Epic Games Store Native Linux App Is Coming, Raising Hopes for Steam Deck Support and Fortnite on SteamOS
Epic Games is preparing to bring its store to Linux with a native client, a move that could be a major shift for PC gaming outside Windows. While the company has not shared a release date yet, a brief confirmation from an Epic employee has sparked excitement among Linux gamers, Steam Deck owners, and fans hoping to play Fortnite directly on SteamOS.
For years, Linux users who wanted access to their Epic Games library had to depend on third-party tools such as Heroic Games Launcher or Lutris. These apps have helped bridge the gap, but they are still workarounds rather than official solutions. A native Epic Games Store Linux client would make the experience much cleaner and could simplify game installation, updates, account access, and library management.
The confirmation came during a public Q&A session on the community Discord, where an Epic representative was asked whether there were new plans for a Linux version of the launcher. The answer was short but significant: “Soon.”
That does not mean the Linux client is arriving immediately. The same employee clarified that it will not be part of the upcoming preview version of the redesigned Epic Games Store. Still, the statement confirms that Epic is actively working on Linux support rather than simply leaving users to rely on unofficial options.
The bigger question is what Epic means by native Linux support. A launcher that opens on Linux is useful, but it does not automatically solve the biggest problem: game compatibility. Most games on the Epic Games Store are built for Windows, meaning they need compatibility layers such as Proton or Wine to run properly on Linux-based systems.
Epic appears to understand that a Linux launcher alone may not be enough. According to the discussion, the company needs to do more than simply create a Linux build of the store. That wording suggests Epic may be looking at a broader Linux gaming strategy, possibly including compatibility improvements, anti-cheat support, or better integration with existing Linux gaming tools.
Anti-cheat support is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. Many popular online games do not run on Linux because their anti-cheat systems either lack proper support or block compatibility layers. Epic has also been hiring for roles focused on improving Linux capabilities for its anti-cheat technology, which has fueled speculation that the company may be preparing for wider Linux gaming support.
Naturally, Fortnite is at the center of the conversation. At the moment, Fortnite does not run locally on SteamOS. Steam Deck users who want to play it must either use cloud gaming services or install Windows on the device. If Epic improves Linux anti-cheat support and brings its store natively to Linux, it could potentially open the door for Fortnite on Steam Deck and other SteamOS hardware.
However, that has not been confirmed. Epic has not announced Fortnite support for Linux, SteamOS, Steam Deck, or Steam Machine. For now, the possibility remains speculation, even if the latest developments make it feel more realistic than before.
Steam Deck owners are especially interested because Valve’s handheld runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system. A native Epic Games Store client could make it easier to access Epic libraries without switching to Desktop Mode or configuring third-party launchers. Ideally, users would be able to install the Epic Games Store, browse their games, and launch supported titles directly from Gaming Mode.
That would be a huge quality-of-life improvement. Today, setting up Epic games on the Steam Deck often requires extra steps, including installing a third-party launcher, logging in through unofficial tools, adding shortcuts, and tweaking compatibility settings. While many experienced users are comfortable doing this, it can be intimidating for casual players.
The same could apply to future SteamOS-powered devices such as the Steam Machine. If Epic’s Linux client supports SteamOS well, it could make Valve’s ecosystem more open to games purchased outside Steam. That would benefit players who have built up large Epic Games libraries through purchases and free weekly game giveaways.
Still, there are several unknowns. Epic has not confirmed whether the Linux client will support SteamOS directly, whether it will work smoothly in handheld-friendly interfaces, or whether it will include built-in support for running Windows games through Proton or Wine. It is also unclear which games will be playable at launch.
Even without those answers, the move is important. Official Epic Games Store support for Linux would be a strong signal that major gaming platforms are taking Linux more seriously. Valve has already pushed Linux gaming forward with Proton and Steam Deck, and Epic entering the space could bring more competition, more convenience, and better support for players who do not want to use Windows.
For now, Linux gamers will have to wait for more details. Epic’s only public timeline is “soon,” which leaves plenty of room for interpretation. But the confirmation alone is enough to make the Linux gaming community pay attention.
If Epic delivers more than just a basic launcher, this could become one of the most important Linux gaming updates in years. A native Epic Games Store app, improved anti-cheat compatibility, smoother Steam Deck integration, and the possibility of Fortnite on SteamOS would make Linux gaming far more attractive to mainstream players.
