•Epic Games is working on a native Linux version of Fortnite, using the project as a test case for its overhaul of Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), the tool it provides to developers building multiplayer games in Unreal Engine. The announcement was reported by Alessandro Barbosa for GameSpot.
The biggest obstacle to gaming on Linux has long been multiplayer titles and their anti-cheat systems, despite the appeal offered by devices like the Steam Deck and Steam Machine alongside ongoing issues with Windows. Epic says it has already offered Linux support for its current version of EAC, but that most developers—including itself—chose not to use it and instead dropped Linux support entirely because it could not protect as effectively as the Windows version.
A native rebuild of EAC that does not rely on translation layers such as Proton would bring the software in line with its Windows counterpart. Once Epic reaches that stage, it plans to release a native Linux Fortnite and make the updated anti-cheat available to other developers as well.
We are also planning to pilot EAC Linux v2 in Fortnite first, where we’ll test it in a live environment and refine it based on what we learn. Once we’ve validated EAC v2’s effectiveness, we’ll make it available to more game developers so they can bring their multiplayer games to Linux players too.
Epic Games
No timeline has been given for when Fortnite will arrive on Linux, but Epic says the pilot program will run through its new launcher. The company also confirmed this week that it is following through on an earlier commitment to AI-developed software, labelling the new version as “vibe coded” because “programming is hard.” Still in preview, the launcher lacks features present in the main store version, though Epic says it has already seen some speed improvements.
The move comes shortly after Epic reportedly delayed a Star Wars/Marvel crossover title as it pivots toward an “AI-first” production model that moves away from hand-written code.
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