Epic Games is developing a native Linux version of its store launcher, promising a smoother experience for Steam Deck users and broader platform openness, despite ongoing compatibility hurdles for some titles like Fortnite.
Epic Games is preparing a native Linux version of its store launcher, a move that could make life easier for Steam Deck owners who have long relied on workarounds to reach their Epic libraries. According to a Discord Q&A referenced by Journal du Geek, an Epic staff member said Linux support is “coming soon”, although it will not appear in the next preview build because the work is more involved than a simple port.
For Steam Deck users, the change would remove a common friction point. At present, many players use third-party tools such as Heroic Games Launcher to install and run Epic titles through Proton. That approach works, but it adds another layer of setup and maintenance, and it is not always approachable for less technical users. A native launcher would make access to Epic’s weekly free games and existing purchases much more direct.
The wider significance is bigger than a single launcher. Reuters has repeatedly reported on the pressure placed on closed distribution systems by the Epic Games versus Apple dispute, and on the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which has pushed Apple to allow alternative app stores under certain conditions. Epic’s own store has already appeared on iOS and iPadOS in parts of Europe, reflecting a broader shift towards platform openness across the industry.
Even so, a Linux launcher does not mean every Epic game will work on Steam Deck. Anti-cheat remains the main obstacle for some titles, and Fortnite is the clearest example. GamesBeat and GameSpot have both reported that Epic chief executive Tim Sweeney has ruled out native Steam Deck support for Fortnite, citing the difficulty of policing cheating across varied kernel environments. So the new launcher could improve access to the store, but not remove every compatibility limit.
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