Currently, accessing the Epic Games Store on the Steam Deck requires workarounds. That's set to change: Epic Games intends to officially support its new Linux launcher on SteamOS. This was confirmed by Communications Director Jake Jones in an interview with GamingOnLinux.
Epic has not provided a release date. In addition to SteamOS, Fedora, CachyOS, and Omarchy were mentioned, indicating that the launcher aims to support as many distributions as possible.
How far along is Epic's Linux launcher?
The new Epic Games Launcher has been available as a preview for Linux since October 14. Currently, it officially supports Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Debian 12 (or newer versions). While the software might run on other distributions, it is neither tested nor officially supported there.
- Logging in with an Epic account, as well as managing and installing games, already works in the preview.
- Initially, an AppImage was provided; currently, a DEB package is available. According to Jones, the AppImage is expected to return in November.
- Epic is evaluating additional package formats.
What will the launcher bring to the Steam Deck?
Until now, Steam Deck users have relied on third-party solutions like the open-source launcher Heroic or Lutris to install Epic games. An official client could eliminate this workaround. It remains unclear how well it will integrate into the Deck's Gaming Mode.
Furthermore, a native launcher doesn't guarantee that all games will run: many titles are released only for Windows and require Wine or Proton – whether that works depends on the individual game.
Why is Fortnite still missing on Linux?
Fortnite remains unavailable for now. While Epic plans a Linux version, its Easy Anti-Cheat system needs to be adapted. According to Epic, EAC Linux v2 requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, which the Steam Deck currently does not offer. Epic is therefore negotiating with Valve for a solution. Whether and when Fortnite will come to the Deck is uncertain.
A Linux trend is emerging: We recently reported that GOG Galaxy will be released for Linux for the first time in 2027, following a redesign.
Source: ComputerBase, GamingOnLinux, Epic Online Services
Would you prefer to launch Epic games on the Steam Deck via an official launcher, or will you stick with Heroic?
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