Epic Games Launcher SteamOS support is confirmed

Epic Games Launcher SteamOS support is confirmed, with Fedora, CachyOS and Omarchy also planned. Fortnite's Linux arrival is still unclear.

FireGhost

November 9, 2026, 09:50 AM4 min read

Contents11 sections

Epic Games Launcher SteamOS support is now confirmed. Epic communications director Jake Jones said the new Linux launcher will officially support SteamOS and the Steam Deck. The launcher is still in preview.

According to The Verge's November 8 report, that does not mean Fortnite is coming to SteamOS. The anti-cheat problem is still open.

Key facts

Statement: Epic's Jake Jones spoke to GamingOnLinux
Planned distros: Fedora, SteamOS, CachyOS, Omarchy and more
Status: the new launcher is still in preview
AppImage: Epic says it will restore the package this month
Fortnite: no Linux date; the Easy Anti-Cheat v2 question is still open

Will the Epic Games Launcher SteamOS version work on Steam Deck?

Epic released its new launcher in preview on Linux for the first time in October. SteamOS was not specifically listed as a supported distro then. Jones has now cleared that up. As quoted by The Verge, Epic plans to support as many distributions as possible, including Fedora, SteamOS, Cachy, Omarchy and more.

SteamOS logo (Source: Valve - Steam)

Jones also said Epic is testing packaging formats. One question mentioned the AppImage being replaced by Debian and Ubuntu .deb downloads. Epic says it will restore the AppImage this month. That should give handheld and desktop Linux players more ways to install it.

Is Fortnite coming to SteamOS?

The short answer is that nobody knows yet. On October 14, Epic said it is rebuilding Easy Anti-Cheat to bring Fortnite to Linux. In its words, it will first work with distro maintainers on security requirements. Once enough of them are on board, Fortnite will come to Linux through the launcher.

The Verge reports that Epic engineering director Rick Deist gave no timeline for a Linux version. Deist also said Epic is "investigating" SteamOS compatibility. Epic Games Store VP Martin Keely said the company does not plan to bring Fortnite to the Steam store.

Why is the Steam Deck an obstacle?

In its October statement, Epic said the Steam Deck does not support the features its EAC v2 solution requires. The company said it is talking with Valve and hopes to support it in the future. The Verge's latest report says EAC Linux v2 support remains an open question. So even with the launcher, Fortnite on Steam Deck is not guaranteed.

Steam Deck handheld showing its home screen — Steam Deck home screen (Source: Valve - Steam Deck)

Why has Fortnite been missing on Linux?

The reason was cheating. Easy Anti-Cheat supports Linux, but Fortnite did not. In February 2022, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said the company lacked confidence it could fight cheating at scale across a wide array of kernel configurations.

Epic is now building a new version called EAC Linux v2. It will be piloted in Fortnite first. Epic says it will make the improvements available to other developers too, so more games could follow. This part is still a plan.

What does this mean for players?

For Linux and Steam Deck owners, the biggest gain could be easier access to an Epic Games Store library and its free games. Epic gives away games every week. Last week, for example, Flotsam was free from November 5 to 12. An official Linux launcher could make claiming and installing such games simpler on a handheld.

For now, everything is at preview level. A confirmed support statement is a promise, not a finished product. If you are new to Valve's handheld, our Steam Deck release date article offers background. For the latest Fortnite news, see the Pirate Shop odds report.

Frequently asked questions

When will the Epic Games Launcher arrive on SteamOS?

Epic has not given a date. The new launcher is still in preview, and the company says it will restore the AppImage download this month.

Is Fortnite coming to SteamOS?

Not yet. Epic is rebuilding Easy Anti-Cheat for Linux but has no timeline for Fortnite. The Steam Deck also does not currently support the features Epic's new system needs.