Epic Games has released a testing build of its redesigned launcher for Linux, Windows and macOS, but Fortnite support will depend on a new Linux version of Easy Anti-Cheat.
Epic Games has released a preview build of its new launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux, marking the first time the company has extended the application to the open-source platform. The software is available from Epic’s own store, but the company says it is still a testing release and may contain bugs. Epic says the redesign is intended to be lighter, more responsive and faster to start, with a rebuilt interface and refinements to the library, search tools and download tracking.
The company has also highlighted performance gains. In its own announcement, Epic says the launcher opens in 5.47 seconds and uses fewer system resources than before. Tom’s Hardware reported that Epic has described the project as “vibe coded”, a term indicating that AI tools were used during development, although the company says human oversight remained part of the process. That approach reflects a broader internal shift at Epic, which has said it is moving some projects towards an “AI first” workflow.
Linux support is the most significant change for users on the platform, but it is limited at launch. According to Epic and reports from GamingOnLinux, the preview is officially supported only on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Fedora 43 and Debian 12 or later, though it may run on other distributions that have not been tested. Epic says it will gather feedback during the preview period before a wider release, which suggests the final compatibility list could still change.
The most important implication of the Linux launch is Fortnite itself. Epic says the game is coming to Linux through the new launcher once its anti-cheat systems are ready. That depends on Easy Anti-Cheat Linux v2, a rebuilt version of the company’s anti-cheat technology that Epic says is being designed specifically for Linux. Epic has said the system will be tested with Fortnite first, before being offered to other developers, while Phoronix reported that the new design relies on mechanisms such as systemd services, eBPF kernel programmes and UEFI Secure Boot requirements. For now, there is no public release date, and Epic’s plan still appears to be in development rather than imminent rollout.
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