the popular handheld gaming device from Valve, uses Linux-based SteamOS as its default operating system. As a result, many players on the device were able to run Apex Legends smoothly—until the update was issued by Respawn. Now, players on Steam Deck must install Windows to continue playing Apex Legends. It’s a crucial detail because without Windows, Apex Legends is no longer accessible. This means that if you are playing on the Steam Deck and want to continue playing Apex Legends, you must follow a specific process to install Windows. Luckily, the process is not overly complicated, and there are plenty of guides available to help you through the installation. Valve has even provided resources to make the switch from SteamOS to Windows easier for users. Once Windows is installed, you will be able to run Apex Legends just like you would on any other Windows-powered device.

How to Install Windows on Steam Deck: Step-by-Step Guide for Apex Legends

Here’s a quick rundown of the steps needed to install Windows on your Steam Deck to start playing Apex Legends.

Prepare the Necessary Files: Before you begin, you’ll need a USB drive with at least 8GB of space. Download the Windows installation media from Microsoft’s official website. You can use the Windows Media Creation Tool to prepare the USB drive.
Enter Steam Deck BIOS: Shut down your Steam Deck. Hold the Volume Down button and press the power button. This will boot the device into the BIOS menu.
Set Up USB Boot: Once in BIOS, navigate to the Boot Manager and select the USB drive with the Windows installation media.
Install Windows: Follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows. This will require you to format your Steam Deck’s internal storage, so make sure to back up any data you need.
Install Drivers: After Windows is installed, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers to ensure your Steam Deck functions correctly. Valve provides the necessary drivers, including the Steam client, graphics drivers, and other essential software.
Download Apex Legends: Once you’re running Windows, you can download Apex Legends from Steam or Origin (depending on your preferred platform). After the game is installed, you’ll be ready to play.

Is Playing Apex Legends on Steam Deck Worth the Effort?

Now that you understand the process of installing Windows, it’s important to ask: Is it worth all the effort to play Apex Legends on Steam Deck? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of running Apex Legends on this handheld device.

Pros of Playing Apex Legends on Steam Deck

Portable Gaming: Apex Legends is a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes. Playing on Steam Deck gives you the freedom to take the game wherever you go. Whether you’re on a long flight or just lounging on the couch, you can play Apex Legends without needing to be tied to a traditional gaming setup.
PC-Level Performance: When you install Windows, the Steam Deck transforms into a device that can run Apex Legends at PC-level performance. With its impressive hardware specs, the Steam Deck can handle high-quality gaming, making it a great option for those who want to experience Apex Legends on a handheld device.
Customizable Controls: Steam Deck allows for highly customizable controls, so you can tailor the game’s controls to your liking. Whether you prefer mouse and keyboard or a more traditional gamepad layout, Steam Deck can adapt to your needs.

Cons of Playing Apex Legends on Steam Deck

Setup Complexity: As mentioned earlier, installing Windows on Steam Deck is not as simple as just downloading the game. It requires several steps, and there’s always a risk of something going wrong during the installation.
Battery Life: Running Windows and playing graphically demanding games like Apex Legends will drain your battery faster than games designed for SteamOS. You may find yourself needing to recharge more frequently.
Performance Variability: While the Steam Deck has impressive specs, playing Apex Legends may not be as smooth as on a dedicated gaming PC, especially in high-traffic areas of the game. Players may experience occasional frame drops or lag depending on the settings.

The Future of Apex Legends on Steam Deck

The decision by Respawn to block Linux users may seem like a significant hurdle for Steam Deck users who prefer to run LinuxOS. While the installation of Windows allows for continued gameplay, some players may wonder if Respawn will reconsider their stance. It’s unclear whether Respawn will lift the Linux ban in the future. However, with cheating concerns at the forefront, the decision to block Linux users appears to be part of a broader effort to maintain fair play in Apex Legends. For now, Steam Deck players will need to rely on Windows for Apex Legends, but who knows what the future holds.

Can You Play Apex Legends on Steam Deck?

Apex Legends is indeed playable on the Steam Deck, but players must have Windows installed to access the game. Respawn’s decision to block Linux access to the game was made in response to cheating concerns, and while it may be frustrating for some, installing Windows is a workable solution for those who want to continue playing on their handheld device. If you're a Steam Deck owner who loves Apex Legends, the installation process may seem like a hassle, but it’s one that opens the door to playing your favorite battle royale anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this guide should help you set up Apex Legends on your Steam Deck without too much trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I play Apex Legends on Steam Deck without Windows?

No, you cannot play Apex Legends on the Steam Deck without installing Windows. Respawn's decision to block LinuxOS access, including on the Steam Deck, means that users must have Windows installed to run the game. If you don’t have Windows installed, you won’t be able to access Apex Legends anymore, despite it being previously compatible with Linux. Installing Windows on your Steam Deck opens the possibility for smooth gameplay on the handheld device, but without this step, the game will remain unplayable.

Q2. Why did Respawn block LinuxOS access to Apex Legends?

Respawn blocked LinuxOS access to Apex Legends primarily to combat cheating. Linux-based operating systems, including the Steam Deck’s default LinuxOS, were found to be vulnerable to cheating methods that compromised the integrity of the game. By restricting access to LinuxOS users, Respawn aims to ensure that the game remains fair and competitive for all players. While this decision might inconvenience some, it was made with the broader health of the Apex Legends community in mind, prioritizing a better experience for the majority of players.

Q3. How can I install Windows on my Steam Deck?

Installing Windows on your Steam Deck is a straightforward process but requires a few steps. First, you need to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation files. Then, boot the Steam Deck from the USB drive, which will launch the Windows installation wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation, making sure to format the Steam Deck's internal storage during the process. After Windows is installed, you can download and install Apex Legends from Steam. Detailed guides and tutorials are available online to help you with the installation process.

Q4. Will Apex Legends run smoothly on Steam Deck after Windows installation?

Yes, Apex Legends can run smoothly on the Steam Deck after installing Windows. The Steam Deck has the necessary hardware to handle games like Apex Legends when running Windows, and with the proper settings, it should deliver a solid gaming experience. Make sure you have the latest graphics drivers installed for optimal performance. Additionally, adjusting in-game settings, such as lowering the resolution or disabling some graphical enhancements, can improve frame rates if needed, especially for maintaining smooth gameplay on the Steam Deck’s smaller screen.

Q5. How will this change affect Steam Deck users who play Apex?

The new restriction on LinuxOS users will directly affect Steam Deck players who have not installed Windows. Without Windows, Apex Legends will become unplayable on the device. Players who enjoy gaming on the Steam Deck must now choose to install Windows if they want to continue playing Apex Legends. This change disrupts previous compatibility but is necessary for addressing security and cheating concerns. While it may be an inconvenience for some, it ensures that players have a fair and competitive experience in the game.