We first wrote this page after trying FC 24 on a Steam Deck in 2023, and it didn’t go well. Three games later the main problem hasn’t changed: EA’s anti-cheat doesn’t run on SteamOS, so FC 27 won’t start through Proton.
Steam Deck status for FC 27
| Check | FC 27 result |
|---|---|
| Steam Deck compatibility (Valve) | ✘ Unsupported: anti-cheat not supported |
| SteamOS / Steam Machine rating | ✘ Unsupported, same reason |
| Linux version on Steam | ✘ None, Windows only |
| GamingOnLinux anti-cheat database | ✘ Broken (EA Javelin Anticheat) |
| ProtonDB | ◑ A few unverified user reports; don’t rely on them |
EA has blocked this series on Linux since FIFA 23. GamingOnLinux lists FIFA 23 and FC 24, 25, 26 and 27 as Broken for the same reason. Steam’s own check flags FC 27 as unsupported because of the anti-cheat.
ProtonDB shows a handful of user reports for FC 27 that rate it much higher. There are only four of them, ProtonDB marks its confidence as low, and they contradict Valve’s own test. We wouldn’t buy the game based on them.
Steam Deck status by game (FC 24–27)
Looking for FC 26, FC 25 or FC 24 on the Deck? The answer is the same for every EA FC game so far. We checked Valve’s compatibility rating on each game’s Steam page and the GamingOnLinux anti-cheat database:
| Game | Steam Deck rating (Valve) | Reason Steam gives | Linux / Proton (GamingOnLinux) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA FC 27 (2026) | ✘ Unsupported | Anti-cheat not supported | ✘ Broken: EA Javelin Anticheat |
| EA FC 26 (2025) | ✘ Unsupported | The game doesn’t support SteamOS | ✘ Broken: EA Javelin Anticheat |
| EA FC 25 (2024) | ✘ Unsupported | The game doesn’t support SteamOS | ✘ Broken: EA Javelin Anticheat |
| EA FC 24 (2023) | ✘ Unsupported | Anti-cheat not supported | ✘ Broken: EA Javelin Anticheat |
None of the four is rated Verified or Playable, and the SteamOS and Steam Machine ratings match the Deck rating for each game. Steam words the reason differently for FC 25 and FC 26, but GamingOnLinux lists EA Javelin Anticheat as the blocker for all four. The workarounds below (Windows on the Deck, streaming, another handheld) work the same way for older FC games.
Why Proton can’t run it
FC 27 on PC uses EA Javelin Anticheat, which EA describes as a PC anti-cheat and anti-tamper tool. It installs with the game and requires Windows 10 (20H1) or newer. Proton can translate a Windows game for Linux, but it can’t load a Windows anti-cheat driver that the publisher hasn’t enabled for Proton, and EA hasn’t enabled it.
Will EA add Linux support?
Maybe, eventually. In March 2026 an EA job listing for an anti-cheat engineer included the task to “chart a path” for Javelin to support “Linux and Proton” in the future. That’s a job description, not an announcement. There’s no date and no promise that FC games will be included. Until EA says otherwise, assume FC 27 stays off SteamOS.
Options that do work
| Option | Online modes & Clubs | Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Windows on the Steam Deck | ✔ Yes | You install and maintain Windows yourself; performance is weak |
| Stream from your Windows PC (Steam Remote Play) | ✔ Yes | Needs a gaming PC at home and a good local network |
| PS5 Remote Play | ✔ Yes | Needs a PS5 and PS Plus for online; adds input delay |
| Windows handheld (e.g. ROG Xbox Ally) | ✔ Yes | A different device, not a Deck fix |
| Nintendo Switch 2 version | ✔ Yes, with Switch 2 players only | 30fps and no crossplay |
Install Windows on the Steam Deck
This is the only way to run FC 27 on the Deck itself. Valve publishes Windows drivers for the Deck, and once Windows is installed, the anti-cheat works like it would on any PC. If the game then drops out when you switch windows, here’s how to fix FC 27 disconnects and crashes on Windows.
Be realistic about performance. EA’s minimum PC spec is a GTX 1050 Ti or RX 570 for 720p at 60fps on Low, and the Deck is a low-power handheld. We haven’t found any reliable FC 27 performance tests on a Deck under Windows. Our own FC 24 attempt (see below) was poor. Dual-booting also takes time and some technical know-how, and you’re responsible for Windows updates and drivers.
Stream instead of running it locally
If you already own a Windows gaming PC, Steam Remote Play streams the game to the Deck. The game runs on the PC, so the anti-cheat is happy. The same idea works with a PS5: Sony lists FC 27 as Remote Play supported, and Remote Play needs at least 5 Mbps, with 15 Mbps or more recommended. Either way you add some input delay, which you’ll notice in competitive online matches, so stream over a strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi or wired connection at home.
Cloud gaming
We found no confirmation that FC 27 is on GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming. FC 27 isn’t part of Game Pass beyond the EA Play trial. Rented cloud Windows PCs can run it, but at that point you’re paying for a remote PC. Check the service’s current game list before you subscribe.
Different handheld
Windows handhelds such as the ROG Xbox Ally run FC 27 natively, because the anti-cheat works on Windows. On the Switch 2, FC 27 includes The Grounds and Clubs, but Nintendo Life’s review says it runs at 30fps and has no crossplay, so you only play other Switch 2 owners. The original Switch and last-gen consoles don’t get The Grounds or Clubs at all. If you end up playing on a TV or monitor instead, see our pick of the best controller for EA FC.
Our FC 24 Steam Deck test (2023)
This is the original experience this page was written about. We’re keeping it as history. It’s about FC 24, not FC 27.
- We had to install Windows on the Deck because of the anti-cheat. Same situation today.
- On default settings, cutscenes dropped to about 10fps and gameplay at the 60fps target was unstable.
- Even with everything on the lowest setting, a 30fps cap and resolution scaling, the frame rate still jumped around.
- We also hit a bug with no commentary at all.
- We tested with EA’s 10-hour trial and were glad we hadn’t paid full price.
We haven’t repeated this test with FC 27. If you try it, use the EA Play 10-hour trial first, not a full purchase.
Tips
- 01Don’t buy it for the Deck. On SteamOS the game won’t start. Steam’s Unsupported label is accurate.
- 02Test with the trial. If you plan to run Windows on the Deck, check performance with the EA Play trial before buying.
- 03Streaming beats running it locally. If you own a gaming PC or PS5, Remote Play gives a better picture than the Deck can render itself.
- 04For Clubs, check who you’ll play with. Switch 2 players are in a separate pool from PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
FAQ
Is EA FC 27 Steam Deck verified?
No. Valve rates it Unsupported on Steam Deck, SteamOS and Steam Machine, and the reason it gives is anti-cheat.
Can I play FC 27 offline on Steam Deck, like Career Mode?
No. EA Javelin Anticheat runs for the whole game, not just online modes, so Proton can’t start it even for offline play.
Does FC 27 work on Linux with Proton?
Not officially. EA Javelin doesn’t support Linux or Proton. A few ProtonDB reports claim otherwise, but they’re unverified and conflict with Valve’s own rating.
Is Windows on the Steam Deck worth it for FC 27?
Only if you’re comfortable with dual-booting and with low settings. Streaming from a PC or PS5 you already own is usually the better experience.
Does FC 26 or FC 25 work on Steam Deck?
No. Valve rates FC 24, FC 25, FC 26 and FC 27 all Unsupported on Steam Deck, and GamingOnLinux lists all four as Broken because of EA Javelin Anticheat. The same workarounds apply: Windows on the Deck or streaming.
Will EA ever support the Steam Deck?
There’s no announcement. A 2026 EA job listing mentions future Linux and Proton support for Javelin, but there’s no date and nothing specific to FC.
Sources
Checked on 8 October 2026:
- Steam: EA SPORTS FC 27 store page (Steam Deck / SteamOS compatibility: Unsupported, anti-cheat) and ProtonDB FC 27
- Steam: EA SPORTS FC 26, EA SPORTS FC 25 and EA SPORTS FC 24 store pages (Steam Deck compatibility for each)
- GamingOnLinux: EA anti-cheat game list and EA Javelin job listing mentions Linux and Proton (4 Mar 2026)
- EA Help: EA Javelin anticheat on PC and FC 27 system requirements
- Valve: Steam Hardware Windows resources
- PlayStation: EA SPORTS FC 27 on PlayStation (Remote Play supported) and PS Remote Play requirements
- Nintendo Life: EA Sports FC 27 Switch 2 review (23 Sep 2026)
- Gamewave: FC 27 on Steam Deck (21 Sep 2026, French)