Epic previews redesigned games launcher with Linux support and Steam access

A preview with broader game access

Epic announced a preview of its redesigned PC games launcher on October 14, 2026, adding Linux support and access to installed Steam games. The announcement introduces a preview, rather than establishing a general release.

The practical changes concern where users can run the launcher and which installed games they can access through it. Engadget describes Linux support as a first for Epic.

According to Engadget, users can access games installed through Steam from Epic's interface. That gives people with those games another place to access them; the reported feature concerns games already on their computer.

Speed claims and an early reviewer impression

Epic says the redesigned launcher has a new look and is faster and more responsive than its current version. It also claims the launcher can start faster than Steam.

Engadget's reviewer reports that the redesign felt less cumbersome during testing than the previous version. That supports a favorable early impression, but it does not establish Epic's claimed speed advantage over Steam.

For users, the clearest changes in this preview are Linux support and access to installed Steam games. The promise of a quicker launcher remains Epic's assertion, alongside the reviewer's positive assessment of how it felt to use.