Epic plans SteamOS launcher support, but hold the Fortnite celebrations

Even the download format is still auditioning

Epic initially distributed the Linux launcher as an AppImage before switching to .deb packages for Debian and Ubuntu, according to VideoCardz. Both are file formats for distributing Linux apps. Jones said Epic was still testing packaging formats and planned to restore AppImage downloads in November 2026. That’s a plan for the download format, not a SteamOS release date. Source Source

Official support could let Steam Deck owners access their Epic libraries without relying on third-party clients. But Epic hasn’t confirmed how installation or game launching will work on SteamOS, or whether it will offer a handheld-friendly interface. Source

Fortnite has a separate checkpoint

Fortnite compatibility depends on Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) Linux v2 support. The Verge recalls Epic’s earlier announcement about bringing Fortnite to Linux, when the company said Steam Deck “does not support the required features for our EAC v2 solution, but we are actively talking with Valve and hope to support it in the future.” Source