A recent ARC Raiders update has caused widespread issues for Linux and SteamOS users, leaving many unable to launch the game. The problem surfaced shortly after developer Embark Studios began expanding its use of Denuvo Anti-Cheat, replacing the previously stable Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) for a growing number of players.
While the move is part of an effort to combat cheating, it has unintentionally disrupted compatibility with Proton-based systems, including the Steam Deck.
Anti-Cheat Update Triggers Game-Breaking Error
The issue began following a June 2026 backend update that rolled out Denuvo Anti-Cheat to more users. Soon after, players reported encountering a blocking error message—“forbidden tools error code: ARAV1011”—when attempting to boot the game.
ARC Raiders had previously been one of the more reliable multiplayer titles on Linux. The sudden shift to Denuvo has now made the game unplayable for affected users.
The official patch notes confirmed the change, stating:
“As part of our ongoing efforts against unfair play, we’re continuing to expand Denuvo Anti-Cheat to more players.”
While the intention was to improve security, the rollout has had the opposite effect for a segment of the player base.
The root cause appears to be tied to how Denuvo Anti-Cheat interacts with operating systems. Unlike Easy Anti-Cheat, which can be configured to support Proton environments, Denuvo relies on deeper system-level access.
On Windows, this level of access is standard. However, Linux-based systems impose stricter limitations, particularly when running games through Proton compatibility layers. As a result, the anti-cheat system may incorrectly flag legitimate environments as suspicious.
Proton can only partially support Denuvo, which likely leads to the ARAV1011 error being triggered. This explains why the game, which once worked smoothly on Steam Deck and Linux PCs, is now failing to launch after the update.
Embark Studios Responds to Player Concerns
Embark Studios has acknowledged the issue and confirmed that a fix is currently in development. In a message shared via the game’s official Discord server, a developer representative stated:
“Hello! The responsible team is aware of the issue and is actively working on a solution. Thank you for your patience!”
While no official timeline has been provided, the quick response suggests the issue is being treated as a priority.
For now, players affected by the Denuvo rollout will need to wait for further updates before they can return to the game.
A Broader Challenge for Linux Gaming
The situation highlights a recurring issue in the gaming industry: anti-cheat compatibility on Linux platforms. While Valve has made significant progress with Proton and SteamOS, anti-cheat systems remain one of the biggest hurdles.
Even when developers enable support, updates or backend changes can unexpectedly break compatibility. This creates uncertainty for players using Steam Deck or Linux-based systems.
There is some optimism, however. Industry players like Epic Games and Electronic Arts have been exploring ways to improve anti-cheat functionality on Linux, which could reduce these issues over time.
