HELLDIVERS 2 from Arrowhead Game Studios and PlayStation PC has arrived, and it’s causing issues for players on Steam Deck and Desktop Linux. Here’s some ways you may be able to get it to work.
What’s the issue? It’s using kernel-level nProtect GameGuard anti-cheat, which seems to be the cause of the problems. It’s also causing issues for people on Windows too it seems going by some of the Steam forum posts on it. The developer has even had to put up a statement on it and open a dedicated Steam forum for it.
On my Desktop Linux install with Kubuntu 23.10, it actually worked right out of the box with Proton 8.0-5. However, others have been reporting issues with it not launching. While on Steam Deck (current latest Preview), my testing there showed it simply wouldn’t launch with Proton 8, Proton 7 or Proton Experimental.
Going by the Proton GitHub report that’s open for it, a user mentioned they got it to work on their Desktop Linux install with GE-Proton 7-55. So, even though for my desktop it works on Proton 8, trying out GE-Proton 7-55 on Steam Deck and — yep, it works!
The big caveat: you need to launch it with this GE-Proton 7-55 in Desktop Mode, something about nProtect GameGuard doesn’t run in Gaming Mode. You also need to tap the screen to get controls on Steam Deck to actually work.
So regardless of being on Desktop Linux or Steam Deck, if you try out GE-Proton 7-55 you should be able to get in-game.
I have not tested online play with a group yet, only solo play.
How to install GE-Proton:
Download ProtonUp-Qt
For Steam Deck, make sure you’re in Desktop Mode. Steam Button -> Power – Switch to Desktop.
- Steam Deck / KDE Plasma – Open the Discover store, in the search box (top left) type in “ProtonUp-Qt”, click it and hit Install (top right). Alternatively on Steam Deck if you have Decky Loader, you can also try the “Wine Cellar” plugin.
- Manual install / GNOME – head to the official website, scroll down and pick your favourite download option either AppImage or Flathub. On GNOME desktops, you can also download via GNOME Software.
Using ProtonUp-Qt:
- Launch ProtonUp-Qt.
- Make sure it’s set to Steam at the top, click Add version and scroll down to select to install GE-Proton7-55.
- Reload Steam to update the compatibility layer list.
- In Steam:
- Desktop: right click a game and go to Properties.
- Steam Deck / Big Picture Mode: find the game in your library, go to the little cog on the right and then select Properties.
- Compatibility menu -> Tick the box, select GE-Proton from the drop-down menu.
My original video of how to do it on Steam Deck:
Given how much effort it is to get working, and with absolutely no guarantee it will continue working due to this kernel-level anti-cheat that could update and break it any time (as really, it shouldn’t work at all), it’s not something I will actually recommend anyone purchase. I would consider going for a different game for sure.
If you do want to buy it’s available from:
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
