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Epic Games Launcher Is Coming to Steam Deck
The Epic Games Launcher is coming to Steam Deck, and Epic has now confirmed it. Epic communications director Jake Jones told GamingOnLinux that the company wants to support as many Linux distributions as possible, and SteamOS is on the list, Notebookcheck reports.
What Epic Confirmed
Epic announced plans for a native Linux client for its store back in August. Until now, nobody knew if Valve’s hardware would be included. Jones named four distributions: Fedora, Cachy, Omarchy, and SteamOS.
SteamOS is the first explicit confirmation, and it matters for anyone with a Steam Deck or a Steam Machine. The best case is an official way to reach your Epic library without third-party tools such as the Heroic Games Launcher.
What Is Still Unclear
The announcement only confirms that the launcher will support SteamOS. Epic has not said how Steam Deck gamers will install it, and there is no release date or list of system requirements.
- Windows games will still need a compatibility layer such as Wine or Proton, and Epic has not explained its plan.
- Epic has not said if Fortnite will become playable on Steam Deck.
- It is unknown if the launcher will beat Heroic on game compatibility.
Why Steam Deck Owners Should Care
Right now, Epic games on a Steam Deck usually mean switching to Desktop Mode and setting up a workaround. An official launcher could end that routine and give gamers a controller-friendly way to play. The only confirmed benefit so far is an officially supported way to reach the Epic library on SteamOS, so keep expectations in check until Epic shares more. Our Steam Deck FAQ covers how non-Steam games run through Proton today.
Image Credit: Petar / Unsplash
