Epic Games Names SteamOS Among Planned Linux Targets for Its New Launcher

Sunday, November 8th 2026

SteamOS is now officially on the list of Linux distributions Epic Games plans to support with its new Epic Games Launcher. In a statement to GamingOnLinux, Epic communications director Jake Jones said the launcher is still in Preview, and that Epic plans to "support as many Linux distributions as possible, including Fedora, SteamOS, Cachy, Omarchy, and more." It seems to be the first time Epic has explicitly named SteamOS, which runs on the Steam Deck and Steam Machine. For now, the Preview only ships as a.deb package for Debian and Ubuntu, though Epic says it is testing other packaging formats and will bring back the AppImage version this month. Epic first said a native Linux launcher was coming back in August, and the Preview arrived on October 14.

For Steam Deck owners, official support could mean an easier way into their Epic libraries without third-party tools like the Heroic Games Launcher. However, Epic hasn't said how the launcher will work in SteamOS's Game Mode, and Windows games will still need a compatibility layer. In the current Preview, the launcher handles that by downloading GE-Proton. As for Fortnite, Epic plans to bring it to Linux through the new launcher once EAC Linux v2 is ready, but the new anti-cheat relies on a signed kernel, Secure Boot, and several other security features. Back in October, Epic said the Steam Deck doesn't currently support what EAC v2 needs, and that it is talking with Valve about it. It looks like Steam Deck owners will get the launcher well before they get Fortnite.

Sources:

GamingOnLinux, via Videocardz

For Steam Deck owners, official support could mean an easier way into their Epic libraries without third-party tools like the Heroic Games Launcher. However, Epic hasn't said how the launcher will work in SteamOS's Game Mode, and Windows games will still need a compatibility layer. In the current Preview, the launcher handles that by downloading GE-Proton. As for Fortnite, Epic plans to bring it to Linux through the new launcher once EAC Linux v2 is ready, but the new anti-cheat relies on a signed kernel, Secure Boot, and several other security features. Back in October, Epic said the Steam Deck doesn't currently support what EAC v2 needs, and that it is talking with Valve about it. It looks like Steam Deck owners will get the launcher well before they get Fortnite.