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| Epic plans to bring its Linux launcher to SteamOS as well. How convenient it will be to use on Valve's devices remains to be seen. |
It’s the confirmation Steam Deck owners have been waiting for: Epic Games has officially confirmed that its launcher will support SteamOS. The news, first reported by Notebookcheck, finally puts an end to months of speculation about whether Valve’s handheld would be included in Epic’s Linux plans.
Epic first announced a native Linux client back in August, but at the time it was unclear whether SteamOS would make the cut. That question was answered this week when Epic’s communications director, Jake Jones, told GamingOnLinux that the company intends to support “as many Linux distributions as possible,” specifically naming Fedora, SteamOS, Cachy, Omarchy, and more.
What This Means for Steam Deck Owners
In practice, the confirmation is a big deal for anyone who has been using third-party workarounds like the Heroic Games Launcher to access their Epic library on the Deck. An official launcher could eventually mean a smoother experience — ideally one that works comfortably with a controller and doesn’t require constantly switching to Desktop Mode.
That said, there’s still a lot we don’t know. Epic hasn’t explained how it plans to handle Windows games, which will still rely on a compatibility layer like Wine or Proton. And the big question on everyone’s mind — will Fortnite finally be playable on the Steam Deck? — remains unanswered for now.
Packaging Formats Are Still in Flux
According to Jones, Epic is still “testing and evaluating packaging formats for distribution.” The launcher’s Preview initially shipped as an AppImage before being replaced with a .deb package for Debian and Ubuntu, and Fedora support is listed as coming soon. Jones also confirmed that AppImage support will be restored this month.
Until things settle down, users may see different packaging types appear and disappear as Epic decides how to support each distribution. There’s also speculation that Epic could eventually embrace Flatpak and list the launcher on Flathub — a move that would make installation on SteamOS even easier via the Discover app in Desktop Mode.
A Big Year Ahead for Linux Gaming
The timing couldn’t be better for Linux gaming fans. With GOG Galaxy also confirmed for Linux in 2027, the platform is finally getting the direct, official support that many have argued is essential for its long-term future. Competition between storefronts is healthy for consumers, and having both Epic and GOG properly supported on Linux is a win for anyone who has ever had to wrestle with compatibility layers just to play a game they already own.
For now, the only confirmed benefit is an officially supported way to access the Epic Games library on SteamOS. But given how far Linux gaming has come in recent years, that’s a pretty solid start.
Source: Notebookcheck | GamingOnLinux