{
  "id": 14946821,
  "title": "Epic introduces an improved version of anti-cheat for Linux",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/epic-introduces-an-improved-version-of-anti-cheat-for-linux",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-16T11:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Hardware",
    "slug": "tom-s-hardware",
    "url": "https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/pc-gaming/epic-introduces-an-improved-version-of-anti-cheat-for-linux-eac-linux-v2-will-finally-allow-linux-gamers-to-play-fortnite"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Epic Games is developing an upgraded version of its anti-cheat solution for Linux, intended to bridge the gap between the Linux and Windows versions of Easy Anti-Cheat. The new EAC Linux V2 expects to utilize existing Linux capabilities to simplify distribution maintainers' adoption by default, allowing a wider range of Linux gamers to participate in competitive titles without needing to alter their existing setups. However, this will come with the requirement of adhering to certain security measures that are typically avoided in the Linux community.\n\nEAC Linux V2 currently mandates several features, including Signed Kernel and Kernel Modules, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, Measured Boot, IOMMU, Kernel Lockdown Integrity Mode, Kexec Disabled, and Linux Security Module BPF. The company anticipates refining these requirements over time in collaboration with developers and distribution maintainers. One advantage of this approach is the elimination of a kernel driver, which is present in the Windows anti-cheat implementation. Nonetheless, it may necessitate certain configuration changes for distro maintainers to ensure compatibility with EAC Linux V2.\n\nTo use EAC-Linux-V2 with a compatible game and distribution, Linux players must install an anti-cheat systemd service that operates only while a protected game is running. Once the user quits the protected title, the anti-cheat service will also terminate. The EAC Linux V2 recognizes signing keys from several distributions, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, Bazzite, and Debian. This implies that users already employing these distributions can play protected games if their machines meet all other requirements.\n\nDespite Epic's efforts to accommodate as many Linux gamers as possible, these features are likely to face resistance from the community. Some Linux users distrust large tech companies, a factor that contributed to their adoption of open-source platforms in the first place. Enforcing these requirements for playing a single game contradicts the philosophy of having full control over one's hardware and software, posing a challenge for anti-cheat systems operating on Linux. Although Epic offers a compromise by allowing multiple boot options, users may still find the extensive requirements burdensome if they intend not to play a protected title.",
  "summary": "Epic wants to work with developers and maintainers to find the best solution to making anti-cheat work seamlessly on Linux.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}