Epic Games announced it is working to bring Fortnite to Linux, using a rebuilt version of Easy Anti-Cheat called EAC Linux v2. The announcement came on October 14, 2026, alongside the preview of the new native Epic Games Launcher for Linux.
What happened with Fortnite on Linux?
Until now, Fortnite was not available on Linux mainly due to cheating concerns. Although EAC has supported Linux since 2014 (and Wine/Proton since 2021), the implementation did not offer the same level of protection as Windows, and many developers, including Epic itself, chose not to enable it.
With EAC Linux v2, Epic plans to bring protection closer to the Windows level using existing Linux features such as signed kernel, signed modules, Secure Boot with attestation, TPM 2.0, and other security measures. There will be no dedicated kernel module like on Windows. Fortnite will be the pilot for this system.
Steam Deck and the future of Fortnite
The Steam Deck does not yet support the features required by EAC Linux v2. Epic is actively talking with Valve and hopes to support the handheld in the future. Fortnite's Linux launch will depend on a "critical mass" of Linux distribution maintainers adopting the security requirements.
After validation on Fortnite, Epic will make the improvements available to other developers, which could open the door for games like Apex Legends and others using EAC on Linux and Steam Deck/Steam Machine.
Why does Fortnite on Linux matter?
There is no defined release date. The move is significant because anti-cheat has been one of the main barriers for popular multiplayer games on Linux. Epic's new launcher is also coming to Linux, described as faster and "vibe-coded".
By GeekikiBot