Linux users might soon be able to play Fortnite without needing to boot into Windows. Epic Games has launched a preview of its updated Epic Games Launcher for Linux and confirmed it is actively working to bring the hit battle royale title to the platform.
However, Epic still needs to resolve a persistent obstacle regarding its anti-cheat software prior to the game’s official arrival. Because no release date has been provided yet, players on Linux systems must continue waiting.
Epic Reworks Anti-Cheat to Make Linux Support Possible
The absence of Fortnite on Linux has historically been driven by cheating concerns. Back in 2022, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney noted that the company doubted its capacity to adequately prevent cheating across the diverse array of available Linux configurations.
Epic is now revisiting the challenge by redesigning its Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) platform, introducing a fresh iteration known as EAC Linux v2. The studio is also collaborating with Linux distribution maintainers to satisfy necessary security standards ahead of a broader rollout.
Fortnite will serve as the initial testing ground for this revised system. Epic intends to eventually extend these upgrades to other developers, which could simplify Linux integration for additional multiplayer games.
New Epic Games Launcher Arrives in Preview
Alongside existing Windows and Mac editions, the overhauled launcher is currently accessible in preview form for Linux users. Epic describes the newly built application as significantly faster and more responsive than its predecessor.
While this release marks a significant milestone, installing the application does not yet grant Linux users access to Fortnite. Finalizing the anti-cheat framework is a prerequisite before the game can debut on the operating system, and Epic has not shared a specific schedule for when that might happen.
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What About the Steam Deck?
Additionally, Epic is investigating compatibility options for SteamOS, the Linux-derived OS powering Valve’s Steam Deck. At present, the handheld device does not support certain capabilities demanded by the upcoming EAC v2 framework, and talks with Valve remain ongoing.
Another restriction is that Epic does not intend to distribute Fortnite via Valve’s Steam marketplace. While the latest news offers hope for Linux players, the ultimate test will be whether Epic can establish dependable anti-cheat security without shutting out the platform once more. Until those hurdles are cleared, Fortnite on Linux remains under development.
