Epic Games Confirms Native Linux Launcher in Development

Epic Games is developing a native Linux version of its digital storefront launcher, the company confirmed on August 13, 2026, marking a significant shift in its approach to the open-source operating system. The announcement, made by an Epic Games staff member during a community question-and-answer session on Discord, ends years of speculation and signals a new era for Linux gamers, particularly those using handheld devices like the Valve Steam Deck.

The confirmation came when a user asked whether the company's work on a modern launcher framework could bring Linux support. An Epic Games Store community staff member, identified as onepercentnachos, replied that a native Linux launcher is "coming," though it will not be part of an upcoming preview build for the redesigned client. The employee emphasized that the project involves significant development work beyond a simple software port. "We need to do more than simply have a build of the launcher that can run natively on Linux," the staff member stated, highlighting the need for deep architectural adaptation to handle platform-specific packaging, digital rights management, and system-level performance optimizations.