Epic's Linux Expansion
Epic Games develops native Linux launcher with major performance boosts and Steam Deck integration.
Key Points
Epic’s Epic Games Launcher is being rebuilt from the ground up for Linux, with promises of much faster startup times—roughly five times faster—rather than a simple port.
Beyond a native Linux build, Epic is signaling Linux-specific adaptations such as packaging formats (e.g., Flatpak) and possible automatic integration with the Steam client to support devices like the Steam Deck.
Epic is actively pursuing Linux anti-cheat improvements: Easy Anti-Cheat already works on Linux, and the company has posted roles to champion Linux anti-cheat capabilities as part of its broader Linux strategy.
Epic has not specified whether the Linux version will target SteamOS or which Linux distributions will be supported, and details remain unclear about platform targeting.
Epic Games has confirmed it is building a native Linux version of the Epic Games Store launcher — and it is coming "soon." Gaming on Linux reported that an Epic developer made the announcement during an Ask Me Anything session on the company's community Discord server.
The move would replace clunky third-party workarounds like the Heroic Launcher. It could also open the Epic Games Store to Steam Deck users for the first time, since Valve's popular handheld runs Linux — an operating system currently incompatible with Epic's launcher.
A Ground-Up Rebuild, Not a Simple Port
Epic is not just copying its existing launcher onto Linux. According to The PC Enthusiast, the company is rebuilding the launcher from scratch. The result is expected to start up roughly five times faster than the current version.
That is a significant promise. The current Epic Games launcher is widely criticized for being slow and resource-heavy. A full rebuild suggests Epic is treating Linux as a real platform — not an afterthought.
Steam Deck Could Finally Run Epic Games Store Natively
The Steam Deck is the most popular handheld gaming PC on the market. But as Pocket Tactics noted, it runs Linux — which has made the Epic Games Store completely inaccessible on the device. A native Linux launcher would fix that.
Rolling Out reported that Epic is also exploring Linux-specific packaging formats like Flatpak. There is even talk of automatic integration with the Steam client to help Steam Deck users access Epic's library more smoothly.
Anti-Cheat Progress, But Fortnite Still a Question Mark
One major hurdle for Linux gaming is anti-cheat software. Epic's Easy Anti-Cheat already has some Linux support. PC Guide noted that Epic has posted job listings specifically to strengthen Linux anti-cheat capabilities.
But that does not mean Fortnite is coming to Linux anytime soon. Anti-cheat and game compatibility are separate problems. Until both are fully solved, games like Fortnite will likely stay off Linux — even with a native launcher in place.
Timeline and Supported Distros Still Unknown
Epic said the Linux launcher is coming "soon" — but gave no release date. Gaming on Linux noted the Linux version will not be part of the next preview build. So users should not expect it immediately.
Epic has also not said which Linux distributions it will support, or whether it will target SteamOS specifically. Those details matter a lot for Steam Deck users. For now, the clearest takeaway is that Linux support is real, official, and actively in development — but the finish line is still out of sight.
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