Epic Games announced plans to bring Fortnite to Linux by rebuilding its Easy Anti-Cheat software. The company had previously resisted Linux support due to concerns about effectively combating cheaters across different kernel configurations on the platform.
The anti-cheat rebuild represents a significant shift in Epic's approach. Easy Anti-Cheat will be redesigned to function properly within Linux environments, addressing the technical obstacles that prevented Fortnite from launching on the operating system for years.
Steam Deck support remains unavailable for the foreseeable future, despite Steam Deck running a Linux-based operating system. Epic did not provide specific details about when Fortnite might become playable on Valve's handheld device.
The move follows years of community requests for Linux compatibility. Players on Linux systems have been unable to play Fortnite through official channels, though the game operates on other platforms including Windows, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Epic's decision to rebuild Easy Anti-Cheat rather than simply port existing systems suggests the anti-cheat solution required fundamental restructuring to secure Linux environments effectively. The company emphasized that their previous position stemmed from practical security concerns rather than a blanket opposition to supporting the platform.