Epic Games plans to support SteamOS and other Linux distributions

Epic Games intends to make its new launcher preview compatible with numerous Linux operating systems, including SteamOS, Fedora, Cachy, and Omarchy, according to communications director Jake Jones. The launcher preview released on October 14.

Image: GamingOnLinux

Currently, the preview is available as a .deb package for Debian and Ubuntu. Epic is testing different packaging formats and says it will bring back the AppImage version in November. In the current preview, the launcher downloads GE-Proton to run Windows games.

Epic has not stated how the launcher will function in SteamOS Game Mode. While the launcher may provide access to Epic libraries on the Steam Deck, Fortnite will not be available on Linux until EAC Linux v2 is ready. That anti-cheat version requires a signed kernel and Secure Boot. Epic says it is talking with Valve because the Steam Deck does not currently support those requirements.