Epic Games Store Confirms Official Native Linux Client Development

Epic Games has confirmed it is developing an official Linux version of the Epic Games Store, opening a legitimate native pathway for Steam Deck and desktop Linux users. The upcoming launcher client will rely on the Rust-based Tauri framework, though no release date has been announced.

For years, Linux gamers and Steam Deck owners wanting to access their Epic libraries have had to rely on community-developed software such as the Heroic Games Launcher, Lutris, and Legendary. These third-party tools run Windows versions of games and launchers through compatibility layers like Wine and Proton. That workaround era is now moving toward a close.

During an Ask Me Anything session on the official Epic Games Store community Discord server, an Epic staff member using the handle @onepercentnachos responded with a soon emoji when asked about plans for a Linux version of the storefront. The conversation was first spotted and screenshotted by users on Reddit and the Epic Discord community, drawing widespread attention across PC gaming platforms, according to PC Gamer and PC Guide.

Development Complexity and the Tauri Engine Advantage

Building a native Linux storefront involves significantly more effort than simply exporting a standalone build. As the Epic staffer explained on the community Discord server, As you can imagine, we need to do more than simply have a build of the launcher that can run natively on Linux.

The technical hurdles include managing game installation logic, Windows game support, digital rights management, and cloud saves. Similar software efforts highlight the scale of the task; GOG has also been working on a native Linux version of its Galaxy client, describing the port as a significant undertaking in coverage highlighted by PC Guide.

However, architectural changes inside Epic’s ecosystem may make a Linux client much more viable now than it was previously. Historically, the Epic Games Store relied on Unreal Engine technology, which made the storefront notoriously resource-heavy and slow. With the upcoming Launcher v2 redesign, Epic is transitioning to the Rust-based Tauri framework, utilizing the operating system’s native WebView for the user interface. According to reporting detailed by Sportskeeda, this shift will make cold launcher startups about 5x faster, transition from the system tray to the game library 6.5x faster, and increase overall store speed by 10 to 15 percent.

Timeline and What Will Be Missing From the Preview Build

The Linux launcher will not appear in the imminent early-access preview build of the redesigned Epic Games Launcher set for rollout, as confirmed by Sportskeeda and VideoCardz.com. Epic has not committed to an exact calendar date for the public release, opting instead for the soon™ timeline confirmation noted by PC Guide.

Epic Games Store Confirms Official Native Linux Client Development — Photo: Sportskeeda

Furthermore, the arrival of the storefront does not automatically solve compatibility for every title. Individual games will still require Linux-compatible anti-cheat support, and Epic has not confirmed that the Linux storefront will bring its catalog of individual games or anti-cheat solutions natively to SteamOS.

The Continuing Fortnite and Anti-Cheat Divide

Despite the positive news for storefront navigation, the announcement does not mean games like Fortnite will suddenly become playable on SteamOS or other Linux distributions, as TechRadar points out. Epic continues to actively block Fortnite from running on Linux due to unresolved security and cheating concerns.

Epic Games Launcher On Linux 4 Different Ways

This ongoing stance remains a point of intense discussion within the gaming community. While some players hope that a native launcher indicates a thawing attitude toward the operating system, skepticism runs deep on community forums. I wouldn’t hold my breath, one Redditor remarked regarding a potential Fortnite reversal, while another added, I wouldn’t be shocked if Tim Sweeney [Epic’s CEO] would rather die than let Fortnite run on Linux, honestly, as cited by TechRadar.

At the same time, Epic has shown some subtle signs of broader Linux consideration. A recent job listing spotted by PC Guide showed the company seeking someone to champion a Linux-friendly anti-cheat solution, potentially relating to the evolution of Easy Anti-Cheat.

A Broader Wave of Linux App Releases

Epic’s storefront announcement lands amid a broader surge of desktop application development tailored for Linux operating systems. Nvidia recently moved its GeForce Now streaming app out of beta on Linux, releasing a fully polished client focused on performance and stability for Ubuntu and other distros, according to TechRadar. Simultaneously, OpenAI has introduced a preview version of its ChatGPT desktop application for Linux, supporting major distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora.

For Linux and Steam Deck users, these concurrent developments signal an expanding software ecosystem where running productivity tools and game libraries natively is rapidly shifting from an uphill battle to an industry expectation.