Epic Games Plans Fortnite Linux Release via Easy Anti-Cheat Overhaul
Epic Games has launched a preview version of its Epic Games Launcher for Linux, paving the way for Fortnite support. The company is rebuilding Easy Anti-Cheat as Linux v2 and working with distribution maintainers to improve security. Fortnite is not yet playable on Linux, while Steam Deck compatibility remains under investigation due to hardware and system limitations.
Video game developer and publisher Epic Games has officially announced plans to bring its flagship battle royale title Fortnite to Linux through a new version of the Epic Games Launcher. The launcher is launching in preview for Linux systems, marking a major shift in the company's approach to the open-source operating system.
While Fortnite is not immediately playable on Linux platforms, the studio is actively overhauling its security infrastructure to make native compatibility feasible. As per a report by The Verge, Epic is rebuilding its proprietary security solution into Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) Linux v2 to combat cheating effectively across diverse kernel environments. GTA Next Game Could Launch Sooner? Rockstar Games Hints at Quicker Future GTA Releases, Says Report.
Easy Anti-Cheat Rebuild and Linux Security Collaboration
Historically, concerns over anti-cheat effectiveness at scale across numerous Linux distributions prevented a native release of Fortnite on the platform. To resolve these challenges, Epic is collaborating directly with Linux distribution maintainers to define strict security baselines and ensure competitive integrity across all supported systems.
Once EAC Linux v2 achieves compatibility across a critical mass of Linux distributions, Epic plans to deploy Fortnite via its native launcher. The studio also confirmed that the updated security suite will be made available to third-party developers to facilitate more Linux ports across the broader gaming industry.
SteamOS Compatibility and Steam Deck Limitations
Epic Games is simultaneously investigating compatibility options for Valve's Linux-based SteamOS, though company executives reiterated that Fortnite will not be distributed through Valve's Steam storefront. Instead, Linux users will access the game exclusively through Epic's native launcher interface. GTA 6 Will Avoid Real-World Political Figures and Events, Confirms Rockstar Games.
However, Epic noted that Valve's handheld device, the Steam Deck, currently lacks the hardware and system features required by the EAC v2 security framework. Epic confirmed ongoing discussions with Valve, expressing hope to support the handheld gaming hardware in a future update once technical requirements are met.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2026 09:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
