As of 2025, you can play Epic Games Store titles on the Steam Deck, but there is no official native Epic Games Launcher for SteamOS. Instead, users commonly install and play Epic games by using third-party tools, primarily the Heroic Games Launcher [1] [2] [3] [10]. This process remains the standard method:
- Heroic Games Launcher: This open-source launcher is the most popular solution. It is installable directly from the Steam Deck’s desktop mode through the Discover Software Center. Heroic supports Epic Games, GOG, and Amazon Prime Games and allows you to link your Epic account, download your library, and run the games on the Steam Deck [1] [2] [3] [10].
- Setup Process: After installing Heroic, you can add it (and each game) as a “non-Steam game” so they can be launched from the main Steam interface, with or without entering desktop mode each time [3]. Performance and compatibility are generally very good, but some games may require additional setup for optimal play.
- Cloud Save Notes: Cloud saves for Epic Games titles can be a bit inconsistent on Linux/SteamOS, due partly to differences between Windows and Linux save locations. Users sometimes must handle saves manually for certain games [3].
- Native Launcher Status: Despite some video claims about potential native support, the official Epic Games Launcher is still not available as a standard Linux build for the Steam Deck in 2025. The workaround via Heroic or similar tools is still required [8].
Fortnite remains unplayable natively via Steam Deck due to Epic’s anti-cheat measures, though streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming is possible [9].
This method has remained effective throughout 2024 and 2025, and recent guides and community discussions confirm it continues to be the recommended approach for Epic Games Store access on Steam Deck [1] [2] [3] [10].