Epic Games Launcher is coming to SteamOS
Epic Games has officially confirmed that its Linux launcher will support SteamOS and the Steam Deck, marking the first time the store client will run natively on Valve's platform. The announcement expands Epic's Linux roadmap beyond the previously announced Ubuntu and Arch targets. However, Fortnite remains unavailable on SteamOS because its kernel-level anti-cheat system is not yet compatible with Linux, leaving the service's flagship title blocked despite the launcher's arrival.
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- ✓ Epic Games confirmed its Linux launcher will officially support SteamOS and Steam Deck.
- ✓ Fortnite is not coming to SteamOS at launch due to kernel-level anti-cheat incompatibility.
- ✓ Epic previously listed Ubuntu and Arch as planned Linux distributions for the launcher.
What changed
Epic Games publicly confirmed SteamOS and Steam Deck as supported targets for its upcoming Linux launcher, whereas previous statements only mentioned investigation of Fortnite compatibility.
Live updates
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Epic Games Launcher confirmed for SteamOS and Steam Deck
Epic Games has officially confirmed that its Linux launcher will support SteamOS and the Steam Deck, marking the first time the store client will run natively on Valve's platform. The announcement expands Epic's Linux roadmap beyond the previously announced Ubuntu and Arch targets. However, Fortnite remains unavailable on SteamOS because its kernel-level anti-cheat system is not yet compatible with Linux, leaving the service's flagship title blocked despite the launcher's arrival.
Why it matters
Epic has historically avoided Linux support, citing anti-cheat and market-size concerns. Valve's Proton layer already runs many Windows games on SteamOS, but Epic's own store and launcher were absent. This move signals a shift in Epic's platform strategy and could broaden the Steam Deck's library if developers opt in. The Fortnite gap highlights the remaining technical barrier for competitive multiplayer titles on Linux.
What is confirmed
- Epic Games confirmed its Linux launcher will officially support SteamOS and Steam Deck.
- Fortnite is not coming to SteamOS at launch due to kernel-level anti-cheat incompatibility.
- Epic previously listed Ubuntu and Arch as planned Linux distributions for the launcher.
Still unconfirmed
- The launcher may enter public preview before the end of 2026.
- Epic could eventually support Fortnite on Linux if anti-cheat vendors update their kernel modules.
What to watch next
- Epic Games announces a release date or public beta for the SteamOS launcher.
- Anti-cheat providers such as Easy Anti-Cheat or BattlEye declare Linux kernel support for Fortnite.
- Valve updates SteamOS with changes that facilitate third-party store integration.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (15)
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