WARDOGS was playable on Linux through Proton during its August playtest. Players reported completing full matches while the game’s Easy Anti-Cheat installation and authentication worked successfully. (Steam community report)
Closer to Early Access, WARDOGS changed its anti-cheat setup—reportedly switching to Embark Studios’ Elytra system—and the subsequent build stopped Linux and Proton users from playing. The developers’ community manager confirmed that Linux would not be supported during the newer beta while the team worked through anti-cheat and Proton compatibility issues. (Archived community-manager statement and discussion)
The developers have not abandoned Linux support. They previously confirmed that they were actively working on Proton compatibility, and their more recent communication says they hope to have it working “soon after launch.” However, no specific date or guaranteed timeframe has been announced. (GamingOnLinux report)
Will Linux support return?
The developers say that restoring Proton compatibility remains part of their plans, but Linux support is not expected to be ready for the beginning of Early Access.
There is currently:
- No announced release date for Linux support
- No confirmed workaround for the current anti-cheat restriction
Linux users will therefore need to wait for the developers to update the game or its anti-cheat integration. Installing a different Proton version is unlikely to solve the problem when access is being rejected by the anti-cheat system itself.
Can Linux players access the firing range?
Some players discovered that certain Steam launch parameters could bypass the normal anti-cheat launcher and open WARDOGS directly. This reportedly allows Linux users to access the offline firing range, but not normal online matchmaking.
Using this workaround is not recommended. The developers have not confirmed whether launching the game without its anti-cheat component is permitted, even when the player remains in the firing range and never joins a multiplayer server. It is therefore unknown whether doing so could trigger an account flag, suspension, or ban.
Until the developers clarify their policy, the safest option is to avoid anti-cheat bypass parameters entirely. Players experimenting with them do so at their own risk.