Helldivers 2 has replaced GameGuard with Easy Anti-Cheat in update 7.2.0, released October 20. Arrowhead warns that some mods may stop working and even non-malicious cosmetic projects may need updates from their creators. Linux and Steam Deck compatibility remains unchanged, according to the studio.

Arrowhead says GameGuard had not been effective enough. The new implementation adds security measures aimed at cheat mods that interfere with other players, collection rates and the shared Galactic War. The 7.2.0 patch notes now list EAC as implemented, following the separate announcement explaining the switch.

A Helldiver fires an energy weapon across a concrete compound in an official Helldivers 2 screenshot.
Image: Arrowhead Game Studios / PlayStation Publishing LLC.

Cosmetic does not mean guaranteed compatibility

The studio says it appreciates cosmetic and non-gameplay mods that do not negatively affect teammates. That is not an approval list: Arrowhead also says it cannot determine which mods are safe to use, leaving that decision to the player.

If a cosmetic project stops functioning, check its creator's current compatibility notes. Arrowhead says modders may need to update their work after game updates. It has not established that every cosmetic mod is broken, and this announcement does not set out a detailed new ban policy.

If you believe EAC or another system is blocking a non-destructive mod or other software, Arrowhead asks you to contact official support. Report the specific problem rather than assuming behavior described for another EAC game applies here.

Linux support and hardware requirements stay unchanged

Arrowhead's FAQ says Steam Deck and Linux users can still play, with no change to compatibility. It also says the EAC implementation adds no new hardware requirements. That does not guarantee every modded setup will keep working.

The security announcement supplies no benchmark proving an EAC-specific frame-rate improvement. Patch 7.2.0 separately lists CPU and stutter optimizations, but those notes do not establish how much of any performance change comes from replacing GameGuard.

Check your mod creator's update before relying on an old setup, and use Arrowhead support for blocked non-destructive software. Our Helldivers 2 hub keeps the game's other updates together. The confirmed news is the security transition and its compatibility warning, not a guarantee that every mod is safe or that every PC will run faster.