It’s Happening: Epic Games Store Finally Hits Linux
Epic Games Store Coming to Linux "Soon" – What This Means for Steam Deck Owners
Big news for handheld gamers: Epic Games is working on a native Linux version of their store, which could make playing Epic games on Steam Deck much easier!
What’s the Big News?
During a recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on the Epic Games Store Discord server, an Epic staff member (@onepercentnachos) confirmed that Linux support is coming "soon." This is exciting because it means Epic is building an official version of their store that runs natively on Linux—the operating system that powers the Steam Deck.
Important Callout
This is NOT in the next preview build. The Epic team said it "requires more work than just having a dedicated Linux build," so it’ll take a little more time to get it right.
Why Does This Matter for Steam Deck Owners?
Right now, playing Epic Games Store titles on Steam Deck isn’t super simple. Here’s the current situation vs. what’s coming:
Current Way (Workaround)
- You need community-made tools like Heroic Games Launcher
- These tools use Proton (a compatibility layer) to run Windows apps on Linux
- It works, but it’s an extra step and not officially supported
Future Way (Native Linux Support)
- Epic Games Store app runs directly on Linux — no middleman needed
- Smoother performance and better integration
- Easier access to those weekly free games Epic gives away
- One-click install — just like Steam games!
What Could This Unlock?
A native Epic launcher on Linux opens up exciting possibilities:
| Potential Benefit | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Better Performance | Games launch faster, fewer glitches |
| Free Games Made Easy | Claim and install weekly freebies directly |
| Fortnite on Deck? | Possible — but not guaranteed (anti-cheat is the hurdle) |
| More Games Playable | Other Epic-exclusive titles could become Deck-friendly |
| Official Support | Updates and fixes come straight from Epic |
Pro Tip
Even with a native launcher, games themselves still need to support Linux (or work well through Proton). The launcher is just the storefront — the games are a separate piece of the puzzle.
What About Anti-Cheat?
This is the biggest hurdle for games like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League.
- Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) & BattlEye — used by many Epic games — often block Linux/Proton by default
- Epic would need to enable Linux support in their anti-cheat tools
- Some developers choose not to enable it (security concerns, player base size, etc.)
- Hope remains — Valve has worked with anti-cheat makers before (e.g., for Apex Legends on Steam Deck)
Step-by-Step: What to Do Right Now
While we wait for the official Linux launch, here’s how to keep playing Epic games on your Steam Deck:
- Install Heroic Games Launcher from Discover (Steam Deck’s app store) or Flatpak
- Log in with your Epic Games account
- Browse, claim, and install your Epic library — including free weekly games
- Add games to Steam as non-Steam games for easy Deck UI access
- Enjoy! Most games run great via Proton (check ProtonDB for compatibility)
Summary
- Epic Games Store native Linux app is confirmed "coming soon"
- Not in the next preview build — needs more polish
- Will make Epic games much easier to access on Steam Deck
- Free weekly games = one-click install (finally!)
- Fortnite & anti-cheat games? Still uncertain — depends on Epic enabling Linux support in their anti-cheat
- Bottom line: More official Linux support = better experience for Deck owners. Keep an eye out!
FAQ
1. When exactly is "soon"?
No exact date was given. Epic said it’s coming "soon" but not in the next preview build. Think weeks to a few months — not years.
2. Will this let me play Fortnite on Steam Deck?
Maybe, but don’t count on it yet. Fortnite uses kernel-level anti-cheat that currently blocks Linux. Epic would need to explicitly enable Linux support for it to work.
3. Do I still need Heroic Launcher after this launches?
Eventually, no — the native Epic app will handle everything. But Heroic will still be a great backup and supports GOG, Amazon, and other stores too.
4. What about GOG? You mentioned them too.
GOG is also building a native Linux launcher! They’ve been working on it publicly for a while. Two major stores going native = huge win for Linux gaming.
5. Will all my Epic games work on Steam Deck once the native launcher arrives?
Only if the games themselves support Linux or run well via Proton. The launcher is just the store — game compatibility depends on each title’s developer.
Want more Steam Deck tips, news, and game guides? Check out SteamDeckHQ.com for reviews, tutorials, and the latest handheld gaming updates!