How to Install Epic Games Launcher on Steam Deck (And Better Alternatives)

You can install the Epic Games Launcher on your Steam Deck. It absolutely works. The biggest question is whether you should. The official launcher isn’t natively available on Linux and even on Windows it can feel pretty janky. Unsurprisingly, running it through Proton on a handheld doesn’t magically improve the experience. It’s functional, but far from smooth. There are better alternatives. Junk Store via Decky Loader is my personal preference for ease of use, with Heroic Games Launcher a close second.

I’ve spent a fair chunk of time using Junk Store and Heroic already, so I decided it was time to test the Epic Games Launcher itself on the Steam Deck. Hey, if I’m going to recommend alternatives, I should probably know what I’m telling others to avoid. Installation itself isn’t overly complicated, but actually launching and using the app is where the cracks start to show. Particularly in Gaming Mode. Navigation with the controller feels especially janky and performance is patchy at best. None of this makes it unusable, but it makes it a lot harder to recommend.

How to install Epic Games Launcher on Steam Deck

Disclaimer: This method will install the Epic Games Launcher via Lutris. The launcher can then be used in both Desktop and Gaming Modes. While this will definitely install the launcher, it is not the best way to play your Epic Games Library on your Steam Deck. See below for the best alternatives.

1. Swap into Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck.
2. Open Lutris and click the ‘+’ icon in the top-left corner.
3. Select the first option: ‘Search the Lutris website for installers’.
4. Enter ‘Epic Games’ in the search box and select Epic Games Store.
5. On the next screen, select ‘Install’.
6. Enter your preferred install path and select ‘Continue’.
7. Ensure both installers Source is set to ‘Download’ and select ‘Install’.
8. A number of command lines will run and you’ll be met with ‘Installation Complete’ and select ‘Close’.
9. Run Epic Games Store via Lutris to install the latest updates.
10. Right-click Epic Games Store in Lutris and select ‘Create Steam Shortcut’.

Once added to Steam, you can launch the Epic Games Launcher from Gaming Mode like any other non-Steam game. First, set your preferred control scheme, login with your account and install games through the launcher, as you would on Windows.

Epic Games Launcher Steam Deck Issues

Convoluted Access to Your Library

The launcher technically gives you access to your entire Epic library, but using it in Gaming Mode feels unnecessarily complicated. Controls often have to be configured manually and need to be adjusted on a game-to-game basis. You could add individual game executables to Steam, but it kind of defeats the purpose of a streamlined launcher experience. It definitely works, but it’s not exactly seamless.

Inconsistent Performance

Performance varies. I actually had more luck in Desktop Mode than Gaming Mode. While most of what I tested was playable, I encountered some occasional slowdowns and some obvious stuttering. This likely comes with the territory of running a game through a launcher through Proton, while the launcher continues running in the background consuming resources.

Janky Controller Navigation

This one is somewhat expected. Epic’s launcher is designed with a mouse and keyboard in mind and that really shows. Mapping your own controls or navigating with the trackpads works, but it’s not overly smooth. There were a few times where the touchscreen was required even when the mouse input was configured. It may be functional, but it doesn’t feel like a natural experience.

Poor Window Management in Gaming Mode

Epic Games Launcher has multiple windows for different functions. In Desktop Mode, this isn’t really an issue. In Gaming Mode, switching between windows can be incredibly frustrating. Accidentally selecting the wrong window may leave you stuck, requiring a force quit and a relaunch of the application entirely.

Random Errors and Crashes

On first launch in Gaming Mode, my library failed to load entirely. The error message directed me to ‘return home’, but doing that had no effect whatsoever. While downloading and installing games, I ran into some random crashes which required quitting and re-opening the launcher. It’s hard to say if that’s a Steam Deck compatibility issue or an Epic Games Launcher issue, but be aware it will cause you problems.

Better Alternatives to Epic Games Launcher on Steam Deck

I’ve used the Epic Games Launcher on my previous Windows PCs, Virtual Machines and my Mac. It was pretty janky on all of them. If you’re like me and mainly just want to access your Epic library on the Steam Deck without having to deal with the official launcher, there are cleaner and easier options out there. In my experience, the following three tools work a hell of a lot smoother in Gaming Mode and require less effort and frustration.

1. Junk Store (My Preferred Option)

Junk Store via the Decky Loader plugin is my preferred way to access and play my Epic Games library on the Steam Deck. I paid the extra couple dollarydoos for GOG support as well, which makes it even more versatile. There’s now a standalone app, Junk Store 2.0, which is available with a subscription. But, the Decky Loader plugin will continue receiving support per the developer.

Why is it better?
– Integrates directly into Steam’s Interface via Decky Loader.
– Accessing your library feels native and natural in Gaming Mode.
– Cleaner, more intuitive controller experience.
– No booting into Desktop Mode for everyday use.

I understand some reluctance to use Decky Loader, but used responsibly it’s a great addition to the Steam Deck. If you’re after a streamlined, Steam-like experience, this is what I would recommend to start with.

Check out my Steam Deck Decky Loader installation guide.
Follow my complete Junk Store setup guide for non-Steam games on Steam Deck, including adding the GOG extension.

2. Heroic Games Launcher

Heroic Games Launcher is another solid option. If you still want a standalone launcher but with support for multiple libraries, this one is it. Heroic has support for Epic Games, GOG and Amazon Luna.

Why is it Better?
– Native Linux application.
– Better compatibility and customisation.
– Integrated Proton version management.
– Reliable, long-term option.

It’s definitely not as integrated in Gaming Mode as Junk Store, but it’s a far more stable option than the Epic Games Launcher. It’s also been regularly updated for years with no signs of slowing down.

Follow my Heroic Games Launcher Steam Deck guide.

3. NonSteamLaunchers

NonSteamLaunchers is a pretty solid middle ground if you’re chasing the official launchers on your Steam Deck, but want significantly less manual setup. It also offers a ridiculous amount of other launchers.

Why is it Better?
– Automates install of multiple launchers at once.
– Pre-configures compatibility layers with less manual configuration.
– Cuts down on repetitive Desktop Mode steps.
– Allows you to use official launchers, with less headaches.

NonSteamLaunchers is a great option, especially if you still want the official applications installed. It’s a tool that can save you a HUGE chunk of time.

Check out my NonSteamLaunchers Steam Deck guide.

Which Should You Use?

Obviously, this really depends on how you want to access your gaming libraries.

– Want the official Epic Games client? Follow the install guide above.
– Want a simple, clean Steam-like experience? Use Junk Store.
– Want a stable, multi-store launcher? Heroic Games Launcher.
– Want official launchers without manual setup? NonSteamLaunchers.

Epic Games Launcher on Steam Deck FAQ

Does the Epic Games Launcher work on Steam Deck?

Yes. It is able to be installed on the Steam Deck using third-party tools such as Lutris or via Proton. Setup requires Desktop Mode and future updates may also need to be handled there.

Do I need to use Desktop Mode to install Epic Games Launcher?

Yes. Installation requires Desktop Mode and you will likely need to return there for updates or troubleshooting.

Can I uninstall Epic Games Launcher?

Yes. If you followed the Lutris method above, simply right-click Epic Games Launcher in your Lutris library and select ‘Remove‘. It’s best to tick both ‘Delete files‘ and ‘Remove from library‘ for a clean uninstall.

Is Heroic Games Launcher a better launcher than Epic?

For most users? Yes. If you’re set on using a launcher, Heroic is generally more stable and integrates more cleanly with the Steam Deck.