Epic Games Confirms Native Linux Client as Steam Deck Gaming Grows

Digital storefront giant Epic Games has officially confirmed that it is developing native Linux support for the Epic Games Store. Revealed by an Epic Games team member during a Q&A session on the official Epic Games Store Discord server, this upcoming expansion promises to reshape how millions of players access their digital game libraries on Linux distributions and Linux-powered hardware like Valve’s Steam Deck.

While the team verified that the feature is coming soon, Epic confirmed that Linux support will not be part of the next preview release for its redesigned storefront client.

Why Is Official Linux Support Important for Epic Games Store Users?

Currently, the Epic Games Launcher only offers official desktop packages for Windows and macOS, alongside mobile deployments for Android and iOS in supported regions. Linux and SteamOS gamers have historically relied on community-made software workarounds to access their free weekly titles and purchased games.

To bridge this gap, players turn to third-party tools like the open-source Heroic Games Launcher and Lutris. These open-source applications utilize compatibility tools like Wine and Proton to launch Windows binaries on Linux machines.

A dedicated first-party application removes these technical barriers entirely:

• Streamlined Authentication: Direct sign-ins eliminate broken login tokens and session disconnects caused by launcher updates.
• Native Library Management: Cloud saves, auto-updates, and download queues run directly through Epic’s infrastructure.
• Resource Efficiency: Bypassing background Windows translation overlays conserves system memory and battery life on portable handhelds.

How Will the Native Linux Storefront Work Technical-Wise?

Epic Games clarified that building a Linux client involves far more than simply compiling the existing Windows executable for a new operating system. The development team is engineering a comprehensive platform integration rather than dropping a lightweight translation wrapper.

By engineering a solution specifically for the Linux ecosystem, Epic can optimize user interfaces for gamepad navigation, tailor background services to handle native file permissions, and integrate authentication mechanisms directly into Linux desktop environments.

What Does This Mean for the Steam Deck and Handheld PCs?

The handheld PC gaming market stands to gain the most from this development. Valve’s Steam Deck, driven by Arch Linux-based SteamOS, has proven that Linux is a viable mainstream platform for PC gaming.

1. Simpler Installation: Players will no longer need Desktop Mode scripts or non-Steam shortcut configurations to install the storefront.
2. Smooth Library Access: Users can claim weekly free games and install titles directly inside handheld gaming interfaces.
3. Better System Stability: Native client updates will prevent launcher breakage caused by SteamOS system updates.

Will Every Game on the Epic Games Store Play on Linux?

A native storefront client does not guarantee that every single game in the Epic Games Store catalog will automatically function on Linux. Game compatibility still relies on individual game engine support, binary translation performance, and anti-cheat implementation.

Flagship multiplayer titles like Fortnite remain a notable hurdle. Because Fortnite relies on kernel-level anti-cheat enforcement that Epic historically restricts on Linux environments, the arrival of a native launcher does not confirm that Fortnite will become playable on Steam Deck. Nevertheless, establishing an official Linux presence marks a major operational shift for Epic Games, laying the groundwork for broader platform support in the near future.