Focus Entertainment has quietly removed Denuvo DRM from Atomic Heart, a move that could significantly improve stability for players on the Steam Deck. The change matters because the protection software frequently triggered 24-hour lockouts when users adjusted Proton layers, a common practice for Linux-based gaming. This update clears a major friction point for handheld gamers who previously faced arbitrary shutdowns during testing or normal play.
Patch strips anti-tamper tech to end arbitrary 24-hour bans
The developer released a new patch for the title that strips the anti-tamper technology from the game files. SteamDeckHQ confirmed the removal by analyzing the actual game data rather than relying on official documentation. The patch notes did not mention this significant change, leaving players to discover the update through technical inspection of the game assets.
Denuvo DRM previously caused performance drops and flagged Proton layer changes on the Steam Deck, resulting in a 24-hour ban from the game. The removal of this layer may result in a noticeable performance boost, particularly on demanding hardware like the Steam Deck. This technical adjustment addresses the specific compatibility issues that plagued Linux users for years.
The Steam store page still lists Denuvo DRM as present, creating a discrepancy between the metadata and the actual game files. Atomic Heart has been available for over three years, making the removal of this protection logical from a piracy prevention perspective. We looked at the last Atomic Heart update earlier while tracking similar stability themes in the game's lifecycle.
This patch resolves the specific lockout issues that frustrated Steam Deck users while leaving the core game experience intact. Players can now adjust compatibility layers without fear of temporary bans, streamlining the setup process for Linux gaming.
Source: SteamDeckHQ
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