You're probably here because you've got a killer Mac with M-series silicon or a high-end Linux rig, and you’re dying to play NetEase’s new hero shooter. You tried to boot it up. Then, the error hit. Marvel Rivals virtual machine support isn't just "not there"—it's actively blocked. It sucks. Honestly, it’s one of the most frustrating things about modern PC gaming, especially when you have the hardware power to run the game twice over but the software says "no."
The reality is that Marvel Rivals, like almost every competitive shooter released in the last three years, relies heavily on kernel-level anti-cheat. When you try to run Marvel Rivals on a virtual machine, the anti-cheat software—usually a variation of NetEase's proprietary Ace system—sees the virtualization layer and immediately flags it as a security risk. They aren't doing it to be mean to Linux users. They're doing it because VMs are the primary playground for developers making "undetectable" cheats.
The Anti-Cheat Wall: Why Virtualization Fails
Most people think a VM is just a computer inside a computer. It is. But to an anti-cheat program, it’s a mask. If you run Marvel Rivals in a virtual machine, the game can't see your actual hardware serial numbers. It can't verify that you aren't running a script on the "host" machine that is manipulating the "guest" machine where the game lives.
Because of this, the game usually won't even reach the main menu. You’ll get a "Security Violation" or a "Driver Load Error."
The Linux and Steam Deck Situation
If you’re on a Steam Deck, you’re essentially running a version of Linux. While the Steam Deck isn't a "virtual machine" in the traditional sense, it uses Proton, which is a translation layer. NetEase has been somewhat hot and cold about official Steam Deck support. During the closed alpha and beta phases, players found that while the game could run, the anti-cheat would often kick them after five minutes of gameplay.
It’s a cat-and-mouse game. Sometimes a Proton Hotfix makes it work; then a game update breaks it again. If you're trying to use a Marvel Rivals virtual machine setup on Linux through something like KVM or QEMU with GPU passthrough, you’re going to have an even harder time. Even with "hidden" state flags in your XML configuration, modern anti-cheats look for timing discrepancies. They measure how long it takes for the CPU to respond to certain requests. VMs almost always have a tiny bit of "jitter" or latency that gives the secret away.
Can You Bypass the VM Block?
You’ll see videos on YouTube or threads on Reddit claiming you can bypass the block by editing your registry or using specific obfuscation tools.
Be careful.
Messing with anti-cheat detection is the fastest way to get a hardware ID (HWID) ban. If NetEase catches you trying to hide the fact that you're using a Marvel Rivals virtual machine, they won't just close the game. They might ban your account and your "virtual" hardware, making it impossible to play even if you eventually switch to a native Windows partition.
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- GPU Passthrough: This is the most "successful" method, but it requires two GPUs and a lot of terminal knowledge.
- Parallels/VMWare: On Mac, these are almost guaranteed to fail because they don't provide the raw hardware access the game demands.
- Cloud Gaming: This is the "hidden" third option. Services like GeForce Now actually run the game on their servers (which are VMs!), but because they are trusted partners, the anti-cheat allows them.
The Mac Dilemma: M1, M2, and M3 Chips
If you own a Mac, you've probably heard of Game Porting Toolkit (GPTK) or Crossover. These aren't exactly virtual machines, but they operate similarly. Since Marvel Rivals is built on Unreal Engine 5, it technically could run beautifully on Apple hardware.
The problem? Anti-cheat. Again.
There is currently no way to run the Windows version of the anti-cheat on macOS. Unless NetEase decides to release a native Mac version—which isn't entirely impossible given the game's popularity—you are stuck. Some users have tried using a Marvel Rivals virtual machine through Windows on ARM, but the game's x86 architecture combined with the anti-cheat's low-level requirements creates a "compatibility sandwich" that just falls apart.
Is There a Future for Marvel Rivals on VMs?
Probably not in the way you want. Developers are getting stricter, not more lenient. As AI-powered cheats become more common, the "walled garden" approach is becoming the industry standard. They want you on a native, bare-metal install of Windows 10 or 11 with TPM 2.0 enabled.
However, there is hope for Linux users. If NetEase decides to "flip the switch" for Valve’s Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) Linux support (assuming they use a compatible version), then the Steam Deck and Linux desktops will work natively without needing a Marvel Rivals virtual machine. But for now? It’s a no-go.
Better Alternatives for Unsupported Systems
If you absolutely cannot install Windows natively on your machine, don't waste ten hours trying to configure a KVM. It’s a headache that ends in a ban.
- Dual Booting: If you're on a PC but hate Windows, just create a small 100GB partition specifically for Marvel Rivals. It’s the only way to guarantee the anti-cheat stays happy.
- GeForce Now: This is honestly the best bet for Mac and weak laptop users. NetEase often partners with NVIDIA. If the game is on GFN, you can play on a MacBook Air at 120 FPS without ever touching a virtual machine.
- Wait for Console: If you have a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, just play there. The meta is the same, and you don't have to deal with driver errors.
Actionable Steps for Players
Stop looking for a "magic" VM config. Instead, do this:
- Check the Official Discord: Search the "tech-support" channel for "Linux" or "VM." The developers occasionally post updates on whether they are working on compatibility.
- Audit your Hardware: If you are determined to use a VM, you MUST use a dedicated GPU passthrough (VFIO) setup. Anything less will be flagged instantly.
- Monitor ProtonDB: If you are a Linux user, watch the Marvel Rivals page on ProtonDB. It will tell you exactly which GE-Proton version is currently working, if any.
- Avoid Paid "Bypass" Tools: Never pay for a software that promises to make games work in a VM. These are almost always malware or will get you banned within 24 hours.
The most reliable way to play is a native Windows 10/11 environment. Virtualization is great for work, but for high-stakes hero shooters like Marvel Rivals, the "middleman" of a VM is an invitation for a ban hammer you don't want to feel.