Fortnite is heading to Linux, but Steam Deck players might still be left waiting

Epic Games has officially confirmed that Fortnite is coming to Linux, marking a significant shift for the battle royale. As reported by Dexerto, this development is part of a broader overhaul of the company’s Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) system, specifically aimed at bringing Linux security measures closer to the standards currently utilized on Windows.

Testing the new anti-cheat

According to an October 14 announcement from Epic, the company is introducing EAC Linux v2. Unlike the Windows implementation, this version skips the dedicated kernel driver in favor of existing Linux security features, such as Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and signed kernels. Fortnite will serve as the pilot program for this technology, allowing Epic to refine the system in a live environment before rolling it out to other developers. Epic noted that they are actively collaborating with Linux distribution developers to ensure better compatibility, though they have yet to provide a concrete release date for when players can expect the game to arrive on the platform.

Why it matters

This update is a major milestone for Linux gaming, as Fortnite has been notoriously absent from the platform due to long-standing anti-cheat concerns. However, players hoping to jump directly into the battle bus on their Steam Decks should manage their expectations. Epic has clarified that the Steam Deck currently lacks the specific hardware security features required for the new EAC v2 solution. While Epic stated they are in active talks with Valve to find a workaround, there is no guarantee the handheld will be supported at launch.

For now, if you are a Linux or Steam Deck user looking to play, Epic recommends continuing to rely on existing cloud streaming services like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming. If you attempt to launch a protected game without meeting the specific security requirements of the new system, Epic confirmed you will receive an error message rather than a ban, providing a buffer for players as the new anti-cheat rolls out.