New Epic Games Launcher Preview: Faster Fortnite Hub, Linux, Better Than Steam?

Epic Games has been making big changes to its launcher lately, affecting Fortnite players and general gamers alike. In October 2026, the studio has completely revamped its launcher to make it faster and compete with Steam. Here’s everything to know.

Faster Launcher: What Epic Games Changed on October 14

Epic just released a new version of the Epic Games Launcher rebuilt from the ground up on October 14. It reportedly has faster start-up, quicker menus, and shorter library loading across Mac, Windows, and Linux.

The studio stated that they “vibe coded” the update:

“We vibe coded a new Epic Games Launcher that’s way faster and more responsive than the current one, and has a new look. This first release is light on features. Think of it as a speedboat and not a yacht!”

Why Does the Epic Games Store Look Different?

Notably, this is a change to the entire launcher, not just Fortnite itself. The game client did not get a speed patch. The app you use to open and manage it did.

The entire Epic Games store will look much different after this change. It optimizes the program’s performance, and also streamlines the UI to make it easier to use.

One of Epic’s main objectives with the patch was to compete with Steam, putting further pressure on Valve in their shared niche. The official Epic Games X account posted an infographic directly comparing its launch and restore times with the competing platform.

We vibe coded the Epic Games Launcher to be faster than the other guy.

Don't believe us? Test it out for yourself in Preview:https://t.co/pdtAeEIri4 pic.twitter.com/aMxojUUVPV

— Epic Games Store (@EpicGames) October 14, 2026

The Steam Comparison

Epic shared several numbers demonstrating how its launcher performs compared to Steam. After the update, the Epic Store’s startup time is reportedly 5.47 seconds, which is 40% faster than Steam. The restore time is 14% faster.

The numbers allegedly come from one of Epic’s tests. Steam has not yet commented, and third-party results might differ.

How Much Faster Is the New Launcher?

One company representative told Gamesbeat and other sources that library load times are up to 30 times faster than the old launcher. Cold boot-ups are reportedly up to twice as fast, and restoring the app from the system tray is up to 15 times faster. That said, results will obviously vary depending on your individual PC and specs.

What Is New Inside the Launcher?

The Epic Games launcher fix arrived with a host of other updates, which the studio detailed on its official patch notes. Epic lists these main changes:

• Faster starts and menus. Starting up and switching between library and store are quicker and the app puts less load on your system in the background.
• Social features. You can party up and voice chat with friends across Fortnite, the Epic Games Store, and the Epic Games app.
• Better library tools. You can keep collections next to your library, switch between grid and list views, and customize the top bar with favorite games and apps.
• Faster search. Search and filters update as you type, and the cleaner layout helps with large libraries.

Fortnite Is Coming to Linux

This is some of the biggest Fortnite news we’ve had in a while: Epic says it is bringing Fortnite to the Linux OS. The studio is rebuilding Easy Anti-Cheat and working with distro maintainers on security requirements. Once that works with enough distros, Fortnite will arrive on Linux through the launcher.

Linux has been a big barrier for gamers, since most multiplayer titles aren’t available on it. Running Linux comes with better privacy and customizability, but it also makes it harder to implement some anticheats and standardize performance.

When is Linux Coming to Fortnite?

You can already download the Epic Games Launcher Preview for Linux. However, its final launch is another story. Epic still needs to work with different Linux distros and get things ready for Fortnite to work on the OS. Though we have confirmation Epic Games is working on the Linux option, there isn’t a set release date for the feature yet.

New Epic Games Launcher Preview

Before the revamped launcher fully releases, players can download a preview and try it out. The preview is open to everyone. A stable release will arrive later.

Before you download the preview, keep these factors in mind:

• Installing the preview removes the old launcher.
• Your purchases, installed games, cloud saves, and progress carry over.
• Some social features and account tools are not in the preview yet.
• Hardware needs match the old launcher, with 4 GB of RAM.
• Storage needs are about 700 MB on Windows, 200 MB on Mac, and 2 GB on Linux.

Is Fortnite Ready in the New Launcher?

Epic suggests using the old launcher for Fortnite and Rocket League for now. Full Fortnite support is still being finalized. Ultimately, it’s up to you if you want to try running the game on the launcher preview.

How to Download the New Epic Games Launcher Preview

1. Go to the official preview page at launcher.epicgames.com.
2. Download the version for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
3. Install it: this will replace the old launcher.
4. Sign in with your Epic account.
5. Check that your library and saves are intact.
6. Keep an eye out for Fortnite updates before you switch your main game over.

Community Reactions

The internet is having mixed reactions to the launcher update. Some netizens appreciate that Epic is becoming more competitive, hoping it pushes Valve to also innovate with new features. However, others emphasize Steam’s longevity and larger user base.

One player, @RealKodiTheFox, said, “Steam could take like 4 hours to load and I’d still use it over Epic Games lmao.”

The reaction went viral, earning over 11,000 likes.

Steam could take like 4 hours to load and I’d still use it over epic games lmao

— KodiTheFox (@RealKodiTheFox) October 14, 2026

Stay tuned for more Fortnite news.