Ashes of Creation Steam Deck Performance Overview
If you were hoping to run Ashes of Creation on the Steam Deck, the short answer is that it’s not ready yet. Early Access currently relies on Windows and Easy Anti-Cheat in a way that makes Linux setups unstable or unplayable.
Can You Play Ashes of Creation on Steam Deck
Not officially. The game doesn’t support Linux at this stage, and the Steam Deck runs a Linux-based OS. Some users have tried running it through Proton, but every report so far says the launcher either fails to open or crashes during login. A few players managed to boot briefly before disconnects or anti-cheat issues forced them out.
Intrepid Studios has confirmed that while Linux users aren’t being banned for trying, the game itself is not configured for Proton or SteamOS. That means any attempt to play on Steam Deck is at your own risk and not officially supported.
Why It Doesn’t Work
Ashes of Creation uses Easy Anti-Cheat, which requires proper configuration by the developers for Linux support. Right now, it’s not set up to allow Proton or other compatibility layers. The result is failed EAC checks that stop the game from launching or trigger error messages.
Steam Deck’s Linux environment can technically run EAC games, but only when the developer enables it in their build. Arc Raiders, Apex Legends, and similar titles did this successfully, but Intrepid hasn’t yet.
Performance Expectations
Even if the game could launch, performance would be rough. Ashes of Creation needs a discrete GPU equivalent to a GTX 1070 just to meet minimum requirements. The Deck’s integrated GPU sits far below that target. Heavy scenes with player density, lighting effects, and high draw distance would tank frame rates.
Tests on similar Unreal Engine 5 games show Deck performance dropping below 25 FPS in comparable worlds. Expect major slowdowns and thermal spikes without heavy optimization or a Windows dual-boot setup.
Current Workarounds
A few players claim partial success using Windows installations on the Deck, but it’s still experimental. The main barriers are limited VRAM, slow SSD access, and CPU throttling under load. For most users, the setup process and instability make it impractical.
Until Intrepid adds official Proton support or lowers system demands, the Steam Deck simply can’t handle the game in a stable way.
Final Blurb
Ashes of Creation looks amazing but pushes hardware hard, even on desktops. The Steam Deck just isn’t built for it yet, both in performance and OS support.
Unless Intrepid enables full Linux and EAC compatibility, your best move is to play on a Windows PC and wait for future optimization.
FAQ
Can I run Ashes of Creation on Steam Deck
Not right now. Linux isn’t supported and the anti-cheat prevents normal startup.
Has anyone gotten it to work
A few players launched it briefly on custom Linux builds or Windows installs, but none have stable results.
Will Linux support be added later
Intrepid hasn’t confirmed it, but it’s possible once the anti-cheat configuration allows Proton.
What if I install Windows on my Deck
It might boot, but frame rates and temperature issues will make it nearly unplayable.
Could Steam Deck run it after full release
Maybe. With major optimization and full Linux support, it could eventually reach playable levels on low settings.
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