Epic Games has confirmed development of a native Linux version of its redesigned storefront launcher, moving away from Unreal Engine to a Tauri-based framework. While an exact release date remains unannounced and the client will skip the upcoming preview build, the move promises direct library access without third-party compatibility layers.
The Linux gaming landscape is set for a significant shift as Epic Games develops a native Linux application for its storefront. Until now, players on Linux distributions and Valve’s Steam Deck relied entirely on community-created workarounds to access their libraries.
Discord AMA Confirmation and Development Scope
The official confirmation emerged during an Ask Me Anything session on the Epic Games Store community Discord. An Epic staff member identified as @OnePercentChaos answered user questions about platform roadmaps and verified that the company is actively building a native Linux client at its headquarters.
According to Epic staff member @onepercentnachos, delivering the client requires more work than simply producing a basic build. The team is preparing broader platform integration rather than a superficial port, though the software will not appear in the imminent preview release of the redesigned launcher.
Transitioning From Unreal Engine to Tauri
A major catalyst for this platform expansion is the underlying architecture of the upcoming launcher version. Historically, the Epic Games Store relied on Unreal Engine, a codebase that made the application notoriously resource-heavy and slow on desktop environments.
The revamped client abandons Unreal Engine in favor of a WebView-based framework called Tauri. Built on Rust and utilizing the host operating system’s native WebView for the user interface, the new framework is designed to operate efficiently across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Performance metrics highlighted by Epic Games Store launcher coverage indicate that cold startups will run approximately 5x faster than existing code. Transitioning from the system tray to the game library will see a 6.5x speed improvement, while general store navigation will gain a 10-15% performance boost.
Replacing Third-Party Workarounds on Linux
Linux and Steam Deck users currently navigate their Epic libraries through tools like Lutris, Legendary, and the community-maintained client Heroic. These programs communicate with Epic’s backend services to acquire game installations and run Windows versions via compatibility layers such as Wine and Proton.
While functional, these third-party tools lack certain ecosystem features. They often struggle with cloud saves and do not guarantee compatibility with games protected by specific anti-cheat software.
An official client provides direct access to storefront features, library management, and weekly free-game programs. However, developers have not clarified whether the software will target SteamOS specifically or which Linux distributions will receive official support.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Uncertainties
Reaction within the Linux gaming community has been mixed, balancing enthusiasm for official support with skepticism about corporate maintenance. A contributor to the Heroic project, CommandMC, voiced confidence in the community’s home advantage on Reddit, arguing that Heroic contributors live and breathe Linux and can adapt to turbulent development cycles faster than a corporate entity.
Significant technical hurdles remain on the horizon. Developers must still resolve complex logic involving Windows game execution, digital rights management, cloud saves, and anti-cheat compatibility.
Epic has not confirmed whether titles like Fortnite will gain native support on Steam Deck alongside the client rollout. While staff members describe the release timeline as coming soon, the absence of a firm calendar leaves the long-term vitality of the official Linux client open to observation.
