Epic Games has launched a Preview version of its redesigned Epic Games Launcher, promising faster performance, smoother navigation, and an updated interface. The new launcher is available for Windows and macOS, alongside Linux support for the first time, although the initial release includes fewer features than the existing version.
Epic Games describes the Preview as an early version focused on speed and responsiveness rather than a complete feature set. It does, however, include a shopping cart and several improvements to the game library, downloads, and social features.
The redesigned launcher aims to reduce startup times, make navigation between the library and store quicker, and use fewer system resources while running in the background. Players can also join parties and use voice chat with friends across Fortnite, the Epic Games Store, and the Epic Games mobile app.
Library management has received several changes. Selecting a game opens a dedicated page displaying its status, activity, details, and available play controls. Users can also connect their PC game libraries to bring their owned titles together in one place.
Additional customisation options include collections, grid and list views, and a configurable top bar for favourite games and applications. Search and filtering have also been improved, allowing players to find titles more easily as they type.
The download manager now provides information on download, read, and write speeds, alongside active, queued, scheduled, and failed downloads. These additions give users a clearer overview of their downloads without needing to navigate between different sections.
Players can download the Epic Games Launcher Preview through the official website. After checking the system requirements, users can install the appropriate version, sign in with their Epic Games account, and begin testing the new interface.
Epic Games says purchased games, installed titles, cloud saves, and game progress are linked to users’ accounts and will carry over to the Preview and the eventual full release. A Send Feedback button is also available for reporting issues. However, the company recommends that competitive players and developers working on live projects continue using the current launcher during the testing period.
Epic Games has also outlined plans to bring Fortnite to Linux through the new launcher. The company is rebuilding Easy Anti-Cheat and working with Linux distribution maintainers to meet security requirements. Fortnite will be brought to Linux once support reaches a sufficient number of distributions.
The company also plans to make these Easy Anti-Cheat improvements available to other developers, potentially allowing more games to support Linux. Further launcher updates, performance optimisations, and new features are planned as Epic Games gathers feedback during the Preview period.
