Epic Games revealed that a native Linux version of its Games Store launcher is coming soon, addressing long-standing limitations for Linux gamers and Steam Deck users. This announcement coincides with Nvidia officially releasing its GeForce Now streaming app for Linux, marking a significant step forward for cloud and local gaming on the platform.
- Epic Games Store launching native Linux launcher soon
- Nvidia's GeForce Now Linux app officially released
- Some anti-cheat restricted games like Fortnite remain unsupported
What happened
Epic Games confirmed that it is working on a native Linux version of its Epic Games Store launcher, expected to arrive soon though not part of the immediate upcoming preview build. This native release will provide Linux users, including the growing community of Steam Deck owners, a straightforward way to access Epic’s extensive game library without the need for third-party workaround applications.
Simultaneously, Nvidia officially launched the stable version of its GeForce Now app for Linux, ending its beta phase. The app supports major Linux distributions, including Ubuntu 24.04 and later versions. This release focuses on enhancing performance, stability, and polish, further expanding cloud gaming options for Linux users.
Why it matters
The arrival of a native Epic Games Store launcher on Linux represents an important milestone for Linux gamers who previously had to rely on third-party tools to access Epic’s platform. It signals a growing recognition from major game distributors of Linux as a supported gaming environment, especially important for users of Steam Deck, which runs on SteamOS, a Linux-based system.
While not all games will be playable immediately—particularly those with anti-cheat technologies that currently block Linux compatibility—this shift could open doors to wider Linux game availability in the future. Additionally, Nvidia's stable GeForce Now app for Linux complements local game access by providing robust cloud streaming options, further expanding how Linux gamers can play across different hardware setups.
What to watch next
Observers should watch for the official release date of the Epic Games Store Linux launcher, as well as details regarding supported distributions and compatibility with the Steam Deck. It will be important to see how many games, especially those with anti-cheat protection like Fortnite, eventually become playable on Linux following this move.
In parallel, the Linux gaming community will be interested in Nvidia’s ongoing enhancements to GeForce Now, which may influence streaming quality and game library access on Linux. The evolving landscape of native Linux game clients, combined with native apps like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, suggests increased mainstream software support, possibly accelerating Linux’s presence in the gaming industry.