The upcoming game Highguard will require Secure Boot and Easy Anti-Cheat to run, effectively excluding Linux users and those wary of kernel modifications. Players will also need a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). This decision, announced in early 2026, highlights ongoing tensions between anti-cheat measures and open-source gaming communities.
Highguard, a forthcoming title in the gaming world, has set specific hardware and software requirements that prioritize security over broad compatibility. According to reports from PC Gamer, the game demands Secure Boot, a feature that verifies the integrity of the operating system's boot process, along with Easy Anti-Cheat, a popular kernel-level anti-cheating solution. Additionally, a TPM is necessary, adding another layer of hardware dependency.
These requirements pose significant barriers for Linux gamers and users who prefer to maintain control over their kernel configurations. Secure Boot and kernel-mode anti-cheat tools often conflict with custom or non-Windows setups, leaving enthusiasts of open-source systems unable to participate without major workarounds.
The announcement, published on January 23, 2026, underscores the trade-offs developers face in combating cheating while aiming for accessibility. No further details on Highguard's release date or gameplay were provided in the initial coverage, but the stipulations have already sparked discussions in gaming forums about inclusivity in PC titles.
