What Linux players can use today
Epic Games released a preview of its rebuilt launcher on October 14, including its first native Linux version. The launcher announcement and download page are live, but this is an early release rather than a promise that every game in an Epic library will run on Linux.
The current Linux support list is Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or newer, Fedora 43 or newer, and Debian 12 or newer. Epic lists an x86-64 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 2 GB of available storage. Other distributions may work but are not officially tested or supported. Windows-only games may still need a compatibility layer, so the launcher’s compatibility and a game’s compatibility must be checked separately.
| Component | Current status |
|---|---|
| Epic Games Launcher | Preview available on supported Linux distributions |
| Fortnite on Linux | Planned; not available yet and no launch date announced |
| EAC Linux v2 | Rebuild in progress; Fortnite planned as the first pilot |
| Steam Deck | Does not currently support the required EAC v2 features |
The preview brings a redesigned library, collections, search and a download manager that reports download, read and write speeds. Epic’s speed comparisons are commissioned benchmark claims, not independent PatchCrest testing. They should not be treated as guaranteed results on a particular PC.
Why Fortnite is a separate step
Epic says it will bring Fortnite to Linux through the launcher once its rebuilt Easy Anti-Cheat works with a sufficient group of distribution maintainers. It plans to test EAC Linux v2 in Fortnite first, then offer the improvements to other developers after validation. There is no published Fortnite Linux release date in these announcements.
Easy Anti-Cheat already supports Linux and Windows games running through Wine or Proton, but developers must enable that support for each game. Epic says the existing Linux implementation could not offer protection comparable to Windows, which is why Fortnite has not used it. The new plan does not automatically make every anticheat-protected game compatible.
- EAC Linux v2 requires a signed kernel and signed modules using recognized keys, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and measured boot.
- It also requires kernel lockdown integrity mode, disabled kexec and an active BPF Linux Security Module. Non-handheld devices must meet the stated IOMMU configuration requirement.
- Epic says it will use existing Linux security features, eBPF programs and a systemd service—not an additional anticheat kernel module. The service runs while a protected game is running.
Those requirements describe a system configuration, not a simple launcher switch. Epic says they may evolve and that some distributions need configuration changes. Its FAQ says a player who starts a protected game without meeting them will receive an error rather than a cheating ban.
Steam Deck support is not confirmed
A desktop Linux distribution and SteamOS on a handheld are not interchangeable promises. The practical question is whether the device’s hardware and boot configuration meet the requirements for a particular protected game. Installing the new launcher alone does not establish that Fortnite will run.
What to check before switching launchers
Epic says purchases, installed games, cloud saves and progress carry over, but the preview still lacks some legacy features. Its download page also warns that installing it automatically uninstalls the legacy launcher. Competitive players and developers on live projects are advised to keep using the current launcher during the preview.
The macOS build supports Apple Silicon, not Intel Macs; the Windows build lists Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit. These platform limits matter before choosing an installer. Offline play depends on the installed game being eligible, and setup and online features require an internet connection.
Anticheat requirements remain game-specific. For comparison, PatchCrest’s Apex Legends report covers EA’s separate PC migration and its stated Secure Boot position; it is not evidence that Epic’s forthcoming Linux requirements will apply to Apex.