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Integrate anti-cheat solutions with Steam games. Covers EasyAntiCheat (EAC), BattlEye, and VAC setup, Proton/Linux compatibility, Steam Deck considerations, and custom anti-cheat patterns. Use when adding anti-cheat protection to a multiplayer Steam game.
| name | steam-anticheat-integration |
| description | Integrate anti-cheat solutions with Steam games. Covers EasyAntiCheat (EAC), BattlEye, and VAC setup, Proton/Linux compatibility, Steam Deck considerations, and custom anti-cheat patterns. Use when adding anti-cheat protection to a multiplayer Steam game. |
| standards-version | 1.10.0 |
Use this skill when the user:
| Solution | Type | Proton/Linux | Steam Deck | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EasyAntiCheat (EAC) | Kernel + user mode | Supported (opt-in) | Supported (opt-in) | Free (via Epic) | Competitive MP, battle royale |
| BattlEye | Kernel + user mode | Supported (opt-in) | Supported (opt-in) | Paid license | Large-scale MP, MMOs |
| VAC | Server-side + client | Native support | Native support | Free (Valve) | Source/GoldSrc games, Steamworks titles |
| Custom | Varies | Developer-dependent | Developer-dependent | Development cost | Specific needs, lightweight protection |
| None | N/A | N/A | N/A | Free | Single-player, co-op, trust-based |
Setup:
#include "eac_sdk.h"
// Initialize EAC
EOS_AntiCheatClient_BeginSession(AntiCheatClientHandle, &Options);
// On game tick
EOS_AntiCheatClient_Poll(AntiCheatClientHandle);
// On disconnect
EOS_AntiCheatClient_EndSession(AntiCheatClientHandle);
Proton/Linux support:
Steam Deck:
Setup:
#include "BattlEye.h"
// Initialize
BEClient_Init(version, &callbacks);
// Game loop
BEClient_Run();
// Shutdown
BEClient_Shutdown();
Proton/Linux support:
VAC is Valve's built-in anti-cheat system. It's primarily used with Source engine games but can be enabled for any Steamworks title.
Setup:
// Mark server as VAC-secured
SteamGameServer()->SetSecure(true);
// Check if client is VAC-banned
bool banned = SteamGameServer()->BSecure();
Characteristics:
| Anti-Cheat | Deck Status | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| EAC | Works | Enable Wine/Proton in EAC portal |
| BattlEye | Works | Contact BattlEye to enable Proton |
| VAC | Works | No action needed (server-side) |
| Custom kernel-level | Blocked | Will NOT work under Proton |
| Custom user-mode | May work | Test under Proton; avoid kernel calls |
Critical: Kernel-level anti-cheat that has NOT been updated for Proton will prevent your game from running on Steam Deck. This is the #1 cause of Deck verification failure for multiplayer games.
Do:
Don't:
Regardless of anti-cheat solution, always validate on the server:
// Validate Steam auth ticket
EBeginAuthSessionResult result = SteamGameServer()->BeginAuthSession(
authTicket, ticketSize, steamID);
if (result != k_EBeginAuthSessionResultOK) {
// Reject connection
}
// Validate gameplay data server-side
if (playerSpeed > MAX_ALLOWED_SPEED) {
// Flag or kick player
}
// Never trust client-reported values for:
// - Position/velocity
// - Health/damage
// - Score/currency
// - Inventory changes
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| EasyAntiCheat | https://dev.easy.ac/ |
| BattlEye | https://www.battleye.com/ |
| VAC | https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/features/anticheat |
| Proton Anti-Cheat | https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/steamdeck/proton |
| Deck Anti-Cheat Compat | https://areweanticheatyet.com/ |
User: "I'm making a competitive FPS. I need anti-cheat that works on Steam Deck. What should I use?"
Agent:
| Step | MCP Tool | Auth | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verify app | steam_getAppDetails({ appid }) | None | Confirm game exists and check platform list |
Anti-cheat configuration requires the Steamworks Partner site and anti-cheat vendor portals — not available via MCP.
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