Epic Games says its new Linux launcher will support SteamOS, the system on Steam Deck and Steam Machine. Communications director Jake Jones named SteamOS alongside Fedora, Cachy and Omarchy in a statement to GamingOnLinux, and said AppImage downloads return this month. It does not mean Fortnite is coming to Steam Deck: Epic’s anti-cheat still is not supported there.
Last checked on November 9, 2026. Official The quote comes from Epic’s own communications director, given to GamingOnLinux on November 6: “The new Epic Games Launcher is still in Preview and we plan to support as many Linux distributions as possible, including Fedora, SteamOS, Cachy, Omarchy, and more. We’re testing and evaluating packaging formats for distribution, and we’ll restore AppImage this month.” The Verge and TechPowerUp both reported the same statement on November 8, and TechPowerUp notes it appears to be the first time Epic has named SteamOS explicitly.
Linux support at a glance
| Platform or format | Status today | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Debian / Ubuntu (.deb) | Available in the Preview | Official GamingOnLinux, TechPowerUp |
| AppImage | Was the first Preview format, pulled, returning in November | Official Epic statement |
| Fedora | “Coming soon” in Epic’s FAQ; named in the statement | Official |
| SteamOS (Steam Deck, Steam Machine) | Planned, no date | Official |
| CachyOS, Omarchy | Planned, no date | Official |
| Flatpak / Flathub | Not mentioned by Epic | Not announced |
| How it behaves in SteamOS Game Mode | Not explained | Not announced |
Fortnite on Steam Deck: still a no
Official In October, when Epic said it was investigating Fortnite on Linux, it said the Steam Deck “does not support the required features for our EAC v2 solution,” and that it was talking with Valve. Reported TechPowerUp explains that the new Easy Anti-Cheat for Linux relies on a signed kernel, Secure Boot and other security features. Nothing in the November statement changes that. The launcher is likely to reach Steam Deck owners well before Fortnite does.
What this changes for Steam Deck owners
| Today | With an official SteamOS launcher |
|---|---|
| Third-party tools such as Heroic Games Launcher reach your Epic library | Epic’s own app could install and update games directly |
| Windows games run through Proton set up by the third-party tool | Reported The Preview downloads GE-Proton itself to run Windows games (TechPowerUp) |
| Free weekly Epic games claimed in a browser or third-party app | Claim and install in one place |
| Anti-cheat games that block Linux still blocked | Still blocked; a launcher does not change a game’s anti-cheat |
Windows games remain Windows games. A native launcher does not make them native Linux ports, it only manages the compatibility layer for you. Games whose anti-cheat refuses Linux, like Fortnite, stay out of reach either way.
What to do now
- On Steam Deck, keep using Heroic or a similar tool until Epic ships a SteamOS-ready package. Installing a Debian package on SteamOS is not the supported path.
- On Ubuntu, Debian or a derivative desktop, you can try the Preview now with the .deb.
- Watch for the AppImage this month. That format runs on most distributions without installing system packages, so it is the likeliest early route onto SteamOS desktop mode.
- If Fortnite is the only reason you want Epic on your Deck, wait for an Epic or Valve announcement about EAC v2.
Key takeaways
- Epic named SteamOS as a planned target for its Linux launcher, in an official statement on November 6.
- Today the Preview ships as a .deb for Debian and Ubuntu; AppImage returns in November.
- No date for SteamOS, and no word on Game Mode integration.
- Fortnite on Steam Deck is still blocked by anti-cheat requirements.
FAQ
Is the Epic Games Launcher coming to Steam Deck?
Epic says it plans to support SteamOS, which runs on Steam Deck and Steam Machine. It has not given a date.
Can I play Fortnite on Steam Deck with the new launcher?
No. Epic said in October that Steam Deck does not support the features its EAC v2 anti-cheat needs, and the November statement did not change that.
Which Linux distributions does the Epic launcher support?
The Preview ships as a .deb for Debian and Ubuntu. Epic plans Fedora, SteamOS, Cachy, Omarchy and more, and says AppImage returns in November 2026.
Will Windows Epic games run on Linux?
Through a compatibility layer. TechPowerUp reports the Preview downloads GE-Proton to run them.
When did the Linux launcher Preview start?
TechPowerUp dates the Preview to October 14, 2026, after Epic announced native Linux plans in August.
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Image: HUDWire graphic. Checked November 9, 2026.